War Clouds Gather

What was American Isolationism?

• After WWI many
Americans wanted to
stay out of foreign
issues
• Congress even
passed laws against
providing aide to
other countries for
weapons
Who were the Nazis and Hitler?
• The Germans were angry
about the Treaty of
Versailles
• Nazis – A political party in
Germany who blamed the
Jews and outsiders for
German problems
• Hitler was a powerful
speaker
• In 1933 Hitler became head
of German government
– Controlled press, schools, and
religion
– Pushed out all who opposed
the Nazis
 Who were early Nazi Allies?
• Italy was an early friend
of Nazi Germany
• Japan – who had no
natural resources and
was out of room looking
to expand
• Soviet Union – Although
Stalin hated Germany,
thought England was
weak so they formed a
treaty
 What lead to war?
• There were many
causes of WWII
– See Handout
Wednesday
• Italy had a fascist
Dictator – Mussolini
• Japan wanted to
expand
• Germany was in
poverty and wanted
revenge