WWII

Explain whatthe cartoonist suggests Hitler is doing?

Who are the other people in this picture and what does the cartoonist think of them?

The Rhineland was a

region of Germany that

was ‘demilitarized’ after

the Treaty of Versailles.

Germany was not

allowed to have troops

in the region.

Hitler’s actions showed

how he was willing to

directly challenge the

treaty.

Again, this went

against the terms of

the Treaty of

Versailles which

banned Germany

from uniting with

Austria.

However, the arrival

of German troops

was met with great

enthusiasm by many

Austrian people.

Hitler had ordered the occupation of a part of Czechoslovakia known as the Sudetenland. Many hoped that that this would be the last conquest of the Nazis.

In March 1939,

Hitler ordered his

troops to take over

the remainder of

Czechoslovakia.

This was the first

aggressive step

that suggested that

a war in Europe

would soon begin.

� Britain and France pledge support to Poland

� Non Aggression Pact- Aug. 1939 between Germany and Soviet Union

� Hitler invades Poland- Sept. 1, 1939

� Britain and France declare war- Sept. 3, 1939

� Blitzkrieg “lightning war”- fast, concentrated air and land attack

� This type of warfare was extremely successful. British and French could not help in time!!

� Soviets take Eastern Poland (provision in Non Aggression Pact)

� Step 1- Stuka (dive-bombing war planes) shattered defenses

� Step 2- Panzer (tanks and artillery) punch through enemy lines, encircle, and capture opposing troops

� Step 3- Infantry occupies country

The six hour surrender of Denmark was the quickest German victory of the war. Norway fell in about a month.

German tanks in Denmark, 1940.

Invaded northern France at the end of the Maginot Line (French fortifications between France and Germany)

Allied troops are divided (British in North/ FrenchinSouth)

British and French troops in the North retreat to Dunkirkand escape to Britain

Captured British

troops, May 1940

June 1940- Italy declares war on France and Britain

June 22- France surrenders

Vichy France in south France- collaborates with Germany

Free France exiled to Britain- works with French Resistance movement

Britain now stood alone as the last remaining enemy of Hitler’s Germany in Western

Europe.

Adolf Hitler tours Paris after his successful invasion.

� Britain now stood alone against Germany

� August 1940- Luftwaffe(German’s air fleet) begin air assault on Britain

� Civilians are targeted on both sides� Firebombs: set buildings on

fire

� Britain is able to prevent Luftwaffe from establishing air superiority