# how Hitler's actions contributed to the outbreak of World War II ## Outbreak of World War II in Europe (1933-1939) In this padlet, I will be talking about the events leading up to World War II involving Hitler and how he eventually caused World War II. Source citation: [Mein Kampf dust jacket](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/Mein_Kampf_dust_jacket.jpeg) [Hitler Image](http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/images/hitler1.jpg) ## Hitler's expansionist policy Hitler cleverly took advantage of events and also used the threat of violence to achieve his aims. It became obvious that his most powerful potential enemies, Britain and France, were reluctant to go to war, and were willing to compromise to avoid another disaster like World War I. As Hitler set about abolishing the Treaty of Versailles, he was emboldened to go further with each successful step he took. The German people resented the Treaty of Versailles and believed that Hitler was justified in his actions, thus, Hitler was able to gather larger support from Germans for his Expansionist Policy. Here is a video explaining Hitler's Expansionist Policy: [Watch Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWxgcqGH8dY) ## Hitler's Aims 1. **Establish a Greater Germany** - would be done by acquiring lands such as Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland. - all ethnic Germans living in those countries would be united with those in Germany. 2. **Create Lebensraum (Living Space)** - to further facilitate further German expansion, large areas in Eastern Europe, such as Soviet Union and Poland, must be conquered. 3. **Establish the superior Aryan race** - would be done by rebuilding Germany's once-proud armed forces and exterminating 'inferior races'. Many of Hitler's other aims, such as the abolition of the Treaty of Versailles and bringing upon the union of Germany and Austria, were spelt out in Mein Kampf. ## Withdrawal from the League of Nations and the Geneva Disarmament Conference At the Geneva Disarmament Conference, Hitler proposed that the French disarm to the level of armaments that the Treaty of Versailles allowed Germany. Otherwise, Germany should be allowed to rearm to the level of the French. The French naturally objected to this. Hitler used their objection as an excuse to withdraw from both the conference and the League of Nations. Once Hitler had withdrawn from the League, he took concrete action to increase Germany's military capabilities towards achieving his expansionist aims. ## Conscription and Rearmament [From 1933 onwards] Hitler wanted to restore Germany's pride and strength after the humiliation of the Treaty of Versailles. Hence, he had all along planned a massive rearmament programme to build up Germany's defences. From 1933-1934, the Nazis stepped up their secret rearmament and conscription programme. Under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, Germany's army and navy were severely limited, and they were not allowed to have an air force. However, by March 1935, Germany possessed a 2,500-plane Luftwaffe and a 300,000 strong army. Germany also instituted compulsory conscription and planned for an army of 550,000. ## Remilitarisation of the Rhineland [March 1936] Hitler's confidence and his popularity amongst the German people also increased through the German remilitarisation of the Rhineland. Hitler often complained about the permanent demilitarisation of the Rhineland ordered by the Treaty of Versailles. On 7th March 1936, Hitler ordered German troops to cross the Hohenzollern Bridge and remilitarise the Rhineland. The League of Nations condemned Hitler's actions, but did nothing else. Hitler's timing was perfect, as the League was distracted by the Abyssinian Crisis at that time. ## German involvement in the Spanish Civil War [1937] It was by now obvious to Hitler that Britain and France were eager to avoid conflict, and that they would probably take no action against him. During Hitler's involvement in the Spanish Civil War in 1937, Hitler sent soldiers, equipment and warplanes to support the Spanish Nationalist forces. German planes made devastating raids on several Spanish cities, resulting in heavy civilian casualties. ## German unification with Austria [March 1938] Hitler made it clear in Mein Kampf that he felt Germany and his homeland, Austria, belonged together. Hitler encouraged Austrian Nazis to make trouble and push for Anschluss (political union) with Germany. Hitler pressured Kurt Schuschnigg, the Austrian Chancellor, into agreeing to a plebiscite where 99.75% of the population voted for the Anschluss. Austria was annexed on 13 March 1938 and Germany thus achieved Anschluss without any conflict. ## Czechoslovakia [October 1938 & March 1939] 1. **Munich Agreement - gained control of Sudetenland** - Under the influence of the Nazi Party leader in Sudetenland, these Germans demanded to be part of Germany, and Hitler threatened to go to war for the Sudetenland if necessary. On 29 September 1938, the leaders of Britain and France signed the Munich Agreement deciding that Germany would gain control of the Sudetenland. 2. **Invasion and control of Czechoslovakia** - On 16 March 1939, Hitler invaded and took over the rest of Czechoslovakia. Here is a video showing the invasion of Czechoslovakia: [Watch Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSe1Yuk0jsc) ## Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression [August 1939] Hitler continued to set his sights on further expansion for Germany. On 23 August 1939, Germany and the Soviet Union signed the Non-Aggression Pact that lasted for ten years. ## Invasion of Poland [September 1939] Hitler's invasion of Poland was the last straw that triggered World War II. On 1st September 1939, Hitler invaded Poland. Britain and France declared war on Germany on 3 September 1939. Here is a video showing the invasion of Poland: [Watch Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdzXr144VzE)