After the end of WWI, Adolf Hitler, Germany’s dictator, saw an opportunity to gain power. From this power, he became a threat to the worldwide peace when he demanded Sudetenland be turned over to Germany.

To prevent an outbreak of war over only a small territory, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain spoke with Hitler and eventually, Britain and France agreed to give Sudetenland to Germany. This agreement became known as the Munich Pact.

Chamberlain (left) and Hitler (right)

Nazism

After WWI, Hitler and the rest of Germany turned to Nazism, a type a fascism. They believed that they, the Aryan race, were superior to other races such as Jews. Together, Nazis rose to power and attempted to rule the world.

In the parliament, the Nazi Party was able to win the most seats compared to all the other German parties. This led to Hitler being named Prime Minister. He rid Germany of democracy and started placing more Nazis in power.

To attract more supporters, Hitler used propaganda (left).

Blitzkrieg

Meaning “lightning war”, blitzkrieg was used by Germans as a way to execute a quick victory by utilizing weapons such as planes, artillery, and tanks. This military tactic was designed to surprise enemies through speed and strong firepower, creating psychological shock and the enemies’ disorganization.

In 1939, Germany first tested this tactic in Poland. Later, they became successful when they annexed France, Belgium, and the Netherlands only a year later.

Lend Lease Act

This act allowed the United States to help foreign countries with any arms or other military needs without having to pay or go into battle.
The main goal was to help defend other countries that would also defend themselves. As the US continued to support and provide Britain with arms, the British stayed in the war until the US was eventually pulled into the war as well.

Neutrality Acts

To keep the US out of the war, these neutrality acts were passed, stating that the US couldn’t provide anything war-related to disputing nations. These laws were passed in 1936-1937 by Congress, in which American citizens were in favor of.

Ever since WWI, Americans were leaning towards keeping themselves