The Origins and Major Campaigns of World War II
Item 10
Causes of World War II
German Expansionist Policies
The first consequence of Hitler's rise to power was Germany's abandonment of the League of Nations, signaling their rejection of international politics. In order to form a victorious Reich and succeed in imposing their Lebensraum (living space) in Europe, Germany annexed the Saar region in 1935. Following this, the German rearmament began, leading to the remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936.
Weakness of Western Democracies
The Spanish Civil War facilitated the approach between Hitler and Mussolini, who supported the Nationalist insurgents against the Second Spanish Republic. In 1936, the Rome-Berlin Axis was formalized. Japan signed the Anti-Comintern Pact with Germany against the USSR.
The Spanish Civil War evidenced the weakness of democracies, particularly France and Great Britain, who chose not to intervene despite the Nazi and Fascist support for Franco. This non-intervention was largely due to deep societal divisions within France and Great Britain.
Japanese Imperialism and Expansion
Japan sought to expand its influence and control the entire Asian region, aiming for economic enrichment. The Japanese invasion of Manchuria was the first step of this expansion, leading to the formation of the satellite state of Manchukuo.
Japan strengthened its navy with a view toward future expansion into the Pacific, solidified its alliance with Rome and Berlin (the Axis Powers), and announced its intention of forming a New Order in East Asia.
Development of World War II
Blitzkrieg: The Lightning War
The invasion of Poland introduced a new kind of warfare based on surprise and speed of movement by the German army, the Wehrmacht, utilizing its armored divisions (the Panzer) and aviation.
The occupied territories were divided: one part was rapidly incorporated into the Reich, and the other remained under Nazi rule. The Nazis then turned their sights on Northern Europe, establishing naval and air bases for the purpose of attacking Great Britain. Denmark and Norway were conquered. Great Britain's inability to prevent this led to the resignation of Prime Minister Chamberlain and the formation of a new government led by Winston Churchill.
The next objective was France, attacked via the Netherlands and Belgium, bypassing the French troops positioned along the Maginot Line.
Campaign Against the USSR (Operation Barbarossa)
Despite the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, Hitler was preparing for Operation Barbarossa to attack the USSR. However, Mussolini's conquest of Greece delayed Hitler's plans. Germany subsequently conquered Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia.
A revolt occurred in Belgrade just as Yugoslavia was about to ally with Germany. The German reaction was swift: they bombed Belgrade and conquered Yugoslavia, which subsequently ceased to exist as a unified state. Germany then attacked Greece and later Crete.
The invasion of Russia began, but the strength of the Soviet resistance frustrated all expectations. German forces could not enter Moscow, Leningrad resisted for three years, and the advance to the south was decisively halted at the Battle of Stalingrad. The surrender of the German Sixth Army at Stalingrad marked a major turning point and the beginning of the decline of German power in Europe.