Study Notes: The Second World War

CHAPTER FOUR: THE SECOND WORLD WAR

D. Restoration of Germany's Military Power

  • The military's popularity among the German populace.

  • Historical context of Germany as a militaristic nation prior to WWII.

  • The Treaty of Versailles significantly limited the size of the German military, fostering resentment and a desire for restoration among the German people.

3. How HITLER CAME TO POWER

A. Political Climate in Germany During the Great Depression

  • The Weimar government faced growing discontent as it struggled with economic issues stemming from the Great Depression.

  • Many voters turned to extreme political factions, including the Nazi Party on the right and the Communist Party on the left.

  • In 1932, the Nazis became the largest party in the German parliament but did not secure a sufficient majority.

B. Hitler's Rise to Chancellor

  1. Election of Hitler

    • Despite not having a majority, dissatisfaction with the Weimar Republic allowed Hitler to gain sufficient influence to challenge the status quo.

    • In December 1932, further elections were held; Hitler was appointed Chancellor in late January 1933.

  2. Attempts to Consolidate Power

    • Frustrated by the lack of majority, Hitler called for another election in February 1933.

    • The burning of the Reichstag (German parliament) by a Dutch communist was leveraged by Hitler to instill fear of a communist uprising.

    • Although the Nazis were still short of a majority after the election, they succeeded in outlawing the Communist Party, consolidating their majority and power.

    • Hitler bullied the Reichstag into passing the Enabling Act, granting him dictatorial powers and effectively ending democracy in Germany.

4. NAZI GERMANY UNDER HITLER

A. Establishment of a Totalitarian State

  • Germany transformed into a totalitarian regime marked by oppression and minimal dissent among the populace.

B. Night of the Long Knives

  • June 1934: Hitler orchestrated the execution of about 1,000 individuals deemed enemies of the Nazi state to consolidate his power.

C. Implementation of Nuremberg Laws

  • Between 1933 and 1939, the Nuremberg Laws were enacted, entailing severe restrictions and discrimination against Jews:

    • (i) Mandatory wearing of the Star of David.

    • (ii) Jews lost professional careers and property rights.

    • (iii) Prohibition against mingling with the non-Jewish population.

    • (iv) Revocation of citizenship rights.

  • These injustices were largely accepted without resistance, foreshadowing Hitler's genocidal intentions.

D. Kristallnacht

  • November 9, 1938: Orchestration of violence against Jews by the Nazis led to widespread attacks on Jewish property and synagogues, marking a significant escalation in anti-Semitic policies.

E. Dismantling of Human Rights

  • Complete abolition of civil rights and establishment of the Gestapo (secret police) and SS (Schutzstaffel), allowing unchecked power under Hitler's regime.

  • Public gestures of loyalty, such as the Heil Hitler salute, became commonplace.

D. THE SOVIET UNION UNDER STALIN

1. Stalin's Goals

  • Stalin established a totalitarian regime, seeking to modernize the Soviet economy and fearing invasion.

  • He utilized the Five Year Plans and command economies to control economic life.

    • Aimed for rapid industrialization, focusing on heavy industry and collectivization of agriculture.

    • Elimination of private land ownership for capital accumulation.

I. BACKGROUND EVENTS

A. Rise of Totalitarianism

  • Totalitarianism defined as a regime with absolute power, characterized by:

    • (1) One leader with absolute authority.

    • (2) Official ideology with no tolerance for dissent.

    • (3) Use of secret police to instill terror.

    • (4) Systematic suppression of human rights, censorship, and propaganda.

B. Mussolini and Italian Fascism

  1. Mussolini's Ascension

    • Frustrated with democratic leadership post-WWI, Mussolini leveraged growing discontent, culminating in the 'March on Rome' in 1922, leveraging threats of violence.

  2. Italy's Totalitarian State

    • Mussolini pursued imperial conquests, invading Ethiopia in 1935 while forging partnerships with Hitler.

C. Failure of Democracy in Germany

  1. Overview of Weimar Republic

    • Established post-WWI, it faced disdain due to association with the Treaty of Versailles, leading to growing dissatisfaction and eventual acceptance of totalitarianism.

  2. Economic Instability

    • Germany faced hyperinflation after failing to pay reparations, ultimately contributing to the rise of the Nazis as they promised economic revival.

III. THE EVENTS OF THE EUROPEAN THEATRE

A. The Invasion of Poland (1939)

  1. Initiation of WWII

    • On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, utilizing blitzkrieg tactics (lightning war) characterized by swift aerial bombardments and armored advances.

  2. Allied Responses

    • Following the invasion, France and Britain declared war on Germany, with Canada joining soon after, driven by national loyalty and opposition to aggression.

B. The Phony War

  • From October 1939 to April 1940, inactivity from Germany led to a period of anticipation and indecision, termed the Phony War.

C. War in Western Europe (Beginning May 1940)

  1. Rapid German Advances

    • The invasion of Norway, Denmark, and the Low Countries led to the swift fall of France.

  2. The Evacuation of Dunkirk (1940)

    • Approximately 900 ships evacuated 340,000 Allied troops trapped on the French beaches, marking a notable moral victory despite losses.

1. BATTLE OF BRITAIN, 1940

  • Strategic air conflict with the German Luftwaffe as they aimed to gain air superiority over Britain in preparation for a land invasion.

  • Advantages such as superior British radar technology and the decoding of German communications (Enigma) contributed to the eventual RAF success.

C. CANADIANS AT DIEPPE, 1942

1. Operation Overview

  • The disastrous raid on Dieppe marked the first engagement for Canadian troops in Europe, resulting in heavy casualties and lessons that informed later Allied operations, including D-Day.

D. THE EASTERN FRONT, 1939-1941

1. The Soviet Union and the Great Patriotic War

  • Hitler’s invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941 (Operation Barbarossa) marked a critical turning point in WWII.

  • Soviet strategies included a scorched-earth policy in response to Nazi advances.

E. THE ITALIAN CAMPAIGN

1. Operations Against Axis Powers

  • The Allied strategy involved capturing Sicily and progressing to the Italian mainland, influencing the overall conflict in Europe.

F. NORMANDY LANDING TO END OF WAR IN WESTERN EUROPE

1. D-Day (June 6, 1944)

  • The expansive Allied invasion on the shores of Normandy represented a turning point in the war, leading to significant troop deployments and marking the beginning of the end for Nazi dominance in Western Europe.

G. THE WAR IN THE PACIFIC THEATRE

1. Japanese Offensive (Pearl Harbor)

  • Japan's surprise attack resulted in the US and Britain's declaration of war. This marked the transition of the conflict into a global scale.

2. Outcomes of the Pacific War

  • Key battles included Leyte Gulf and the eventual atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of WWII.

VIII. CANADA AFTER THE SECOND WORLD WAR

A. Economic Effects

  1. Canada evolved from wartime economy to post-war prosperity with significant industrial growth.

B. Political and Social Effects

  1. Canada's role as a middle power solidified through participation in global governance and humanitarian efforts post-war.

C. Contributions of Canadian Minorities

  • While historically marginalized, groups like Indigenous and Black Canadians, alongside advances in women's rights, gained recognition and agency through their war efforts.

D. Japanese Internment and Compensation

  • The internment of Japanese Canadians highlighted wartime paranoia, leading to lasting repercussions and eventual governmental compensation decades later.