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10 Main Causes of World War 2 for Kids - Study Guide

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Katy Hodge

5/25/2023

World/Global History

WW2

10 Main Causes of World War 2 for Kids - Study Guide

World War II was a global conflict that reshaped the world order. It began with the rise of fascism in Europe and Japanese expansionism in Asia, culminating in Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939. The war saw the formation of the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) against the Allied powers, including Britain, France, the Soviet Union, and later the United States. Key events included Hitler's Blitzkrieg tactics, the Battle of Britain, Operation Barbarossa, and the Pacific theater. The war ended in 1945 with the defeat of the Axis powers, leaving millions dead and forever altering the global political landscape.

...

5/25/2023

79

The Road to World War II
The Road to World War II
German Rise to Power
Italian Fascism
Japanese Aggression
Hitler's Plan
Italian Expansion i

View

The War Begins

This page covers the formal outbreak of World War II and the early stages of the conflict, including the formation of the Axis alliance and Japan's aggression in Asia.

Japan's attacks on China marked a significant escalation in Asian hostilities. The Japanese military also targeted Indochina and the Dutch East Indies, expanding their empire in the Pacific.

Definition: The Axis powers were the nations that fought against the Allied powers during World War II. The three major Axis powers were Germany, Italy, and Japan.

The Tripartite Pact, signed on September 27, 1940, formalized the alliance between Germany, Italy, and Japan. This defense agreement was largely intended to deter the United States from entering the conflict.

Highlight: The formation of the Tripartite Pact solidified the Axis powers WW2 alliance, creating a formidable opposition to the Allied nations.

The war officially began on September 1, 1939, when Germany attacked Poland using Blitzkrieg tactics.

Vocabulary: Blitzkrieg, meaning "lightning war" in German, was a military tactic emphasizing surprise, speed, and overwhelming force to break through enemy lines.

Two days later, on September 3, France and Britain declared war on Germany, marking the official start of World War II. By September 27, Poland had surrendered to the German forces, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Blitzkrieg strategy.

Example: The fall of Poland in less than a month showcased why Blitzkrieg was so effective, combining rapid movement of troops with concentrated artillery and air support.

The Road to World War II
The Road to World War II
German Rise to Power
Italian Fascism
Japanese Aggression
Hitler's Plan
Italian Expansion i

View

The War Expands

This page details the expansion of the war into new fronts and the entry of additional nations into the conflict.

In 1940, the Germans turned their attention westward, launching attacks on Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium. The German forces outflanked the Maginot Line, a series of French fortifications, leading to the fall of France in just six weeks.

Highlight: The rapid fall of France demonstrated the effectiveness of the Blitzkrieg strategy, shocking the world and emboldening the Axis powers.

The United States, while not yet officially at war, began to take action against Japan. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt seized all Japanese assets in the United States, signaling growing tensions between the two nations.

The Battle of Britain marked a crucial moment in the war. After Neville Chamberlain's resignation, Winston Churchill became Prime Minister and led Britain through this pivotal air battle.

Example: The invention of radar by the British played a crucial role in their defense during the Battle of Britain, allowing them to detect incoming German aircraft.

Operation Barbarossa, launched in 1941, saw Germany attack the Soviet Union using Blitzkrieg tactics. This decision to open a second front would prove to be a critical strategic error for Nazi Germany.

Vocabulary: The "scorched earth policy" employed by the Soviets involved destroying anything that might be useful to the invading German forces, including crops, infrastructure, and industrial facilities.

The war in the Pacific intensified as Japan threatened India and Australia. In response, the U.S. embargoed oil and scrap iron exports to Japan and moved its Pacific fleet to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

In North Africa, the Axis powers, led by German General Erwin Rommel, attempted to gain control of the Suez Canal in 1942. However, U.S. and British forces launched a counterattack, eventually trapping Rommel in Tunisia.

Quote: Winston Churchill said of the North African campaign, "Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."

The Road to World War II
The Road to World War II
German Rise to Power
Italian Fascism
Japanese Aggression
Hitler's Plan
Italian Expansion i

View

The Tide Turns

This final page covers the turning points of the war, the Allied counteroffensive, and the ultimate defeat of the Axis powers.

1943 marked a shift as the Axis powers were put on the defensive. The Germans surrendered in North Africa, and the Battle of Stalingrad resulted in a decisive Soviet victory.

Highlight: The Battle of Stalingrad was a turning point in the World War 2 timeline of major events, with over 200,000 German soldiers perishing due to combat and the harsh Russian winter.

In 1944, the war entered a crucial phase with the Allied invasion of Normandy, also known as D-Day. This two-front war saw the Allies liberate Paris and race towards Berlin, while in the Pacific, American forces adopted an island-hopping strategy.

Example: The island-hopping campaign in the Pacific allowed the Allies to bypass heavily fortified Japanese positions and strike at strategic targets, gradually bringing the war closer to the Japanese homeland.

The Japanese began using kamikaze attacks in desperate attempts to turn the tide, while the Americans intensified their bombing campaigns over Tokyo.

The war in Europe concluded in 1945 with a series of significant events:

  • April 12: President Franklin D. Roosevelt died
  • April 30: Adolf Hitler committed suicide
  • May 8: Germany surrendered

In the Pacific theater, the Soviet Union entered the war against Japan. The United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, respectively, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.

Quote: Upon Japan's surrender, Emperor Hirohito said, "The war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage."

The human cost of World War II was staggering, with millions of lives lost across the globe. The conflict reshaped international relations, led to the creation of the United Nations, and set the stage for the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Highlight: The effects of World War II were far-reaching, altering the global balance of power, redrawing national boundaries, and ushering in the atomic age.

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World/Global History

79

May 25, 2023

4 pages

10 Main Causes of World War 2 for Kids - Study Guide

user profile picture

Katy Hodge

@theonlykatinthehat

World War II was a global conflict that reshaped the world order. It began with the rise of fascismin Europe and Japanese expansionism in Asia, culminating in Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939. The war saw the formation of... Show more

The Road to World War II
The Road to World War II
German Rise to Power
Italian Fascism
Japanese Aggression
Hitler's Plan
Italian Expansion i

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The War Begins

This page covers the formal outbreak of World War II and the early stages of the conflict, including the formation of the Axis alliance and Japan's aggression in Asia.

Japan's attacks on China marked a significant escalation in Asian hostilities. The Japanese military also targeted Indochina and the Dutch East Indies, expanding their empire in the Pacific.

Definition: The Axis powers were the nations that fought against the Allied powers during World War II. The three major Axis powers were Germany, Italy, and Japan.

The Tripartite Pact, signed on September 27, 1940, formalized the alliance between Germany, Italy, and Japan. This defense agreement was largely intended to deter the United States from entering the conflict.

Highlight: The formation of the Tripartite Pact solidified the Axis powers WW2 alliance, creating a formidable opposition to the Allied nations.

The war officially began on September 1, 1939, when Germany attacked Poland using Blitzkrieg tactics.

Vocabulary: Blitzkrieg, meaning "lightning war" in German, was a military tactic emphasizing surprise, speed, and overwhelming force to break through enemy lines.

Two days later, on September 3, France and Britain declared war on Germany, marking the official start of World War II. By September 27, Poland had surrendered to the German forces, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Blitzkrieg strategy.

Example: The fall of Poland in less than a month showcased why Blitzkrieg was so effective, combining rapid movement of troops with concentrated artillery and air support.

The Road to World War II
The Road to World War II
German Rise to Power
Italian Fascism
Japanese Aggression
Hitler's Plan
Italian Expansion i

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The War Expands

This page details the expansion of the war into new fronts and the entry of additional nations into the conflict.

In 1940, the Germans turned their attention westward, launching attacks on Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium. The German forces outflanked the Maginot Line, a series of French fortifications, leading to the fall of France in just six weeks.

Highlight: The rapid fall of France demonstrated the effectiveness of the Blitzkrieg strategy, shocking the world and emboldening the Axis powers.

The United States, while not yet officially at war, began to take action against Japan. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt seized all Japanese assets in the United States, signaling growing tensions between the two nations.

The Battle of Britain marked a crucial moment in the war. After Neville Chamberlain's resignation, Winston Churchill became Prime Minister and led Britain through this pivotal air battle.

Example: The invention of radar by the British played a crucial role in their defense during the Battle of Britain, allowing them to detect incoming German aircraft.

Operation Barbarossa, launched in 1941, saw Germany attack the Soviet Union using Blitzkrieg tactics. This decision to open a second front would prove to be a critical strategic error for Nazi Germany.

Vocabulary: The "scorched earth policy" employed by the Soviets involved destroying anything that might be useful to the invading German forces, including crops, infrastructure, and industrial facilities.

The war in the Pacific intensified as Japan threatened India and Australia. In response, the U.S. embargoed oil and scrap iron exports to Japan and moved its Pacific fleet to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

In North Africa, the Axis powers, led by German General Erwin Rommel, attempted to gain control of the Suez Canal in 1942. However, U.S. and British forces launched a counterattack, eventually trapping Rommel in Tunisia.

Quote: Winston Churchill said of the North African campaign, "Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."

The Road to World War II
The Road to World War II
German Rise to Power
Italian Fascism
Japanese Aggression
Hitler's Plan
Italian Expansion i

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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Tide Turns

This final page covers the turning points of the war, the Allied counteroffensive, and the ultimate defeat of the Axis powers.

1943 marked a shift as the Axis powers were put on the defensive. The Germans surrendered in North Africa, and the Battle of Stalingrad resulted in a decisive Soviet victory.

Highlight: The Battle of Stalingrad was a turning point in the World War 2 timeline of major events, with over 200,000 German soldiers perishing due to combat and the harsh Russian winter.

In 1944, the war entered a crucial phase with the Allied invasion of Normandy, also known as D-Day. This two-front war saw the Allies liberate Paris and race towards Berlin, while in the Pacific, American forces adopted an island-hopping strategy.

Example: The island-hopping campaign in the Pacific allowed the Allies to bypass heavily fortified Japanese positions and strike at strategic targets, gradually bringing the war closer to the Japanese homeland.

The Japanese began using kamikaze attacks in desperate attempts to turn the tide, while the Americans intensified their bombing campaigns over Tokyo.

The war in Europe concluded in 1945 with a series of significant events:

  • April 12: President Franklin D. Roosevelt died
  • April 30: Adolf Hitler committed suicide
  • May 8: Germany surrendered

In the Pacific theater, the Soviet Union entered the war against Japan. The United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, respectively, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.

Quote: Upon Japan's surrender, Emperor Hirohito said, "The war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage."

The human cost of World War II was staggering, with millions of lives lost across the globe. The conflict reshaped international relations, led to the creation of the United Nations, and set the stage for the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Highlight: The effects of World War II were far-reaching, altering the global balance of power, redrawing national boundaries, and ushering in the atomic age.

The Road to World War II
The Road to World War II
German Rise to Power
Italian Fascism
Japanese Aggression
Hitler's Plan
Italian Expansion i

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Road to World War II

The road to World War II was paved with the rise of totalitarian regimes and aggressive expansionism. This page outlines the key events and factors that led to the outbreak of the war.

Germany's rise to power began in 1921 when Adolf Hitler gained control of the Nazi Party. As Germany's economy improved, Hitler's influence grew.

Highlight: In 1932, the Nazi Party became the largest in the Reichstag, setting the stage for Hitler's ascension to power.

Hitler's plans were outlined in his book "Mein Kampf," which detailed his intentions to dominate Europe and eliminate the Jewish population.

In Italy, Benito Mussolini, an anti-communist leader, came to power after the March on Rome. His fascist regime would later align with Nazi Germany.

Vocabulary: Fascism is an authoritarian ultranationalist political ideology characterized by dictatorial power and forcible suppression of opposition.

Japan's aggression in Asia began with the invasion of Manchuria in 1931, as they sought more resources to fuel their expanding empire.

Hitler's plan unfolded with the remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936 and the annexation of Austria AnschlussAnschluss in 1938.

Example: The Anschluss was a significant event in the timeline of Axis powers expansion in WW2, demonstrating Hitler's intent to unite all German-speaking peoples under the Third Reich.

Italy, under Mussolini, invaded Ethiopia and later joined Germany in an alliance. They also became involved in a war in North Africa and assisted in the invasion of Greece.

The Czech Crisis and appeasement marked a critical point in pre-war diplomacy. British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain met with Hitler, who falsely promised he had no further territorial ambitions in Czechoslovakia.

Quote: Chamberlain infamously declared there would be "peace in our time" after meeting with Hitler, a statement that would soon be proven tragically wrong.

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

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Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

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This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user