WWII Notes 2: Isolationism and Appeasement

WWII Notes 2: Appeasement and Isolationism AND the Development of Nazi Racial PolicyWorld Wars Ms. HamerNovember 1, 2010The 1920sHyperinflation in Germany Early 1920s"On 1st November 1923 1 pound of bread cost 3 billion, 1 pound of meat: 36 billion, 1 glass of beer: 4 billion."

German Policy of Fulfillment - 1924If Germany made the best possible attempt to fulfill the reparation payments, then this would show the Allies how unfair it was.Previously Germany was arguing the Treaty and refusing to pay.1923 France and Belgium had invaded the Ruhr Valley to demand payments in goods like coal

1925 Locarno TreatiesMade Spirit of Locarno idea that peace would remain after WWI

Guaranteed the common boundaries of Belgium, France, and Germany as specified in the Treaty of Versailles of 1919. Germany signed treaties with Poland and Czechoslovakia, agreeing to change the eastern borders of Germany by arbitration only.

1926 Germany joins League of NationsIsnt this nice?1928 Kellogg-Briand PactAll signers of the Pact promised not to use war to settle disputesShowed the delusions of the time periodLulled many into a false sense of securityMost major countries signed

Dawes Plan 1924 and Young Plan 1929Plan for Allies to get their reparation money after WWIAllies would leave the Ruhr ValleyCycle of money from U.S. loans to Germany, which then made reparations to other European nations, which then used the money to pay off their debts to America, locked the western world's economy on that of the U.SYoung Plan would further lessen the strain of the Dawes PlanDawes Plan 1924 and Young Plan 1929

Stock Market Crash of 1929Terribly hurt GermanyHad private loans from US withdrawn1932 1/3 of German workforce was unemployed or working drastically reduced hoursMany business failuresEconomic problems fed an anti-republic sentiment in Germany

1930sHitler Comes to PowerHitler appointed Chancellor January 1933Relentlessly attacked the failures of the other parties and the republicPromised to restore Germanys place in the world promised to make it workWould break the Treaty of Versailles

Domestic Issues

From 1933-1934 Hitler worked on consolidating Nazi power and establishing his totalitarian regime

Hitlers Goals for GermanyLebensraum: Living SpaceHitler wanted the German population to increase and would need more room and farmlandThis would also make Germany economically self sufficientRoom would come from the East (successor states created by WWI)Hitlers Goals for Germany cont.Greater German Empire would be racially pure for GermansHitler felt that Germany was the last great hope of the best raceGermany would be free of Slavs, Polish, JewsHitler discussed the threat of Judeo-Bolshevism with its home in the Soviet UnionThe whole world was threatened by Judeo-BolshevismThird Reich would crusade against this

Hitlers Goals for Germany cont.Knew these goals could not be achieved peacefullyLife was struggle war was necessary to meet these goalsWar for Lebensraum and then war against Judeo-BolshevismWould require destroying the Treaty of Versailles Hitlers Early Foreign PolicyHitler believed that the world would be divided into 4 power blocks:Germany would dominate the European continentBritish would maintain their international empireJapanese would dominate Asia (Hitler called them the Aryans of the East)US would dominate the western hemisphere (even though the US was doomed from too much racial mixing)

Hitlers Early Foreign Policy cont.1932 Germany was in an international disarmament conference so they still were when Hitler came to powerHitlers reps proposed: Germany would completely disarm if everyone else wouldDuh no.So Hitlers reps left the Disarmament ConferenceUsed this as propaganda at home world wants to keep Germany oppressedAlso withdrew from the League of NationsHitler played on the fact that Germany should always be treated equally

Hitlers Early Foreign Policy cont.1934 signs 10-year nonaggression pact with Poland though of course it wouldnt stick Poland was a part of lebensraumGermany made this pact to strike a blow at the French alliance system

Hitler Fights the Treaty of Versailles1935 Hitler stronger politicallyAssumed position of Reich President and became chief of the armed forcesSaid withdrawing from Disarmament Conf meant that Germany didnt have to follow the disarmament clause of the Treaty of Versailles

Hitler Fights the Treaty of Versailles cont.March 1935 Hitler announced that Germany was going to rebuild its Luftwaffe - air forceOnly minor outcry from the League of Nations, so one week later Hitler announced conscription to build up an army as wellLeague protested like with the Luftwaffe, but no one took action

Appeasement BeginsAppeasement: giving into a bully so that you hope he will be satisfied and stopFrance and GB were still seen as enforcers of the TreatyJune 1935 GB entered into the Anglo-German Naval Agreement without consulting anyoneRecognized Germanys right to build:A navy up to 35% of GBs surface tonnageSubmarine force of 60% of GBs forceEngland cut a deal with Hitler on what mattered most to GB the navy

Hitler Remilitarizes the Rhineland March 1936Frances ability to influence events in Germany and its ability to protect itself and its allies in the East was goneLeague did nothing again even though France asked it tooGermany made a gamble because France had such a larger army at the timeBut the gamble worked because France did not send any troops into the RhinelandHitler Remilitarizes the Rhineland March 1936 cont.Remilitarization of the Rhineland was part of Hitlers relentless pressure on the Treaty of VersaillesHitlers prestige in the international community soared

1936 Olympic Games in BerlinAmericans remember Jesse Owens victory and Hitler having to acknowledge the success of an African American

1936 Olympic Games in Berlin cont.

World had come to Berlin Germany was backGermany also won the Olympics on pointsEnd of the Treaty of VersaillesIt was basically dead by 1936Propaganda Used by HitlerPropaganda ClipPAUSE TO DO MAPS!!!Welcome Back GermanyHitler had brought Germany back to the world scene with the remilitarization of the Rhine, the 1936 Olympics, and the 4 year plan4 year plan: would make Germany economically self-sufficient in 4 years!Time February 13, 1933The National Government will carry out the great work of reorganizing the economic life of our people by means of two great four-year plans: 1) salvation of the German farmer, with the object of maintaining the nourishment and therewith the vital basis of the nation; and 2) salvation of the German worker by a powerful and comprehensive attack on unemployment. . . .Read more:http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,745146-2,00.html#ixzz0X5DXAzVJHitler as a SpeakerUntil about 1938, Hitler constantly reminded people that all he wanted was peaceHe was a soldier in the trenches of WWIhow could he want anything else?

Hitlers speaking routine:He warmed himself up, then spoke about foreign policy, which always focused on how unfairly Germany had been treated and about how he wanted Germany to have its place in the sun again.Video Clip of the Fuhrer Speaking WWII Clip 1You know he used to practice his gestures in front of a mirrorIssues in EuropeFrance WeakensFrance felt it would have to deal with Germany on its own because England had basically bailed when America refused to ratify the Treaty of VersaillesDepression was bad, but not as bad as elsewhereIt did cause political fragmentation that led to a lack of consensus about what to do about the German challenge

Maginot LineLine of intense fortifications that stretched the length of the French/German borderSymptomatic of French problems still stuck in the idea of WWINo ideas of mobility that could be used in a future warOdd since the last two times that Germany had attacked they used the Ardennes in 1870 and Belgium in 1914

Maginot Line

Why Wasnt the Maginot Line Along the Belgian Border?France had promised to protect Belgian sovereigntyEngineering issuesHigh water tableWould cost too muchnot compared to a war!Faith in French army largest on the continent in the mid 1930s (except Soviets)French Foreign PolicyStill looking for alliesMistrusted the BritishThought the Americans were too isolationistFrance began to ally itself with Eastern European countries that it felt would help it against Germany, because the Soviet Union was out tooPoland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Romania, and Belgium in the WestBut none of these had real power.Soviet Unions Foreign PolicyEntered the League of Nations September 1934Wanted collective security arrangements1935 signed a deal to protect Czechoslovakia if someone attacked them AND if France held up their deal to protect themCommunist parties in Western Europe should ally themselves with socialists and liberals against fascists

Italys Foreign PolicyWas worried about the spread of Germany into AustriaMussolini invaded Ethiopia in 1935 Permanently drove a wedge between Italy and England/FranceBy 1936 Mussolini was talking about a Rome/Berlin Axis

Germany Begins War PlansNovember 1937 Top Secret Goals MeetingFor Lebensraum, Germany would have to attack the EastNeeded to prepare for a 2 front war since this might lead to problems with FranceWithin weeks the Minister of War and Commander of Army and Foreign Minister were all removedThey had all voiced concern about this planHitler would become the Minister of War and Commander of the ArmyFebruary 1938 Austrian AnschlussAustrian Nazis had tried to take over Austria in 1934 were all in jail nowEarly 1938 Austrian chancellor began asking for protection of Austrian sovereignty Hitler found out and invited the chancellor to Germany to discuss issues with HitlerHe was brought to the Eagles Nest

February 1938 Austrian Anschluss PART 2Hitler demanded freeing of Austrian NazisHitler also demanded absorption of Austria by Germany (Anschluss = Link Up)Chancellor of Austria said let me think about it and made it back to AustriaCalled for a plebiscite on March 13th (referendum)Upset Hitler and he demanded Austria call off referendum or face warFebruary 1938 Austrian Anschluss PART 3German troops spilled over the border into Austria and announced the annexation of Austria on March 12, 1938Mild international responseHitler justified it as what Wilson wanted at Versailles borders by ethnic boundaries

Cheering crowds greet Nazis entering Vienna on March 15, 1938Summer 1938 The SudetenlandBorderlands of Czechoslovakia that contains mostly ethnic GermansHitler encouraged ethnic Germans in this region to demand autonomyCzechoslovakia prepared to defend itselfHitler didnt want a war, but planned for Germany to invade by October 1st

Summer 1938 The Sudetenland Part 2Mussolini also didnt want a war over this tiny region so he allied with Chamberlain who would use appeasementWhy had Chamberlain been focused on appeasement?Thought French army was unreliable and weakAmericans were isolationist and focused on their own needsWas worried that a war would lead to the crumbling of the British empire and the rise of real American power (ironic)

September 30, 1938 The Munich Conference

England, France, Italy, and Germany presided over the annexation of the Sudetenland by GermanyNo Czechoslovakia at the meeting!MAJOR move of appeasementChamberlain was seen as a hero at the time

From left to right: Chamberlain, Daladier, Hitler, and Mussolini before signing the Munich AgreementSeptember 30, 1938 The Munich Conference PART 2Why did Chamberlain practice appeasement here?Wanted to avoid warNo real army, but strong navy and air forceThought that this was the lesson to learn from WWIWanted to make acceptable concessions to GermanyWas charmed with Hitler and thought that he was a man you could make a deal withChamberlain also thought he didnt have many options

September 30, 1938 The Munich Conference PART 3Chamberlain believed he had reached peace in his timeHitler felt after the conference that the West (especially England) was weak and wouldnt fightStalin agreed with this after listening to what was happening because France did not hold up their end of the bargain to protect CzechoslovakiaStalin believed the West wanted to funnel German aggression towards the East (Soviet Union)German Army Conspiracy 1930sArmy was worried about the SA in 1933-1934SA had 400K-500K men even though the army had 100K1934 Hitler purged SA and Army swore loyalty to Hitler Known as the Night of the Long KnivesIn 1930s, the Army acted as a restraintWere opposed to remilitarization of the RhinelandTried to convinced Hitler that the army was not ready to move into Austria or CZ

Purge of the SA was known as the Night of the Long Knives when the SS (Himmler and Goering) were freaked out about the SA and claimed that Ernst Rhm (head of SA) was planning a Putsch. See http://www.historyplace.com/worldwar2/holocaust/h-roehm.htm for more info52German Army Conspiracy 1930sTop secret army decision: If Hitler sent the army on a suicide mission into CZ, then the army should depose him and put him under house arrest and set up a different sort of state.But after Munich the military conspiracy began to dissolve would resurface in an assassination attempt with the same people in July 1944

Purge of the SA was known as the Night of the Long Knives when the SS (Himmler and Goering) were freaked out about the SA and claimed that Ernst Rhm (head of SA) was planning a Putsch. See http://www.historyplace.com/worldwar2/holocaust/h-roehm.htm for more info53March 1939 All of CzechoslovakiaHitler used ethnic conflicts between Czechs and Slovaks as an excuse to take over the rest of CzechoslovakiaWithout the mountainous Sudetenland, CZ was less defendableInvasion was unopposed March 15, 1939

Turning Point for the WestWhat is the justification here no ethnic unity because these werent Germany peoplePerceived as pure aggressionTurning point of public opinion in England people started to listen to those against Hitler, like ChurchillEngland and France extended a guarantee to protect PolandReversal of British policy, but Chamberlain is still holding onto appeasementMovie Clip on Annexation of the SudetenlandSudetenland ClipIs Peace Possible in 1939?Key to Peace Was in MoscowGB and Fr guarantees to Poland could only be effective with a collective security structure which had to include Soviet UnionEven so the British and French proceeded casually and shipped their ambassadors to the Soviet Union (slow travelling!)Chamberlain thought time was on their sideAlso felt that Stalin and Hitler couldnt come to any kind of arrangement because they were mortal enemiesThe Bolshis and the Nazis would never be able to make a deal

Key to Peace Was in MoscowPART 2Red Army in summer 1939 was the largest army in Europe, but their status was low after Stalins army purges of 1938thousands purged all the way down the ranks

"Our cause is just. The enemy will be defeated. Victory will be ours!"Germany and PolandPoles were willing to compromise on territorial issues with the Germans, but refused to be reduced to the status of a puppet state (either to Germany or Soviets)May 1939 Pact of Steel The Pact of Steel was made between Germany and Italy they promised full assistance to each other in the advent of war no matter with whomWhen Hitler informed Mussolini about his plan to attack Poland in 1939, Mussolini informed Hitler that Italy was not ready and would not be ready for a war until 1943. HmmmAugust 23, 1939 Soviet German Non-Aggression PactMolotov-Ribbentrop PactMade no ideological sense, but did make sense on the foreign policy sceneEnded the prospect of a 2 front war early on (Hitler knew he was going after Poland)

August 23, 1939 Soviet German Non-Aggression Pact PART 2Hitler counted on this to restrain the British on their obligation to Poland and he didnt care about FranceStalin felt that he could buy time to rebuild the Red ArmyPlus Soviet Union got the secret annex of Eastern Poland (partition)Also let Stalin take N. Baltic coast and Hitler take S. Baltic Coast

Extended Soviet border farther WestSeptember 1, 1939 Invasion of PolandHitler did not expect a big war with the West in 1939Economically unprepared 4 year plan had fallen short of its goalsWas convinced that GB would follow further appeasementInstead Chamberlain issues an ultimatum that the German army had to leave Poland and then they could talkHitler let that deadline lapse

Americas Isolationism 1935-1941Isolationism: Desire not to get involved in world affairs65Isolationism in AmericaAfter WWI, America did not want to get involved in another world conflictDuring the early 1930s, mass sentiment in America turned against war, even Americas previous actions in WWI. 66

Charles Lindbergh

America-First Committee67US Neutrality ActsIn an effort to keep America out of future wars, Congress passed a series of Neutrality Acts beginning in 1935. These acts outlawed arms sales or loans to nations at war or in a civil war. Problem when Japan invaded China in 1937Roosevelt found a way around the Neutrality Acts: Japan had never officially declared war and therefore the US was allowed to sell arms to China.68

U. S. Neutrality Acts:1934, 1935, 1937, 193969Roosevelt Moves Away From Neutrality PART 1Once war began in Europe, Roosevelt persuaded Congress to revise the Neutrality Acts:Neutrality Act of 1939 allowed the US to sell arms to countries that would pay cash and transport the weapons themselves Known as cash and carry. Roosevelt maintained that helping England and France to defeat Hitler would keep America out of war.70Roosevelt Moves Away From Neutrality PART 2After France fell and it looked like the US might have to become involved, America sent 500,000 rifles and 80,000 machine guns to Britain. FDR also traded 50 old destroyers for leases on British military bases in the Caribbean and Newfoundland (The Destroyer Deal)Congress boosted defense spending and instituted the nations first peacetime draft. Roosevelt gave up the tradition of only running for two terms and ran for his third; he won with 55% of the votes. 71Roosevelt Moves Away From Neutrality PART 3After his reelection, Roosevelt informed the people of America that arming the Allies would be the only way to keep America from being attacked by the Axis. Under this theory, Roosevelt decided to make America the great arsenal of democracy the U.S. would provide arms to the Allies. 72Lend Lease Act March 1941England ran out of money to buy arms by the end of 1940 though. Roosevelt came up with a new plan to help: the lend-lease policy:America would lend or lease arms and other supplies to any country whose defense was vital to the United States. 73Great Britain.........................$31 billionSoviet Union..........................$11 billionFrance..................................$3 billionChina...................................$1.5 billionOther European.....................$500 millionSouth America.......................$400 million

The amount totaled: $48,601,365,000

U. S. Lend-Lease Act Totals74Unofficial Naval War with Germany PART 1One of the largest problems that America had was actually getting the supplies to the Allies. Groups of approximately 40 German submarines would patrol shipping lines in the North Atlantic and attack the under-guarded convoys. The wolf packs destroyed 350,000 tons of shipments in a single month.

75Unofficial Naval War with Germany PART 2In June 1941, Roosevelt gave the navy permission for US warships to attack German U-Boats in self-defense. Later in September of 1941, a German submarine fired on the US Destroyer Greer. This caused Roosevelt to order the navy to shoot German submarines on sight. Unofficial naval war with Germany.76