SIDES Social Studies 10

Summary

In 1938, Hitler's Germany annexed Austria, marking the beginning of its aggressive expansion. The script recounts the annexation of the Sudetenland and Czechoslovakia, leading to Britain and France's reluctant agreement and subsequent declaration of war after the invasion of Poland. The pivotal Battle of Dunkirk is highlighted, where over 330,000 Allied troops were miraculously evacuated across the English Channel amidst heavy German attacks, showcasing the resilience and strategic importance of this operation.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Germany began a significant rearmament under Hitler's regime, while the rest of the world largely ignored the threat.
• 🗺️ Hitler's ambitions for a vast empire led to the annexation of Austria, known as the Anschluss, in 1938.
• 🎤 Ian Wright revisits Vienna's Noid Bird Palace, where Hitler announced the union of Austria with Germany to a crowd of over 250,000.
• 🌟 The Third Reich's expansion continued with the annexation of the Sudetenland in October 1938 and the rest of Czechoslovakia in March 1939.
• ⚔️ Britain and France reluctantly agreed to a policy of appeasement towards Germany, which eventually led to war.
• 🇵🇱 Hitler's forces invaded Poland on September 1st, 1939, prompting Britain and France to declare war on Germany.
• 🇧🇪🇳🇱🇫🇷 On May 10th, 1940, Germany attacked Western European nations including Holland, Belgium, and France, leading to a rapid advance.
• 🏰 Over 400,000 Allied troops were cornered at Dunkirk, a crucial moment in World War II that tested the resolve of the Allied forces.
• 🛳️ The evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk, known as Operation Dynamo, was a significant operation that lasted from May 26th to June 4th, 1940.
• 🚢 Despite the challenges, over 330,000 soldiers were successfully evacuated across the English Channel, a testament to the bravery and resourcefulness of the 'little ships' and military vessels involved.
• 🌊 The English Channel, with its narrowest point being 21 miles wide, played a pivotal role in the evacuation and the course of the war.

Q & A

What was Hitler's plan after rearming Germany?

Hitler planned for a vast empire, beginning with the annexation of Austria and continuing with other territories.

What significant event occurred in Vienna in 1938?

In 1938, Hitler returned to Vienna at the Heldenplatz and announced to a crowd of over 250,000 that Austria was now part of the Third Reich.

What was the sequence of Hitler's territorial expansion after Austria?

After annexing Austria, Hitler's expansion continued with the annexation of the Sudetenland in October 1938, followed by the rest of Czechoslovakia in March 1939.

Why did Britain and France declare war on Germany?

Britain and France declared war on Germany after Hitler's forces invaded Poland on September 1st, 1939.

What was the significance of the English Channel during World War II?

The English Channel was pivotal in determining the next phase of the war, as it separated Britain and France and was a crucial location for the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk.

What happened at Dunkirk that was crucial for Britain's ability to fight on?

The successful evacuation of hundreds of thousands of Allied troops from the beach of Dunkirk was crucial for Britain's ability to continue fighting.

How long did the evacuation at Dunkirk last?

The evacuation at Dunkirk lasted from May 26th to June 4th, taking about nine days.

What challenges did the evacuation at Dunkirk face?

The evacuation faced challenges such as the shallow waters that prevented large ships from coming close to the beach, requiring the use of rowing boats and private ships to transport soldiers.

What was the situation for the soldiers on the beach at Dunkirk?

The soldiers on the beach were under heavy attack from the German Luftwaffe and were uncertain about their fate, as they witnessed their comrades boarding ships that were being bombed.

Why were the ships targeted by the Germans during the evacuation?

The ships were targeted by the Germans because they were seen as easy targets, with the assumption that they were military ships carrying many soldiers.

What was the uncertainty for the soldiers who made it onto the ships at Dunkirk?

Even if the soldiers survived the initial attacks and made it onto the ships, they were uncertain if they would make it back across the English Channel safely.