Discussion of rising tensions in 1930's Europe through the Lend-Lease Program

1. The Road to Pearl Harbor

2. Totalitarian Regimes A modern dictatorial government in which the state involves itself in all aspects of society. A totalitarian government seeks to control not only all economic and political matters but the attitudes, values, and beliefs of its population The citizen’s duty to the state becomes the primary concern of the community Goal of the state is the replacement of existing society with a perfect society (return to past greatness) What ideal societal goal could be created?

3. Totalitarian Characteristics A single party through which the people are mobilized to muster energy and support. The party is generally led by a dictator and, typically, participation in politics, especially voting, is required The party leadership maintains monopoly control over the governmental system, which includes the police, military, communications, and economic and education systems. Opposition is systematically suppressed and people terrorized by a secret police. However, only with modern technology have governments acquired the means to control society; therefore, totalitarianism is a recent phenomenon.

6. What is Fascism? The term fascism has come to mean any system of government resembling Mussolini's, that in various combinations: exalts the nation and party above the individual, with the state apparatus being supreme. stresses loyalty to a single leader, and submission to a single nationalistic culture. creation of a Corporatist State, where the differing economic and social interests of different classes are combined with the interests of the State. Differing social classes assumed – ALL working for greater nation!

7. Nazi Ideology Nazi Ideology combined the following beliefs: Human history is nothing but racial struggle in which the strong survive and the weak die out, and the belief in the superiority of Germany over all other nations. The Jews were thought to be the lowest form of humanity and most inferior race. They had nevertheless gained control over both capitalism and communism Needed to be eliminated. Unquestioned obedience to Hitler (Führer) Extreme glorification of militarism and war to achieve ends.

8. Hitler's Rise to Power Appealed to Germans burdened by reparations payments to the victors of World War I, and threatened by hyper-inflation, political chaos, and a possible Communist takeover. Hitler offered scapegoats and solutions. To the economically depressed he promised to ruin “Jew financiers,” to workers he promised security. He gained the financial support of bankers and industrialists with his strong anti-Communism stance and promises to control trade unionism. Hitler had a keen insight into mass psychology, and he was a master of political maneuver. Nazis were elected the largest party in the Reichstag (July, 1932)

9. Huge rallies like this one encouraged people to support the Nazis and their goals of expansion and domination.

12. “One People, One Empire, One Leader”

13. “Long Live Germany”

14. "The Reich will never be destroyed if you are united and loyal."

15. "Through military will to military strength."

16. "This is how we fight. You, too, must work for victory."

17. "Be true to the Führer."

18. Hitler Youth

19. "Youth Serves the Führer. All 10-year-olds into the Hitler Youth."

20. English Translation: 60000 RM (Reichsmarks) Is the lifetime cost of this disabled person for the community. Comrade this is also Your money. Read "Neues Volk“ The monthly issues of the Bureau for Race Politics of the NSDAP

21. "The Jew: The inciter of war, the prolonger of war."

22. Children were taught at a young age to be prejudiced

23. On April 1st, 1933, the boycott which was announced by the National socialistic party began. Placard reads, "Germans, defend yourselves, do not buy from Jews," at the Jewish Tietz store.

24. Hitler and the Nazisused the Jews as scapegoats for the economic problems the Germans were experiencing.

25. 1936 Summer Olympics The 1936 Summer Olympics were held in Berlin, Germany. The government saw the Olympics as a golden opportunity to promote their Nazi ideology. To ensure victories, the German government provided steroids to its athletes. While Germany dominated the games, the many triumphs by citizens of other nations were seen as a rebuke to racist Nazi philosophies. In particular, the black sprinter and long jumper Jesse Owens won four gold medals.

27. Dealing with Militaristic Dictators Failed Geneva Conference – proposed a reduction in offensive armaments Neutrality Acts of 1935, 1936, 1937 Mandatory arms embargo against aggressor and victim US citizens travel at own risk on belligerent vessels Cash-n-Carry Policy added in ’37 Cash only, and they must carry

28. Appeasement After Hitler’s retaking the Rhineland (near French border) and joining with Austria, Germany looked to Sudetenland A German speaking area of Czechoslovakia Hoping to avoid war, the British and French signed the Munich Agreement with Hitler Germany could have the Sudetenland, promising to take NO MOREterritory Allies hoped to avoid war at all cost & were militarily unprepared to stop Hitler at this point

30. “My good friends, for the second time in our history, a British Prime Minister has returned from Germany bringing peace with honour. I believe it is peace for our time.” British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain

31. Nazis Nazis Nazis Nazis Sudetenland Neville Chamberlain

32. Battle of Britain April 1940 July-October 1940 Sept 1, '39 Soviets Expand West Sept '38 March '39 1938 Vichy

33. Blitzkrieg – “lightning war” German attack strategy of WW II Coordinated attack using aerial bombardment and fast moving armored divisions supported by troops SPEED was key

34. Germany flanks the Maginot Line Italy also declares war on France Germans establish “puppet government” in Vichy Resistance continues to fight Great Britain now stands alone Fall of France

35. Hitler in Paris after the fall of France in May 1940

37. Battle of Britain July-October 1940

38. Eugenics Buck v. Bell (1927)

39. Battle of Britain April 1940 July-October 1940 Sept 1, '39 Soviets Expand West Sept '38 March '39 1938 Vichy

40. US Reaction to the War Americans were still determined to remain neutral, even though public opinion was set against the Axis Powers After France fell, the US began a significant military build-up preparing for invasion (1940 – 66% thought Nazis were US threat) First peace-time draft in history began US begins supplying British Destroyers for Bases Deal – Sept 1940 50 WWI destroyers in exchange for 8 defensive sites from Newfoundland to South America – term 99 years

41. Opponents of Action The Nye Report - 1936 Senator Gerald Nye led investigation into profiteering during WWI Many corporations made HUGE profits during war Banks who had loaned money to Europe had encouraged Wilson to seek declaration Charles Lindbergh, Father Coughlin America First Committee “England will fight to the last American”

42. Presidential Election F.D. Roosevelt W. Willkie v.

46. Lend-Lease April 1941 Due to German bombing of Britain support for more direct support of Allies grows Newly elected FDR gives Four Freedom’s Speech (speech, religion, from want, from fear) Congress responded with Lend-Lease Authorized president to supply any nation he deemed, “ vital to the defense of the US” UK out of cash – We “lent” supplies