World War II (1939–1945)

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Meanwhile, Nazi-Soviet political rapprochement and economic cooperation gradually stalled, and both states began preparations for war.

On 19 July Hitler again publicly offered to end the war, saying he had no desire to destroy the British Empire.

Slide 50

Britain rejected this, with Lord Halifax responding "there was in his speech no suggestion that peace must be based on justice, no word of recognition that the other nations of Europe had any right to self‑determination .“

Following this, Germany began an air superiority campaign over Britain (the Battle of Britain) to prepare for an invasion.

The campaign failed, and the invasion plans were cancelled by September.

Slide 51

Frustrated, and in part in response to repeated British air raids against Berlin, Germany began a strategic bombing offensive against British cities known as the Blitz.

However, the air attacks largely failed to either disrupt the British war effort or convince them to sue for peace.

Using newly captured French ports, the German Navy enjoyed success against an over-extended Royal Navy, using U-boats against British shipping in the Atlantic.

Slide 52

The French-fortified Maginot Line and the Allied forces in Belgium were circumvented by a flanking movement through the thickly wooded Ardennes region,mistakenly perceived by French planners as an impenetrable natural barrier against armoured vehicles.

The British scored a significant victory on 27 May 1941 by sinking the German flagship Bismarck.

Slide 53

Perhaps most importantly, during the Battle of Britain the Royal Air Force had successfully resisted the Luftwaffe's assault, and the German bombing campaign largely ended in May 1941.

Slide 54

The Battle of Britain ended the German advance in Western Europe.

Throughout this period, the neutral United States took measures to assist China and the Western Allies. In November 1939, the American Neutrality Act was amended to allow "cash and carry" purchases by the Allies. In 1940, following the German capture of Paris, the size of the United States Navy was significantly increased.

Slide 55

Throughout this period, the neutral United States took measures to assist China and the Western Allies. In November 1939, the American Neutrality Act was amended to allow "cash and carry" purchases by the Allies.

In 1940, following the German capture of Paris, the size of the United States Navy was significantly increased. In September, the United States further agreed to a trade of American destroyers for British bases.