Germany's WWII Story
Swastika (Nazi Sign) - A sign used as a sign of peace for the Nazis.
Treaty of Versailles - Alsace-Lorraine was given to France, Euren and Malmedy was given to Belgium, Northern Schleswig was given to Denmark, Hultschin was given to Czechoslovakia. The League of Nations also took control of Germany's overseas colonies. Germany had to return to Russia land taken in the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. Military - Germany's army was reduced to 100,000 men; Germany's army was not allowed tanks. Germany was not allowed to have an airforce. Germany was allowed only 6 capital naval ships and no submarines. Financial - The loss of vital industrial territory would be a severe blow to Germany's economy. Coal from the Saar and Upper Silesia in particular. Germany had to pay $33 billion to the Allies (GB/France). General - Germany had to admit full responsibility for stgarting the war. This was Clause 231 - the infamous "War Guilt Clause". Germany was forbidden to unite with Astria. A League of Nations was set up to keep world peace.
The German Reaction to the Treaty of Versailles - There was anger when the terms were made public. The Treaty was seen by many Germans as being forced on them and the Germans had no choice but to sign it. German representatives in Paris knew that they had no choice as Germany was incapable of restarting the war again. Many right wing groups such as the Nazis believed in the Dolchstoss Theory (Stab in the Back Theory). Blamed the "November Criminals" (the Weimer Republic) for accepting treaty.
Adolf Hitler - Born in 1889 in Astria. Family moved to Germany when he was three. Had five siblings-three died in infancy. Mom- Klara and Dad- Alois. His brother, Edmund, died in 1900. After his brother's death, Hitler changed and became moody and withdrawn. Had more issues at school and with his dad. His dad died in 1903 and his mom died in 1907. All three of these deaths had a huge impact on the young Hitler. In Mein Kampf, Hitler said he first became anti-Semitic (anti-Jews) during his time in Vienna, Austria.
Vienna Austria- 1905 - 1913 - Hitler failed to get into the Academy of Fine Arts iin Vienna two different times. Started selling paintings in the streets of Vienna. Failed his examination to get into the Austro-Hungarian army in 1914. Moved to Munich, Germany and joined the Germany army when WWI broke out in 1914.
Hitler in WWI - Hitler was wounded twice while serving. Injured by a shell explosion. Temporarily blinded by a mustard gas attack. There is a story that Hitler could have been shot by the French soldier, Henry Tandy, but was spared.
After WWI - Hitler starts spying on the new Nationalist Socialist German Workers Party (Nazi) for the German military. Hitler quickly realized that this group discussed topics that he believed in. Hitler dropped out of the military and joined the Nazi party and quickly rose to become the leader. Hitler found out that he had the power of speech and persuasion during this time.
Hitler in Prison - went to prison for trying to overthrow the government. Sentenced for 5 years. Served 9 months- good behavior.
Hitler's Rise to Power - Hitler appointed Chancellor in 1933. President Paul von Hindenburg dies shortly after and Hitler dissolves the Weimer Republic. Early Actions of Hitler: Drops out of the League of Nations. Starts rearming German Rhineland area.
Munich Conference - Neville Chamberlain-Great Britain. Adolf Hitler-Germany. Benito Mussolini-Italy. Edouard Daladier-France Chamberlain: "Peace for our time". Hitler was given the Sudetenland of Czechoslovakia. Hitler promised that he was done taking over territories. Hitler wanted to re-unite all German speaking people. Became known as the "Policy of Appeasement".
Czech President Hacha's Meeting with Hitler- March, 1939 - Hitler lets the president talk all he wants and when he does, Hitler starts screaming at him and ranting, telling Hacha that he was either going to let him take over the country or Hitler was going to invade them. Then Hacha has a heart attack and because Hitler didn't want to let him die because it would look like he killed him, the personal doctor came to resuscitate him. When he's better, he tells Hitler that he could take over the country.
Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggressive Pact (August 1939) - Russia gave raw materials to Germany in exchange for money and weapons. Both agreed to stay neutral if the other entered the war. Secretly agreed to invade and split Poland. Germany would get the western half and USSR the eastern half. Russia would get Finland, Estonia, and Latvia, and Germany would get Lithuania.
How Did the World React to this Pact? - Shock. Poland was struck "between a rock and a hard place". Hitler thought it would force Great Britain and France to back out of their promise to help Poland if attacked.
France's "Impenetrable" Maginot Line - You couldn't get past it. It had all sorts of things like movie theater, gym, etc.
The French Resistance - The leader was General Charles DeGaulle
Tripartite Pact is Signed aka.The Axis Powers- 1940 Hitler, Mussolini, and Tojo.
Axis Invasion of the Balkans (Yugoslavia)- 1941 - was taken over by Italy
Great Britain - Hitler's focus is on Great Britain now.
Nazi Goals for Battle of Britain - 1.) Destroy the Royal Air Force (before invasion was possible- hopefully by 9-15) 2.) Attack and destroy the British Navy 3.) Attack British troops 4.) Once air control was gained, the invasion of Great Britain would begin. **Germany never succeeded in achieving #1. **German bombers did so poorly against the RAF that they started bombing at night only.
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