Author Table of Contents Tensions Rise in Europe and the Pacific War Begins as Hitler Invades Poland Axis Powers Line Up for War Japan Bombs Pearl Harbor Allied Powers Prepare to Fight Back Soldiers Ship Out Overseas Life Changes Almost Overnight for US Citizens Battle of Midway Rages in the Pacific Battle of Stalingrad Ends in German Defeat D Day Leads to Victory in Europe US Bombing Causes Japan to Surrender High Price of War Takes Its Toll 12 Key Dates Glossary For More Information Index About the
1 6 Tensions Rise in Europe and the Pacific army Hitler wanted to gain more land for Germany His army began to invade other countries World War I ended in 1919 It was called the war to end all wars But it did not live up to its name The war left many countries in ruins Their governments were weak A new political system rose up out of the ashes It was called fascism Dictators came to power in Italy Japan Germany and other countries They promised to make their countries mighty again The most powerful fascist leader was Adolf Hitler Great Britain France and Italy signed the Munich Agreement with Germany in September 1938 The deal gave Germany control of land in western Czechoslovakia In return Number of months Hitler kept to the terms of the Munich Agreement Hitler became the chancellor of Germany on January 30 1933 With his Nazi Party he created a strong police force He also built up a large THINK ABOUT IT Find out more about the causes of World War II Which do you think was the most important Give reasons for your answer In 1933 Hitler became the dictator of Germany Hitler began to build up Germany's armed forces In 1938 Germany signed the Munich Agreement Hitler agreed not to claim more territory In March 1939 Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia breaking the Munich Agreement 4
Great Britain France United States Soviet Union and their allies Germany and its allies Neutral Controlled by Germany and its allies This map shows the parts of Europe Germany controlled throughout World War II Hitler said he would not use force to take over the rest of the country But in March 1939 Hitler broke the terms of the Munich Agreement The German army moved into Czechoslovakia Then Hitler set his sights on Poland The British government vowed to help the Polish people if Hitler attacked them The British feared Germany would try to take over more of Europe 5
