Transcript File
Path to WWII Hitler’s Ambitions and Appeasement 1. Lebensraum: Hitler believed his nation needed living space (expansion) – Wanted land to the east (and lost territory from WWI), eventual war with USSR 2. Appeasement policy by GB & France (saw Hitler prepare) – GB Prime Minister: Neville Chamberlain • “It is peace for our time. Go home and get a nice quiet sleep.” • Did not want another war like WWI, so did nothing (prevent unnecessary war) • Gave in to Hitler’s demands to maintain stability/peace in Europe – Future Prime Minister Winston Churchill disagrees with this policy – 1935: Germany building submarines/warships (violation of T.of V.) – Alliance: 1936 Hitler signed pacts with Italy and Japan, created Rome-Berlin Axis 3. 1936: Rhineland- rearmed by Germany (violation of T. of V.) – French/German border- Hitler claimed scared of French-Soviet military alliance 4. March 1938: Anschluss- Austria annexed by Germany (no violence) 5. Sept. 1938: Sudetenland- taken by Germany (Munich Conference- leaders meet) – German speaking territory in Czechoslovakia – Munich Conference- height of appeasement; European leaders meet – GB, France- told Czechoslovakia it would be fighting Germany alone IF they protested 6. Aug. 1939: Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact – won’t attack each other, will divide Poland Lebensraum Anschluss 1939- Germany takes more of Czechoslovakia Munich Conference Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact Sept. 1, 1939- WWII BEGINS Hitler Invaded Poland