World War 2

Introduction to the Origins of World War II

  • Emphasis on the beginning of World War II originating in Asia rather than Europe.

  • Japanese military takeover: The military gains control by displacing the emperor and seeks expansionist policies.

Japanese Expansion in Asia

  • Manchuria: Initial expansion into Manchuria (also referred to as Korea and parts of China).

  • Racial Supremacy: Japanese believed in their racial superiority, which justified their domination over other Asian nations.

  • League of Nations: Japan was a member and received condemnation for its actions, but withdrew from the League after facing opposition.

U.S. Context During the 1930s

  • Great Depression in the U.S.: Economic struggles led to an aversion towards international involvement.

  • Hoover-Stimson Doctrine: President Hoover and Secretary of State Stimson declared a policy of ignoring Japan's invasion by pretending the land still belonged to its previous owners as a means to avoid conflict.

Germany's Economic Collapse

  • Hyperinflation in Germany: A historical phenomenon reminiscent of the Roman civilization and the Confederate States.

    • Deutsche Mark: Example of currency devaluation; $1 equaled 4 Deutsche Marks at war's start, escalating to 76 Marks later on.

  • U.S. Loans Post World War I: Few countries repaid the U.S. for loans during WWI; only Finland did so in 1976.

Causes of U.S. Entry into World War I

  • Zimmerman's Telegram: Key in prompting U.S. involvement by proposing a German alliance with Mexico against the U.S.

  • Financial Motivations: Economic interests linked to bank loans and the arms industry were cited as reasons behind U.S. entry into WWI.

U.S. Neutrality Acts

  • Objectives: Aimed at maintaining U.S. isolationism and avoiding the mistakes from WWI.

  • Key Components:

    • Prohibition of arms sales to warring nations.

    • No concern for American deaths on ships attacked in war zones.

    • Ban on loans to countries involved in war.

Isolationism vs. Internationalism

  • Historical Context: Reflection on Washington's advice and the shift towards isolationism post-WWI.

  • Political Spectrum: Cartoonists like Dr. Seuss illustrated the tension between isolationism and the desire for intervention in global affairs.

  • FDR's Stance: FDR's inclination towards involvement despite political pressures to remain neutral.

Rise of Totalitarian Regimes

Germany

  • Adolf Hitler’s Rise: Elected in 1933, leads to the transformation of Germany into Nazi Germany.

  • French-German Historical Conflicts: France's desire for territory post-WWI leads to tensions as the Rhineland becomes a focal point.

Expansion of Nazi Germany

  • Anschluss: Austria annexed due to ethnic ties; little to no international outcry.

  • Sudetenland Crisis: Meeting of European powers (Munich Conference) results in policies of appeasement; Czech leaders excluded from crucial discussions.