What
agreement
does this
cartoon
represent?
Non-Aggression
Pact b/w
Germany and the
Soviet Union
Objectives
• Identify isolationist and interventionist
arguments on U.S. role in WWII
• Analyze political cartoons
EQ: When do we go to war?
Agenda
• Notes
• CartoonAnalysis
• Speech Analysis
What does “appeasement,”
mean?
“the policy of giving in to the demands of a
potentially hostile nation in the hope of
maintaining peace”
What role did “appeasement,” play in
WWII?
The Appeasement of the Axis
1923 – Mein Kampf published –
Hitler’s book outlining his plan for the future of
Germany. His aims were to “secure for the German people the
land and soil to which they are entitled on this earth…(even if this was
only accomplished by) the might of the sword.”
IMPORTANCE: The world community did
nothing to “cage in this ‘tiger cub’ when they
knew he was a threat.
1933 – Hitler takes PowerThe Nazi Party takes control of Germany and
Hitler announces himself “Der Fuhrer.”
IMPORTANCE: The world was in economic
depression and therefore “not in position” to
worry about politics in Germany.
1935- Italy invades Ethiopia
Mussolini begins building the new Roman
Empire by conquering the independent nation
of Ethiopia.
IMPORTANCE- The League of Nation responds
weakly, which gives confidence to other leaders
looking to take land.
“It is us today. It will be you tomorrow.”
--Haile Selassie , Ethiopian Emporer
1936 Rome-Berlin Axis formed
Italy and Germany form a formal alliance of
Fascist nations.
IMPORTANCE- “Two super villains unite.” If it
looks like a rat, and smells like a rat…
1936 – Germany occupies the Rhineland.
The German army moves into this demilitarized
zone, thus violating the Treaty of Versailles. NO
RESPONSE from the “Allies.”
IMPORTANCE: Hitler’s confidence is boosted that
the European powers are not in the position to
stop anything he does.
1938 Munich Agreement
Hitler promises Neville Chamberlain that if he can
take the Sudetenland, it would be his “last
territorial demand.” Chamberlain claims I have
“secured peace in our time.”
IMPORTANCE: By giving up this land to pacify an
aggressor, the world has “chosen dishonor,” and
“will have war.”
MAP
Could WWII have been prevented?
In your notes…
• Put a “check”: next to actions you would
categorize as aggressive
• Underline: action you would categorize as
weak/an example of appeasement
• Put a star: next to action you would
categorize as strong
• Gather your thoughts and respond to the
question above!
U.S. Involvement in WWII:
Isolationism vs. Interventionism…
Neutrality Acts of 1935: sale of arms or loans
to nations at war was illegal
FDR thinks it will be impossible for U.S. to
remain neutral. He begins to find loopholes in
the Neutrality Acts to aid warring countries.
FDR’s Quarantine Speech (1937)
Read and Answer Questions
Why doesn’t the U.S. want to
join WWII?
• Does not want to get involved in another
European conflict! (WWI was enough!)
• FDR tries to persuade Americans to be
interventionist in his “Quarantine Speech”
– BUT…the public remains isolationist