President Roosevelt's speech failed to prevent Japan from extending its control over much of China. Similarly, France and Britain's efforts to appease Hitler in Europe failed to limit the dictator's expansionist plans. By the end of 1938, even the leaders of France and Britain realized that Hitler's armed aggression could only be halted by a firm, armed defense. The urgency of the situation grew in the spring of 1939 when Hitler violated the Munich Pact by invading the remainder of Norway and Denmark. Both countries were defeated almost immediately. Hitler continued his aggression across Europe and eventually he invaded France and captured Paris. France was defeated in just thirty-five days
after being invaded. Hitler then turned his army against Britain.
The new Prime Minister, Winston Churchill told his nation, in a speech on June 4, 1940, "We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and the oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the
beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and
in the streets, we shall fight in the hills, we shall never surrender." (Churchill, 1949, p. 57). Thus, the
policy of appeasement had come to an end and Churchill's words stirred his
nation as the British readied themselves for battle. The maps of the world were set into motion. Germany's attack against
Britain was through the use of its air force. It began in June of 1940 and the
British lost nearly 1,000 planes and the Germans more than 1,700. Germany showed
no mercy and bombed civilian and military targets, destroying houses, factories
and churches. This was a month long campaign that came into London itself and became known
as "the blitz". However, the British dug in their heels and perhaps sensing potential failure, Hitler postponed
a ground invasion of England indefinitely. It would also become known that Hitler had been systematically
targeting people whom he deemed undesirable, and placed them in concentration camps where many met their deaths.
after being invaded. Hitler then turned his army against Britain.
The new Prime Minister, Winston Churchill told his nation, in a speech on June 4, 1940, "We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and the oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the
beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and
in the streets, we shall fight in the hills, we shall never surrender." (Churchill, 1949, p. 57). Thus, the
policy of appeasement had come to an end and Churchill's words stirred his
nation as the British readied themselves for battle. The maps of the world were set into motion. Germany's attack against
Britain was through the use of its air force. It began in June of 1940 and the
British lost nearly 1,000 planes and the Germans more than 1,700. Germany showed
no mercy and bombed civilian and military targets, destroying houses, factories
and churches. This was a month long campaign that came into London itself and became known
as "the blitz". However, the British dug in their heels and perhaps sensing potential failure, Hitler postponed
a ground invasion of England indefinitely. It would also become known that Hitler had been systematically
targeting people whom he deemed undesirable, and placed them in concentration camps where many met their deaths.