World War IIWorld War II

From Axis to AlliesFrom Axis to Allies

The Scene in the Summer of 1939The Scene in the Summer of 1939 Fascist (Nazi) Germany has taken over control in Fascist (Nazi) Germany has taken over control in

Austria and CzechoslovakiaAustria and Czechoslovakia Italy, under Mussolini, has completed a successful Italy, under Mussolini, has completed a successful

invasion of Ethiopiainvasion of Ethiopia Japan has attacked and conquered Manchuria, Japan has attacked and conquered Manchuria,

Korea and much of China’s eastern coastline.Korea and much of China’s eastern coastline.– The world seems to be moving towards fascism.The world seems to be moving towards fascism.

The “Lightning War”The “Lightning War” In a move that startled EVERYONE, Hitler and Stalin created an agreement In a move that startled EVERYONE, Hitler and Stalin created an agreement

of mutual non-aggression called the Nazi-Soviet Pact.of mutual non-aggression called the Nazi-Soviet Pact. It was based on two principles.It was based on two principles.

– Neither nation would attack the other.Neither nation would attack the other.– Both nations would split the nations of eastern Europe between themBoth nations would split the nations of eastern Europe between them

Given the general fascist attitude towards communists, no one thought Given the general fascist attitude towards communists, no one thought such an agreement could be formed.such an agreement could be formed.

Hitler begins by launching his famous “Blitzkreig”Hitler begins by launching his famous “Blitzkreig”– It means, ‘Lightning War’It means, ‘Lightning War’– It was a military strategy that depended on the German army to be fast and It was a military strategy that depended on the German army to be fast and

hard hitting.hard hitting. In 1939, Hitler invades Poland from the West. The Soviet army attacks In 1939, Hitler invades Poland from the West. The Soviet army attacks

from the east. Within a few weeks, Poland is gone.from the east. Within a few weeks, Poland is gone. For the winter of 1939-1940, Hitler simply is content to occupy Poland.For the winter of 1939-1940, Hitler simply is content to occupy Poland. The Soviets however continue their expansion by taking over Estonia, The Soviets however continue their expansion by taking over Estonia,

Latvia, Lithuania and Finland.Latvia, Lithuania and Finland.

The War turns towards FranceThe War turns towards France April 1940 – Hitler launches his ‘blitzkrieg’ against Norway and April 1940 – Hitler launches his ‘blitzkrieg’ against Norway and

Denmark. Then, he successfully attacks the Netherlands and Denmark. Then, he successfully attacks the Netherlands and Belgium and then finally, invades France.Belgium and then finally, invades France.

France’s army, now backed with British troops, suffers terrible France’s army, now backed with British troops, suffers terrible defeats and are forced to retreat towards the northern coast of defeats and are forced to retreat towards the northern coast of France.France.

It looked like the entire army would be forced to surrender, about It looked like the entire army would be forced to surrender, about 300,000 troops in total.300,000 troops in total.

The “Miracle at Dunkirk”The “Miracle at Dunkirk”– By May, German forces were pouring into France.– Retreating British forces were soon trapped between the advancing

Nazis and the waters of the English Channel– In a desperate gamble, the British sent all available naval vessels,

merchant ships, and even fishing and pleasure boats across the channel to pluck stranded troops off the beaches of Dunkirk and Ostend

– Despite German air attacks, the improvised armada ferried more than 300,000 troops to safety in Britain. This heroic rescue, dubed the “miracle of Dunkirk,” greatly raised British morale.

France Falls, Africa and the Balkans followFrance Falls, Africa and the Balkans follow By the end of June in 1940, France had surrendered to the Germans.By the end of June in 1940, France had surrendered to the Germans. Hitler set up a ‘puppet state’ in France, with its government at the city Hitler set up a ‘puppet state’ in France, with its government at the city

of Vichy. (This puppet state will be known as Vichy France)of Vichy. (This puppet state will be known as Vichy France)– Some French officers and military escaped the conflict and fled to Britain. Some French officers and military escaped the conflict and fled to Britain.

These French, led by Charles de Gaulle, were known as the “Free French”.These French, led by Charles de Gaulle, were known as the “Free French”.– They coordinated efforts with French freedom fighters operating as They coordinated efforts with French freedom fighters operating as

guerillas inside France.guerillas inside France. Mussolini attempts an invasion of British controlled Egypt but fails.Mussolini attempts an invasion of British controlled Egypt but fails.

– Hitler sends his top general, the “Desert Fox” Erwin Rommel, to achieve Hitler sends his top general, the “Desert Fox” Erwin Rommel, to achieve victory.victory.

– Rommel defeats the British, forcing them to fall back to the city of Cairo.Rommel defeats the British, forcing them to fall back to the city of Cairo. 1941 – Mussolini invades Greece1941 – Mussolini invades Greece

– Once again, with German help to overcome resistance, Greece and Once again, with German help to overcome resistance, Greece and Yugoslavia were added to the Axis empire.Yugoslavia were added to the Axis empire.

– Bulgaria and Hungary joined the Axis Powers without a fight.Bulgaria and Hungary joined the Axis Powers without a fight. By the end of 1941, the Axis powers control almost all of Western By the end of 1941, the Axis powers control almost all of Western

Europe.Europe.