Hitler's Attack on the West and Path to War in Asia

Poland and the Outbreak of War

Hitler's ambitions extended to Poland, a territory he claimed based on pre-Treaty of Versailles borders. Despite Britain's pledge to defend Poland, Hitler remained confident in his ability to avoid significant opposition. He secured a non-aggression pact with Stalin, giving him the freedom to attack Poland.

Definition: Blitzkrieg - A military tactic employed by Germany, characterized by a swift, overwhelming force concentration that aims to quickly defeat the enemy.

On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, prompting Britain and France to declare war on September 3. The Soviet Union, honoring its pact with Germany, sent troops to occupy eastern Poland on September 17, marking the official beginning of World War II.

The "Phony War" and German Expansion

The initial period of the war, known as the "Phony War," saw little military action during the winter months. However, hostilities resumed in April 1940 with Germany launching blitzkrieg attacks against Denmark and Norway. The Netherlands fell within five days, and Belgium's army was surrounded by May 28. British and French forces found themselves trapped at Dunkirk.

Quote: Hitler told his generals that "the right thing doesn't matter, only winning does," setting the tone for what would become the most destructive war in history.

Japanese Aggression in East Asia

While Europe descended into conflict, tensions were also rising in Asia. Japan, having rebuilt its military forces, pursued an aggressive policy of expansion in East Asia. This led to conflicts with China and raised concerns among Western powers, particularly the United States.

Example: The Japanese invasion of Manchuria in 1931 and the subsequent establishment of the puppet state of Manchukuo exemplified Japan's expansionist policies in Asia.

The Course of World War II

The early stages of the war saw Germany achieve rapid victories through its blitzkrieg tactics. Poland surrendered in just four weeks, and by September 28, 1939, Germany and the Soviet Union had divided Poland between them.

Germany's air superiority initially threatened Britain, but a change in German tactics allowed the British to gain control of the air, forcing Hitler to postpone the invasion of Britain indefinitely.

Highlight: The Battle of Britain marked a crucial turning point, as it represented the first major defeat of Hitler's military forces and prevented a German invasion of the British Isles.

Prelude to World War II

New Alliances and Hitler's Role

The ineffectiveness of the League of Nations and various treaties paved the way for new alliances, particularly between Nazi Germany and Italy. Hitler's rise to power was a crucial factor in reshaping European diplomacy. By the end of 1936, Hitler had effectively dismantled the Treaty of Versailles and transformed Germany into a world power.

Path to War in Europe

Hitler's true aims became clear in 1937 as he abandoned the pretense of peace. His vision for Germany was rooted in the concept of lebensraum, or "living space," which asserted that a nation's power was directly tied to its territorial holdings. This ideology drove Hitler's expansionist policies and set the stage for conflict.

Vocabulary: Lebensraum - The belief that a nation's power was based on how much land they possessed.

German Rearmament and Diplomatic Revolution

Hitler strategically pursued German rearmament while maintaining a facade of peaceful intentions. He successfully improved relations with France and Britain, which allowed Germany to gradually lift restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles.

Example: The Anglo-German Naval Pact permitted Germany to rebuild its navy, directly contradicting the limitations set by the Treaty of Versailles.

Occupation of the Rhineland and Czechoslovakia

In a bold move that defied the Treaty of Versailles, Hitler sent German troops into the Rhineland. This action, while angering France, was met with little resistance due to British mediation. Hitler's confidence grew, as did German trust in his leadership.

The annexation of Austria and the subsequent occupation of Czechoslovakia further demonstrated Hitler's aggressive expansion policy. The Munich Conference, attended by British, French, German, and Italian representatives, ultimately appeased Hitler's demands regarding Czechoslovakia.

Highlight: Hitler's occupation of the Rhineland and annexation of Austria occurred without significant opposition from other European powers, emboldening his expansionist agenda.