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How World War II Started

This overview explores the rise of fascism in Europe during the early 20th century, highlighting key figures like Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler. It discusses Mussolini's totalitarian regime in Italy and Hitler's ascent to power in Germany through the National Socialist German Workers’ Party. Their alliances, the formation of the Axis Powers, and subsequent military strategies, including the blitzkrieg tactics that led to rapid territorial expansion, set the stage for global conflict. As nations reacted, the path to World War II unfolded, marking a pivotal moment in history.

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How World War II Started

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  1. How World War II Started No Nation Untouched

  2. The Rise of Fascism • Fascism: Philosophy of placing importance of the nation above the individual • Italy and Germany embraced this philosophy by the need of rebuilding strength. • Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler • Totalitarian leaders: use of terror to suppress individuals and opposition

  3. Leadership • Mussolini: • Il Duce “The Leader” • Suspended elections, outlawed other political parties and established dictatorship • Followed motto: “The Country is Nothing Without Conquest” by invading Ethiopia in October 1935.

  4. Leadership • Hitler: • Joined National Socialist German Workers’ party in 1919 (also known as the ______ party) • Powerful speaking ability made him a leader • While in jail for political uprising, wrote Mein Kampf (My Struggle) and outlined Nazi party views and German problems (Jews). • Soon after became Der Fuhrer or “The Leader” by winning election and eliminating opposition

  5. Europe in War • Mussolini and Hitler make alliance in 1936 • Both men wanted to push their views and powers across Europe • Germany, Italy and later joined by Japan became known as the “Axis Powers” • Germany began taking countries by force including Austria and Czechoslovakia

  6. Europe in War • After Germany threatened Poland, France and Britain declared war. • Germany quickly seized Poland with a military method called blitzkrieg or lightning war. • Blitzkrieg: Quick air strikes, tanks and artillery to overpower larger militias; in this case Poland.

  7. Nazis Advance Further • The advancing German captured many countries in three-month period: • Denmark • Norway • Belgium • Netherlands • France (May 10 – June 14)

  8. Battle of Britain • Nazis next target was Britain • From December 1940 – June 1941, Nazis launched the greatest air assault in history to date. • 1,000 planes a day bombed Britain • Hitler finally decided to end bombing and Britain used this as a spirit of defiance.

  9. Japan’s Emerging Empire • Depression also hit Japan hard economically • Japan saw how Germany and Italy were expanding control in its region and wanted much the same in Asia • Islands that were colonies of Europeans were easy targets • FDR angered by these efforts began imposing trade sanctions

  10. American Involvement • Isolationism: America would stay out of other nations’ quarrels • FDR however saw that war was probably unavoidable and started to help other countries • Lend-Lease Act (March 1941): Aid any nation whose defense was believed to be vital to American security – “We must be the great arsenal of democracy.”

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