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Germany's Economic Depression
The cause of Gemany's economic depression between World War I and World War II was hyperinflation in the Weimar Republic which started in June 1921 and ended in July 1924. Hyperinflation began when the treaty was signed after World War I which treated Germany very harshly. Germany was forced to pay $33 billion in war damages which left Germany in debt. This fueled up Germany's energy for the cause of the second world war. -
The Rise of Adolf Hitler
At the start of 1923, Hitler gained a lot of support regarding his criticisms of the Treaty of Versailles and the government of Germany. During this time, Germany was experiencing an economic depression. Hitler made big promises and promised to improve the economy once again. The Germans hung onto his promises that he made because the conditions were so bad and gave the Germans hope which is how he collected the support of the population. -
Appeasment
Britain and France do nothing when Germany sends troops into the Rhineland (the area on the French-German border) and go against the treaty of Versailles. This was Hitler’s first illegal act regarding foreign relations since coming to power in 1933. This sent the allies of Europe into great confusion and the second world war became closer and more inevitable. -
Germany's Invasion of Poland
Britain and France had an alliance with Poland which meant that if it was invaded, Britain and France would have to intervene. Germany was given an ultimatum from Britain and France. The allied countries demanded that Germany either withdraw from Poland, or go to war. Germany refused and Britain and France proclaimed war on Germany. -
Germany's Invasion of Denmark
The German invasion of Denmark was part of a plan designed partly to provide bases for the Germany and partly to make sure the Germany supply of iron ore from Sweden. The operation was given the codename Weserubung, a german word which means Weser Exercise in English. The invasion of Denmark also became known as Weserubung Sud, which means Weser Exercise South in English. Germany was successful in the invasion and the Danish government surrendered. -
Germany Invades Western Europe
Germany attacks the Low Countries and France and achives victory in less than six weeks. Since the German forces attacked through central Belgium during World War I, the British and French commanders believed that this again would be the case and rushed troops to the Franco-Belgian border to meet the attack. However, the main German force went through the Ardennes Forest in South Belgium and broke through the French defensive lines easily and quickly advanced to the coast. -
The Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was a treaty that Germany was forced to sign after the end of World War I. The treaty was created in order to put all of the blame on Germany for the cause of the war and took away a lot of Germany's land. This angered Germany and it angered it even more when they were forced to pay for all of the war damages and the fact that they did not have a say in the treaty.
