4.1.6 Impact of Nazi Rule: World War II

To fulfill the Third Reich dream of a restored empire of German-speaking people, the Nazis had to regain the territory they lost at the end of World War I.

By the mid 1930s, many nations had come to realize that the terms of the Treaty of Versailles were not fair to Germany, and they were prepared to offer some concessions. Although the Treaty of Versailles forbid Germany from building their military, especially in the Rhineland, they proceeded to do just that. Soldiers were trained in the thousands and military equipment built or bought.


Why did other nations not step in? Read on!


©ADLC

Expansionism

Hitler and the Nazis believed that Germany needed more living space, or lebensraum (living room). Their first move was the annexation (or Anschlus) of Austria in March 1938 although Austria had never been part of the German Empire. Although other nations of Europe protested, none wanted to start another war with the Great Depression not yet over and World War I still on everyone's mind.

In September 1939, the Nazis marched into the Sudetenland, a German-speaking area of Czechoslovakia.


Appeasement

Germany promised that this was the end of their expansion. The other nations of Europe wanted a diplomatic solution, so they agreed. Under the Munich Agreement, Germany, Britain, France, and Italy agreed that the Sudetenland would be returned to Germany and that no further territorial claims would be made by Germany. The Czech government (of which the Sudetenland was a part) was not invited to the discussion. The Munich Agreement was seen generally as an example of securing peace through diplomacy. In March 1939, Germany took over the remainder of Czechoslovakia.

War is Declared

Germany entered Poland on September 1, 1939, where they began a blitzkrieg, or lightning war that involved a heavily militarized attack, complete with tanks and other powerful weapons. France and most of the nations of the British Commonwealth declared war on Germany immediately.

Other nations soon followed, including the Soviet Union after the German invasion of USSR in 1941. Germany allied itself with fascist Italy. On the other side of the world, Japan was at war with China and other Asian countries. After Japan bombed Pearl Harbour in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, United States joined the war.

For more about some of the significant battles of World War II, read on...

More than 70 million people died in World War II (1939-1945), the deadliest conflict in history.

In 1945, the war ended in a victory for the Allies. The Soviet Union and the United States became the world's two superpowers. Their opposing ideologies led to continuing conflict.

Consider the timeline of World War I on page 236 of your text Perspectives on Ideology.

As you read, take notes on the following:
What values and beliefs lie behind the ideology of fascism?
Do you think these ideas are justified? Explain.

View the interactive website of the British Broadcasting Corporation, World War II.