Hitler takes over Europe Beginning of WWII Hitlers

Hitler takes over Europe Beginning of WWII

Hitler’s Acts of Aggression • Enabling Act (1933) • Nuremburg Laws (1935) • Breaking the Treaty of Versailles (1936) • Kristallnacht (1938) • Establishment of Ghettos (1938)

Hitler’s Background

The Alter Hof in Munich: Adolf Hitler (1914)

Hitler in WWI; 1915

Munich Putsch; 1923 • By 1923, Hitler was the leader of the Nazi Party. – Used his influence to attempt to overthrow government, but failed…. • In prison, he wrote Mein Kampf: an autobiography which outlined his political beliefs & goals (“my struggle”)

Mein Kampf Major Themes: 1. German Nationalism 2. Racial Superiority/ Living Space 3. Enemies & Allies

Once Hitler was released from prison, the Nazi party became even more popular. By 1932, they gained control of Reichstag.

Hitler in Power • January 1933: Named Chancellor of Germany • March 1933: Enabling Act gave him the power to make laws without government consent • June 1934: demanded military swear allegiance to him • August 1934: Hindenburg dies, Hitler abolishes title of President & declares himself the Führer , or supreme leader • Hitler is now the totalitarian dictator of Germany

Hindenburg’s Funeral

Time Magazine’s “Man of the Year” - 1939

Hitler’s Aggression: Violation of Treaty of Versailles • 1934: Suspended German reparations • 1935: Military re-building • 1936: German troops occupy Rhineland • In 1936, Hitler aligned with Mussolini. – This alliance created the Axis Powers.

Hitler’s Aggression: Expansion • In March 1938, Hitler proclaimed that Austria was part of Germany sent troops to make it official. • In September 1938, Hitler occupied the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia. • The Sudetenland had a large German population and Hitler justified his actions by saying: – “I was satisfying the wish of all Germans living there to become part of Germany”

Appeasement • Appeasement: giving in to the demands of a nation in the hope of maintaining peace. • Munich Conference: Britain and France agree to allow Hitler’s control of the Sudetenland if he promised to stay out of the rest of Czechoslovakia. • Make a prediction Why do Britain and France agree to this?

Hitler’s Aggression: Expansion • March 1939: Hitler broke his promise and invaded Czechoslovakia. • In August 1939, Hitler signed the German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact: which promised that neither country would attack the other • By securing his eastern border against Soviet attack, Hitler could focus on the rest of Europe.

Hitler’s Aggression: Start of WWII • On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland. • Used blitzkrieg: “lightening war” – attack combining air and land forces. • Great Britain and France promised to defend Poland so they declared war on Germany. • Allies: Great Britain and France

Hitler Crushes Europe • In April 1940, Hitler used his powerful fighting tactics to capture Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. • France was surrounded, but protected themselves using the Maginot Line. • Maginot Line: armed steel concrete bunkers built after WWI, stretching across the German border. • In May 1940, Hitler sent troops around the line. • France surrendered and sent their citizens to Britain.

German expansion by 1942

Battle of Britain • After Germany’s victories in Eastern Europe & France, there was only one major power left in western Europe to fight. • Great Britain. • September 1940: Battle of Britain- largest air assault in history. • German air force bombed British cities & industrial centers. • Great Britain’s Royal Air Force engaged German forces in defense of the nation. • Outcome: – Britain did not surrender - held their ground until help came from U. S. – Caused Hitler to break the Non-Aggression Pact with Stalin. – This set the stage for TOTAL WAR! Industrial and civilian centers became key targets of WWII

The Century, America’s Time: Over the Edge • This video covers the rise of Hitler and the causes of WWII. • As we watch, answer all the questions on the worksheet! • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=nb. DSa. Bt r 2 m. U

Homework: The Holocaust • “Once I really am in power, my first and foremost task will be the annihilation of the Jews. . . until all Germany has completely been cleansed of Jews. ” – Adolf Hitler

Total Deaths: 9 -11 Million