Causes of World War Two Short Term Causes

Causes of World War Two Short Term Causes

The Nazi-Soviet Pact Hitler realized he would not be able to fight a war on two fronts Hitler hated communism Stalin hated fascism Agreed to not go to war against each other and secretly agreed to divide Poland among them Hitler knew this “truce” would be temporary

Germany Makes Demands Headline from Monday, August 28, 1939 Hitler rejects peace offer and makes “clear demand” “I MUST HAVE DANZIG AND THE CORRIDOR” th w o n k e “I e c n Fra ces” s l l e en T u TO q e S s U con ES C R FO E T A ffer “IF F T…” u s H uld o w FIG land o P res a l c De t mos “A ny pe ac e Br ita in’ s mu st be “N pe O! ” rm an e nt”

Germany Invades Poland Policy of Appeasement Failed Britain and France had “redrawn” the line at Poland Germany crosses the line Invades Poland Britain and France realize there is no other way to stop Hitler Europe must go to war again

Video: Germany Invades Poland http: //www. 5 min. com/Video/World-War-II-Invasion-of. Poland-1354517

September 1, 1939 Occurred at the crack of dawn There was no official declaration of war The uneasy peace ended German Wehrmacht rolled across the border

Britain and France Within two days both these countries declared war Europe was now at WAR But what would Canada do?

Canada Unlike WW 1, where Canada’s participation was based on Britain involvement, this time Canada must make the choice Mackenzie King recalled Parliament for urgent debate and vote The decision of was almost unanimous Canada would go to war

September 10, 1939 Canada officials declares war on Germany The population of Canada is made aware of this decision over the radio The Canadian population did not greet this news with enthusiasm The memory of WW 1 was still lingering Almost everyone had lost some one in the first great war

Why did Canada wait to declare war? Did they really need the time to “debate” the vote?

Attitude Towards the War Disagreement about the war Those who disagree about using force to settle disputes Canadians were supremely confident the war would be over quickly Reluctantly most Canadians agreed to go to war By the end of the first month seventy thousand people had signed up