Above: Hitler saluting parade in Nuremberg (The Why Files 2002)

Right: Cartman as Hitler (Free Extras n.d)CAUSES OF WW2 AND THE RISE OF HITLER

***** = Glossary

Causes of WW2

1. Treaty of Versailles

2. The Weimar Republic

3. Arrival of Hitler and Rise of Dictators

4. Militarism5. Failure of the

League of Nations6. Appeasement

and Rise of Communism

Right: Hitler (Descarga 2010)

1. TREATY OF VERSAILLES

Treaty of Versailles

Above: Treaty of Versailles map (Clare 2013)

Treaty of Versailles caused problems

Harsh treatment of Germany led to German resentment. The people resented the Big Three as well as the German Government for signing the treaty.

Italy and Japan felt they didn’t receive enough reward for siding with the allies.

New democracies were created, but had no tradition of rule and no help rebuilding.

2. THE WEIMAR REPUBLIC

2. The Weimar Republic

During WW1 Germany was ruled by an emperor known as a Kaiser. At the end of the war and due to increased public pressure, Germany formed into a republic.

Germany lost the war because they were running out of allies and resources. Even after peace was declared, the Allies were still blockading Germany.

After 4 years of war, the German workers were exhausted, physically impaired and discouraged.

The Weimar Republic

The German currency was depreciating in value.How will this affect them, considering the

amount they have to repay from the treaty? Due to the loss of lands, Germany became

13.3% smaller in Europe. France controlled the Rhineland and most of

Germany’s industrial area, they also executed any German workers who protested peacefully.

All this led to growing tension in the Weimar Republic.

The Weimar Republic

HYPERINFLATION: Inflation was growing at an alarming rate, but the government kept printing more money.

Germany couldn’t afford to pay the reparations, France and Belgium took over Germany’s most productive industrial region.

In 1919, a loaf of bread cost 1 Mark, by 1923, the same loaf of bread cost 100 Billion Marks.

Above: 50-million mark banknote issued in 1923. Worth approximately one US dollar when printed, this note would have been worth approximately 12 million US dollars nine years earlier. Continued inflation made it practically worthless within a few weeks (Papworth 2011).

Above: One Million Marks used as note paper (Duncan 2011).

Click icon to add picture

3. RISE OF DICTATORS - HITLER

The Rise of Dictators

In Europe in the 1930s, the stage was set for the rise of dictators who would rule in a TOTALITARIAN system.

TOTALITARIANComplete rule by a single party and

its leader, in which all aspects of people’s lives are controlled without

opposition.

3. The Arrival of Hitler

Above: Hitler (Very Funny Pics n.d)

3. The Arrival of Hitler Born on the border of Austria-

Hungary and Bavaria, Germany. Served as a soldier during WW1,

was injured, awarded the Iron Cross for bravery and was temporarily blinded after a Mustard Gas Attack.

His patriotism for Germany increased during the war and he was critical of the German surrender – blaming civilian leaders, Jews and Marxists.

The Arrival of Hitler

After the war, Hitler joined a political organisation - German Worker’s Party (DAP) as he liked the leader’s anti-Semitic and nationalist views, and the party leader liked Hitler’s oratory skills.

Due to increased popularity, the DAP changed its name to the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (National Socialist German Workers Party – NSDAP) or the NAZI Party.

It was Hitler who designed the party emblem of the Swastika in a white circle on a red background.

Hitler as Chairman of the NAZIs

Throughout 1920, Hitler would present lectures in Munich Beer Halls with topics such as “Political Phenomenon”, “Jews” and “Treaty of Versailles.”

“With the armistice begins the humiliation of Germany. If the Republic on the day of its foundation had appealed to the country:

Germans, stand together! Up and resist the foe!”

Hitler’s 1923 speech on the Treaty of Versailles.

Insert video of Hitler speaking with passion and people cheering

Formation of Key Groups

In August of 1920, Hitler developed a group of ‘security men’ whose early role was to keep order at NAZI Party meetings. However, the name of the group changed to Sturmabteilung (Storm Detachment/troopers) or SA and they were eventually to take on a whole new role.

In 1922 and 1923, Hitler developed 2 organisations that would come to have a huge significance in WW2 – the first was the Jungsturm and Jugendbund, which would later become the Hitler Youth and the second was the Stabswache which was an early form of the Schutzstaffel (SS)

From left to right: Storm Detachment (SA), Jugendbund, Schutzstaffel (SS)

Click icon to add picture

Beer Hall Putsch and Hitler’s Imprisonment

Between 8-9 November 1923, Hitler tried to seize power of Munich in what is known as the Munich Putsch. He marched to the centre of Munich with 2000 men. In the end, 16 NAZIs and 4 policemen were killed.

Hitler was arrested 2 days later and put on trial for treason, in April 1924 he was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment, he was released from jail in December.

Mein Kampf

Hitler dictated the book to his deputy Rudolf Hess while he was imprisoned.

The basis of the book was on what Hitler called the “Jewish Peril” – a Jewish conspiracy to gain world leadership.

Commented on the “world’s twin evils” – Communism and Judaism.

Also criticised the Weimar Republic, Social Democrats and Marxists.

2. Weimar: The Great Depression Led to worldwide recession which harmed Germany

who relied on US loans. Caused dissatisfaction with the Weimar Government. Unemployment in Germany:

1929 stood at 1.3 million 1930 climbed to 5.8 million January 1932 reached 6 million October 1932: 8.7 million (about 50% of work force).

Industrial production fell by 42 percent from 1929 to 1932.

There was also a large drop in the standard of living.

2. Decline of Support for the Weimar

During the depression, Chancellor Brüning implemented many unpopular decisions. Brüning cut government spending, lowered wages and reduced entitlements to the unemployed.

His decisions made the Weimar Republic look unsympathetic to the plight of the people.

By May 1932, Brüning had resigned as Chancellor after no longer having President von Hindenburg’s support.

2. THE COLLAPSE OF WEIMAR AND RISE OF HITLER

Fall of Weimar and Rise of Hitler

The SA started targeting opposition parties and the confrontations became increasingly violent.

From 1928-1932 the NAZI party had a very quick rise to power.

1932 Reichstag elections: Nazis won 14.5 million votes (38 %) of Reichstag (230 seats; largest party in Reichstag). President Hindenburg would not name Hitler as Chancellor though.

Hitler had played down his anti-Jewish ideas and extreme racism at this time.

Fall of Weimar and Rise of Hitler

Hitler started to gain more influential supporters who thought his economic beliefs and ideas were better than the conservative party’s.

High government officials and the elite of society started to believe that they could use Hitler’s popularity and manipulate him to follow them.

Because of this belief, Hindenburg eventually gave in and named Hitler Chancellor of Germany on Jan 30, 1933.

Burning of the Reichstag February 27, 1933:

German Reichstag (Parliament) building burnt down. Nazis blamed fire on communists.

February 28, 1933: A Presidential decree gave Chancellor Hitler emergency powers.

All 100 Communist Party members of the Reichstag arrested.

NAZIs TAKE OVER

March 23 1933: The NAZIs took control of the government by passing the Enabling Act.

The Enabling Act gave the cabinet (Hitler) the right to pass laws without first going through the Reichstag.

Hitler’s next act was to strengthen his position: This operation is referred to as the Night of the Long Knives and saw the deaths of many leading political opposition as well as leading figures of the SA – Hitler was concerned about their use of street violence.

The attacks were carried out by the SS and the new “secret police” – the Gestapo.

Members of the Gestapo

Mein Führer

On 1 August 1934, the cabinet enacted the "Law Concerning the Highest State Office of the Reich”, this meant that upon Hindenburg's death, the office of president would be abolished and its powers merged with those of the chancellor.

On 2 August 1934, Hindenburg died. Hitler became head of state as well as

head of government and was formally named as Führer und Reichskanzler (leader and chancellor).

Task . . .

In your own words:- write a reflective essay on why Hitler

was able to rise to power so quickly. Use the terms that have been mentioned so

far. You can use the word ‘I”. Also:

- Your essay must feature a discussion on whether “you think the public knew what Hitler would turn Germany into?”* Justify your answer.

3. OTHER KEY DICTATORS

Mussolini, Stalin and Tojo

Benito Mussolini – Il Duce (the leader)

Introduced Facism to Italy:

Glorifies the state

Has one leader and one party

All aspects of society are controlled by the government

No opposition or protests are tolerated

Propaganda and censorship are widely practiced

Mussolini

Came to power in 1922 through a Coup d’état. He marched on Rome and took control through force. (This is what gave Hitler the idea for the Munich Putsch).

He would side with the Axis powers, even though he would eventually lose respect for Hitler and he adopted many of Hitler’s policies.

Joseph Stalin (Man of Steel)

Communist leader of the Soviet Union.Under communism, all means of production are controlled by the government, as are property, the media, and all other aspects of society.

The 1930s saw the rise of many totalitarian regimes; but most people chose fascism over communism.

Hitler exploited people’s fear of a communist takeover.

Era of paranoia – destroy all opposition. Stalin was famous for executions and deportations.

A Battle for Germany: Nazi anti-communist book from 1933

Hideki Tojo

Member of the Taisei Yokusankai – a fascist organisation.

Was a pro-military general, elected as Prime Minister of Japan in 1941.

Was angry at the U.S. for an oil embargo placed on Japan.

Greatly admired the European dictators – especially Hitler.

Wanted to expand Japan’s power into the Pacific – wanted more land and resources.

Responsible for authorising the attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to the U.S. entering the war.

Japanese Expansionism

4. MILITARISM

Germany starts to break the Treaty Can you

remember the conditions on Germany’s military from the Treaty of Versailles?

- Reduced to 100,000 men- Navy = 36 ships- No tanks, submarines or aircraft to be built- Melt down weapons Germany was to vacate

the Rhineland and give up Poland, Danzig, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Czechoslovakia.

Germany was not allowed to ally herself with Austria-Hungary.

German Re-armament

From 1933, Germany had secretly been expanding the military.

In March 1935, Hitler revealed that Germany had 2500 war planes in the Luftwaffe and 300 000 men in the Wehrmacht. He also announced plans to introduce conscription, which would increase the number to 550 000 men.

Britain and France did not really react. Britain was still too poor after the depression and France’s only act was to build defensive forts along the border.

The Hitler Youth Group

The Wehrmacht

5. FAILURE OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Purpose of the League

Intended for all countries to join. The League of Nations was started to

settle disputes between countries through negotiations rather than force.

If this failed, then countries would stop trading with the aggressor and if this failed, the countries would go to war.

The League was successful early and had some victories.

The League Started to Lose Influence

During the depression many countries were hit hard economically – especially Japan.

The Japanese Army tried to find a solution by invading Manchuria in China. China appealed to the League for assistance.

The Japanese government were told to remove their army, the army ignored the government. The League told other countries to stop trading with Japan, the other countries ignored the League due to the depression.

In 1933 Japan eventually left the League of Nations – as did Germany.

Japan invades China

Failures of the League

Not all countries joined as members:- The idea for the league came from

America, but before the treaty was signed, there was a change of government and America refused to join the League.

- Due to causing WW1 Germany were not allowed to join the League.

- Russia was also denied due to the overall fear of communism.

Member countries of the League

Failures of the League

Not all countries joined as members. The League had no power: all they could do

was order countries to stop trading. The League had no army: soldiers were to be

supplied by member countries. Member countries were reluctant to get involved in case they provoked an aggressive country to take direct action.

Unable to act quickly: the League only met 4 times a year and decisions had to be agreed to by all nations.

6.GERMAN “RE”-EXPANSIONISM, FEAR OF COMMUNISM AND THE FAILURE OF APPEASEMENT

NAZI “Re”-Expansionism

In 1936, Hitler again broke the terms of the Treaty of Versailles by ordering his troops to re-enter the Rhineland.

Hitler did tell his troops though, that if the French forces retaliated that the Germans were to retreat.

This did not happen – why??

France was in political turmoil and had no real leader to challenge the Germans.

As the land did not concern Britain, it was now the 1930s and the land belonged to Germany – Britain believed that Germany’s actions were understandable.

Hitler later confessed that this was a time of great anxiety for him – waiting to see how Britain and France would react.

NAZI “Re”-Expansionism

From re-entering the Rhineland, Hitler decided that he could almost guarantee that any move he made – France would not react.

He decided that if France would not react if Germany took land on France’s own border, that they would not react if he moved into Eastern Europe.

He also realised how willing Britain were to allow Germany to break the terms of Versailles.

Germany re-enters the Rhineland

Introduction of Appeasement Appeasement was a policy adopted by Britain in the

1930s. It grew from a new feeling that some countries had

been unfairly treated in the Treaty of Versailles. There was strong argument for certain terms to be

removed. NEGOTIATION was to be the key. Many people criticised this policy as being

cowardice, but it was designed to keep peace. Winston Churchill was one man against the policy,

believing Hitler would never be satisfied with appeasement – he would always want more.

Reasons for Appeasement

Due to the economic struggles, it was believed that a strong Germany would help revitalise Europe.

Before war broke out – many people in Britain admired Hitler for strengthening Germany and saw his expansions as being justified.

The British public favoured non-intervention as long as British interests and lives were not threatened.

Britain’s empire (Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand) had stated they would not participate in another European war. As did the USA.

Threat of Communism

Another reason for appeasement with Germany was that many British politicians feared Communism more than NAZI Germany.

Communism was considered a brutal form of rule under Stalin. A common saying of the time was “Better Hitlerism than Communism.”

The Conservative British Government believed that Hitler’s Germany would be a strong defence against possible soviet plans to invade Europe.

British anti-communist propaganda

Continued NAZI Expansion

The Austrian Anschluss A union between Germany and Austria had been

forbidden under the treaty of Versailles, but this is exactly what happened in 1938.

Between 1933-35, Austria had been protected from Germany by Italy. There were even Italian troops stationed along the border between the two countries.

By 1936, Germany and Italy were allies and by the end of that year Mussolini withdrew support from Austria. By 1937 Austria had lost all support from Italy.

The Austrian Anschluss

Hitler has always wanted Austria to be a part of Germany, he himself was born in Austria but always considered himself German – as did many other Austrians.

Hitler gave the Austrian Chancellor a list of demands including allowing NAZI officials into key positions. When the Austrian Chancellor denied the demands, Hitler threatened military action.

Eventually the Chancellor gave in and he and the entire cabinet resigned – leaving one man – a key NAZI supporter in charge.

The Austrian Anschluss

In March 1938, German troops were invited into Austria.

Hitler entered Vienna on March 15 1938, and was warmly welcomed with large, cheering crowds. Hitler is said to have been surprised at the size of the welcome.

As Hitler suspected – Britain and France complained verbally but took no action.

NAZIs enter Vienna 1938

Sudetenland Invasion

Czechoslovakia was created at the end of WW1 – combining Czechs, Slovaks and German speakers from the Sudeten area along the border of Germany.

Hitler wanted all German people united under the Reich and he supported the Sudeten Germans’ wish to be separate from the Czech government.

In 1938, Hitler ordered plans to be made for the invasion of Czechoslovakia, he also ordered the Sudeten Germans to start causing trouble so that it appeared the Czechs were incapable of maintaining order. This would allow Hitler a pretext for entering the country.

The Yellow of Germany shows the newly acquired lands of Austria and the pink is the Sudetenland

Sudetenland Invasion

In May 1938, Hitler moved his armies to the Czech border to intimidate the Czechoslovakian President, Benes. In response, Benes mobilised the Czech army into positions along the border.

In July, Hitler promised Britain's Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, that he would not invade Czechoslovakia if he were given control of the Sudetenland.

British PM Chamberlain was eventually heavily involved in negotiations between Hitler and Benes. Hitler and Chamberlain came to terms that if Hitler took control of Sudetenland, he would face no reprisals from Britain.

Sudetenland Invasion

On the 22nd September – all parties had agreed to the deal. Hitler demanded that the Czech army leave the Sudetenland by October 1st – a move designed to provoke them.

29-30 September - France, Britain, Italy and Germany met at Munich to discuss the Sudetenland problem. Neither the Czechs, nor their allies Russia, were consulted.

Hitler traded the promise of peace in Europe for the Sudetenland. The Czechs had to either accept or face the might of the German army alone. They accepted.

Czechoslovakia 1938-39

The Result

The Munich (“The Scrap of Paper”) Agreement: Hitler and Chamberlain signed an agreement promising

to never go to war with each other. Hitler would later term the agreement as a “scrap of paper.”

Czechoslovakia was further divided when Hungary (encouraged by Hitler) annexed lands on their border.

Russia was offended at being left out of the negotiations and became suspicious of Britain and France.

The British public were happy that war had again been avoided, but suspicion of Hitler started to increase.

Sudeten Germans welcome the NAZIs

German Expansionism 1939

15 March 1939, the German army invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia.

31 March, Britain promised to defend Poland. 22 May, Italy and Germany signed the Pact of

Steel to help each other in the event of war. 23 August, to the dismay of France and Britain,

the Nazi-Soviet Non Aggression pact was signed by Germany and Russia. The two nations promised not to fight each other. *This was not to last.

1 September, German forces invaded Poland.

Invasion of Poland

After the Germans started their invasion – Britain and France gave Germany an ultimatum to get out. Britain started preparations for war.

On 2nd September Chamberlain told Hitler to withdraw from Poland or war would be declared.

WAR

After declining Britain’s ultimatum . . .

WAR WAS DECLARED ON SEPTEMBER 3,1939

Take a minute . . .

I want you to close your eyes, imagine you are sitting with your family in England and you are all listening to the following broadcast on the radio – just as every other Briton is listening . . .

Insert sound of Chamberlain announcing that England are at war

Quick Task

I want you to write down a reflection on what it would have been like to sit and hear that announcement.

- What would you be thinking- How would you feel

Assignment

You are to further investigate ONE of these 6 causes of World War 2.

You will present a detailed PowerPoint presentation on your chosen cause.

Your presentation needs to be professionally presented – your PowerPoint should accompany a planned and practiced speech!!!

Your presentation should last at least 5 minutes.

Assignment

Content:- Key events and dates related to your cause, with

clear explanations of how the events relate to your cause.

- Who were the key players and what were their roles?- Primary sources – images, quotes, videos from the

time of the event.- A direct statement of how your topic was a cause of

WW2.- All sources of information and all primary sources

need to be correctly referenced – on the slide and as a reference list.