Filter
Top Products
Chapter 7 The Big Picture: A Short History of World War II
121
Chapter 7
The Big Picture:
A Short History of World War II
The seeds of World War II were sown at the end of World War Ithe
“war to end all wars.” The armistice signed by Germany (the Versailles
Treaty) contains provisions that restrict its territory, limit German
military buildups, and impose reparations. These reparations are the
most devastating blow; the Allies essentially force Germany to pay the
victor’s war debts. The strain on the German economy causes wide-
spread unemployment and rampant inflation
a wheelbarrow of paper
money might buy a loaf of bread.
This grim economic climate proves ripe for the growth of a fiercely
nationalistic party called the National Socialists. Led by a former
German Army corporal, Adolph Hitler, the National Socialist movement
gains popularity and power throughout the late 1920s. When Hitler
becomes chancellor in 1933, he quickly consolidates his power. In
August 1934, he proclaims himself Führer
leaderand forces
Germany’s military to proclaim personal loyalty to him.
In March 1936, German troops occupy the Rhineland, a direct violation
of the Versailles Treaty. The German High Command opposes the
occupation, but Hitler envisions a passive Allied response; when there
is no military action by the British or French, Hitler is proven right. The
Führer assumes supremacy over his military commanders.
In January 1937, Hitler formally renounces the Versailles Treaty in
a speech at the Reichstag. He claims that no great world power can
accept such restrictions. In November, Hitler explains his intentions
for Germany at a party conference. His chief aim is to obtain
Lebensraum
“room for living”in Eastern Europe. He knows it
will be necessary to use force; his first targets are Austria and
Czechoslovakia. The Führer has no specific timetable, preferring to
wait for a ripe opportunity.
In March 1938, Germany annexes Austria. One year later,
Czechoslovakia comes under German control. Now Hitler looks
east
toward Poland.
"Peace in our time": British Prime Minister
Neville Chamberlain returns from Munich