Hey, Germany! Did you forget The Treaty of Versailles?
When World War I ended, the Treaty of Versailles was signed. The Treaty of Versailles punished Germany for beginning World War I. They were not allowed to build a large army and had to pay massive reparations to Britain and France. The country of Germany was in ruin caused by the destruction of World War I, as well as the Great Depression that had impacted Europe. Within all this hardship in Germany, Adolf Hitler became the chancellor (leader) of Germany in 1933. Adolf Hitler was a strong leader and powerful speaker, who promoted nationalism in Germany, and the idea that Germany should once again become a world power. Under his leadership, Germany began to slowly rebuild its Army and Navy. Germany also returned to its policy of imperialism, and challenged the determination of the Allies by then taking territory lost during World War I. Initially, the allies attempted to negotiate and appease Hitler and the German people. Many of the countries that Germany invaded participated in what is known as appeasement- they tried to make peace with Germany and allow them to take the land out of fear.
Militarism: Germany rebuilt its military and navy.
Nationalism: Adolf Hitler gave powerful speeches where he declared the superiority of Germany, and many newspapers began to publish propaganda that declared Germany to be better than other countries. This caused nationalism to turn into nativism over time.
Imperialism: Germany expanded its borders by taking back lands that were taken from them in the Treaty of Versailles.
Appeasement: Countries that were being invaded by Germany quickly surrendered, and the League of Nations attempted to negotiate with Hitler instead of attempting to stop him.
Alliances: "Teams" begin to form again as Germany's invasion of other countries continues.
Militarism: Germany rebuilt its military and navy.
Nationalism: Adolf Hitler gave powerful speeches where he declared the superiority of Germany, and many newspapers began to publish propaganda that declared Germany to be better than other countries. This caused nationalism to turn into nativism over time.
Imperialism: Germany expanded its borders by taking back lands that were taken from them in the Treaty of Versailles.
Appeasement: Countries that were being invaded by Germany quickly surrendered, and the League of Nations attempted to negotiate with Hitler instead of attempting to stop him.
Alliances: "Teams" begin to form again as Germany's invasion of other countries continues.
Hey, Japan! Can't you just trade for those natural resources?!
As an island, Japan needed natural resources of oil, rubber, and iron ore. Since they could not find these materials on their island, Japan's leader, Hirohito decided to expand their borders. To obtain these materials they invaded and occupied the Chinese province of Manchuria in 1931, and they ultimately, launched a full-scale war against China in 1937. Japan continued to gain colonies by occupying Vietnam in 1940.
Militarism: Japan developed a full-scale military.
Nationalism: Like in Germany, many people in Japan felt that their traditional ways were superior to the ways of other countries.
Imperialism: Japan expanded its borders by invading the countries of Korea and China.
Appeasement: Countries that were being invaded by Japan quickly surrendered, and the League of Nations attempted to negotiate with Hirohito instead of attempting to stop him.
Alliances: "Teams" begin to form again as Japan's invasion of other countries continues.
Militarism: Japan developed a full-scale military.
Nationalism: Like in Germany, many people in Japan felt that their traditional ways were superior to the ways of other countries.
Imperialism: Japan expanded its borders by invading the countries of Korea and China.
Appeasement: Countries that were being invaded by Japan quickly surrendered, and the League of Nations attempted to negotiate with Hirohito instead of attempting to stop him.
Alliances: "Teams" begin to form again as Japan's invasion of other countries continues.
Meet the players and their teams:
Allied PowersThe United Kingdom, France, The United States (entered the war after Pearl Harbor), The Soviet Union (left the Axis powers after the betrayal of Germany)
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (President of the United States, 1932-45): After guiding the United States through the Great Depression and creating the New Deal, President Roosevelt’s approval was high among many Americans. As war became inevitable, he hesitated to involve the United States in another destructive war, until the attack on Pearl Harbor. The surprise attack thrust the United States into the conflict. Roosevelt, re-elected to his third and fourth terms during World War II, became the face of American resolve during this conflict.
Josef Stalin (Premier of the Soviet Union, c. 1929-53): Stalin’s successful rise to power in the Communist Party of the Soviet Union led to his leadership of the country as a dictator in the late 1920s. Initially in an alliance with Nazi Germany, Stalin joined the Allies following Germany’s betrayal and invasion of the Soviet Union. Stalin used his command of the Soviet Military to create a powerful role for the Soviet Union in the postwar years as a world leader. This lead to the development of the Cold War between The Soviet Union and the East versus the United States and the West. Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1940-45, was one of the great statesmen of the 20th century. He skillfully maneuvered public opinion and utilized Great Britain’s Navy and ground troops to lead Great Britain through World War II. With his country under constant bombardment by air from Germany during the Battle for Britain, Winston Churchill sought to support the citizens of his country as well as oppose the Axis Powers. Harry S Truman (President of the United States, 1945-1953): Harry S. Truman, Vice-President, in 1945 became President with the sudden death of President Roosevelt. Truman aided also with the creation of the United Nations in June of 1945. This was because he believed that diplomacy was the route by which future conflict could be prevented. |
Axis PowersGermany, Italy, and Japan
Adolf Hitler (Chancellor of Germany, 1933-45): In the 1930’s Germany faced economic and political problems that were caused by the Treaty of Versailles and the Great Depression. Promising the people of Germany jobs, and national pride, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party rose to power in Germany, Once the Nazi party gained control of the government, Hitler became Germany’s leader. He used his position as Chancellor to concentrate all political power, and to ultimately seize power as a dictator. Once he had control, laws and policies were instituted to restrict the life of Jews and other minority groups. Ultimately, his ambitions led to war.
Hirohito (Emperor of Japan, 1926-89): Hirohito’s role in World War II has been debated in recent years. While certainly unable to stop members of his government who were anxious to demonstrate Japan’s military superiority, Hirohito was willing to sacrifice lives to expand Japan’s empire. During this time emperors were viewed as “more than human,” and Hirohito expected his subjects to sacrifice their lives for their country if it was necessary. Japanese soldiers were expected to not surrender even if they knew that would lose. In fact, it took the use of atomic weapons to force the Japanese military and Hirohito to surrender. Benito Mussolini (Premier of Italy, 1922-43/45): Benito Mussolini, Italy’s Fascist dictator during World War II, was an ally of German, and Japan. As a leader, he utilized Italy’s military to try and re-establish Italy as a great European power. |