Hitler’s Early Warning Signs

· Early in 1935, Hitler decided to pull Germany out if the League of Nations

· Since the league was created for countries to negotiate their problems it appeared that Hitler had no time for peaceful talks

· In 1936, Hitler ordered his new army to take over the Rhineland – former German territory near the border with France. France permitted it as a show if trust

· They appeased Hitler, allowed him to violate the Treaty of Versailles in an attempt to prevent war

· In 1936-1937 Hitler signed a treaty with Italy and Japan called the Rome, Berlin, Tokyo Treaty, this treaty was about trade

· In 1939 Hitler takes over Austria without a fight. The League of Nations does nothing but appease him again to avoid war

· In 1938 – 1939 the country if Czechoslovakia is taken over without fight – League of Nations does nothing

· In 1939 Hitler signs a non-aggression treaty with Joseph Stalin, leader of Russia. Both men agree never to fight each other if a war breaks out in Europe. Much of this agreement was kept secret from the people pf Europe.

· Hitler has not lost one soldier in all of his early conquests

· Britain, France and other European countries are allowing Hitler to be aggressive in hopes that he will soon stop. To avoid war with Germany they will trust Hitler will not conquer any further – The Munich Agreement – 1939

· By this point, Japan has taken over ½ of China - the League of Nations permitted this 1931-1937

· By now Italy has taken over Albania and Ethiopia in Africa - no one has tried to stop any of these aggressions