World War II: Origins, Early Campaigns, and Shifting Tides

November 30, 2023

World War II Begins

Causes of World War II

1. The Treaty of Versailles
2. Rise of Totalitarianism
3. Adolf Hitler's Actions
4. Failure of the League of Nations

1938: The Munich Conference

• Adolf Hitler hosted Italy, France, and Britain.
• He demanded the rest of Czechoslovakia.
• British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain appeased Hitler.

The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact

• Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin signed a 10-year non-aggression agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union.

The Spark of World War II

• On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland.
• On September 3, 1939, Britain and France declared war.

Canada's Decision to Enter the War

• William Lyon Mackenzie King waited one week, declaring war on September 10th.
• This demonstrated Canada's growing autonomy (independence from Britain).

The Invasion of Poland

• Germany defeated Poland by the end of September.
• Poland was divided with the Soviet Union.

The Blitzkrieg: Lightning Warfare

• A German battle tactic.
• Involved swift attacks combining land and air forces.
• It was known as "Lightning Warfare."

The Summer of 1940: Rapid German Victories

Hitler's forces rapidly defeated:

• Denmark in 1 day
• Norway in 2 days
• Netherlands in 5 days
• Belgium in 18 days (also Luxembourg)
• France in 6 weeks

The Miracle at Dunkirk

• Allied forces were pushed to the edge of the English Channel.
• Adolf Hitler hesitated.
• Occurred from May 27 to June 4.
• Over 1,000 vessels (including fishing boats, pleasure crafts, ferries, and naval boats) came to the rescue.
• Approximately 400,000 Allied troops were saved.

German Occupation of France

• On June 14, Germany took over Paris.
• On June 25, France surrendered.
• The Germans set up a 'Puppet Government' in Vichy.

The Who's Who of World War II

The Allies

The Axis Powers

The Battle of Britain: Key Details

• Who: Royal Air Force (RAF) vs. Luftwaffe
• When: Summer 1940
• Where: In the skies over Southern Britain
• Why: Germany sought a land invasion of Britain and needed to destroy the Royal Air Force first.
• What: The outnumbered RAF held off the Luftwaffe.

Significance:

• Canadian pilots joined the fighting.
• The invasion of Britain was temporarily avoided.
• This marked the beginning of bombing cities in World War II (e.g., London, Berlin).
• The phrase "Keep Calm and Carry On" became a symbol of British resilience.

December 5, 2023

World War II: The Year 1942

The Axis powers were dominating the war. The USA and Soviet Union had joined the Allies.

The Pacific Theater in 1942

• Japan continued to conquer the Pacific Rim, including:
  • Philippines
  • Malaysia
  • East Indies

The Battle of Midway

• In June 1942, a huge naval battle took place in the Pacific.
• The USA decisively defeated Japan.
• Japanese forces ceased their expansion.

Allied Strategic Plan for 1942

• Invade Western Europe.
• Germany was heavily engaged fighting in the Soviet Union.
• Create a second front.
• Liberate France.

The Dieppe Raid

• The Allies planned to attack this port in France.
• Canadians were given the mission.
• On August 19, 1942.
• An early morning surprise attack was planned.
• The element of surprise was spoiled.

Outcome: A Costly Failure

• Canadians were mowed down on the beach.
• Heavy losses were sustained (approximately 2,900 Canadian casualties).

Significance of Dieppe

• Fortress Europe remained intact.
• Canadian forces suffered greatly.
• The Allies gained valuable experience for future amphibious landings.

December 5, 2023

World War II: The Year 1943

The Battle of Stalingrad

• During the winter of 1942-1943.
• The Soviets decisively defeated the Germans.
• Approximately 800,000 Axis casualties.
• Approximately 1.1 million Soviet casualties.

Results of Stalingrad

• A major turning point in the war.
• The Soviets began to push the Nazis out of the Soviet Union.

December 5, 2023

World War II: 1943 - The Tides Are Turning

Intensified Bombing of Germany

• The USA and Britain intensified bombing campaigns on German cities.
• Throughout 1943.
• This significantly weakened the German war effort.

The Allied Invasion of Italy

• Began on July 10, 1943.
• Included a Canadian-led attack.
• By August, Sicily was captured.
• By September, Italy was defeated.

Summary of 1943 Developments

• By the end of 1943:
  • Soviet Union: Pushing Nazis out of Russia.
  • Canada/Britain: Defeated Italy, intensified bombing of Germany.
  • Germany: Weakened, but Fortress Europe remained intact.
  • Japan: Held much of the Pacific, but suffered a huge loss at Midway.