Summary
Highlights
Following World War I, Germany was devastated by the Treaty of Versailles, leading to widespread anger and economic turmoil. Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party rose to power by blaming external factors and, eventually, specific groups of people, promoting a vision of a pure German society. Hitler became Chancellor in 1933 and then supreme leader in 1934, subsequently ignoring the terms of the Treaty of Versailles to rearm Germany.
Hitler sought allies, with Italy and Japan joining Germany's expansionist goals. Hitler began invading neighboring countries, starting with Austria and Czechoslovakia, with little international resistance. Germany also signed the German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact with Joseph Stalin, making Germany appear more formidable on the world stage.
On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, followed by the Soviet Union, officially starting World War II. Germany then pushed into France and faced Great Britain, which proved difficult to invade by land. Germany launched aerial bombardments against Britain in the Battle of Britain, but Britain, aided by the United States, defended itself.
Germany continued conquering Eastern Europe but eventually turned its attention to the Soviet Union, launching Operation Barbarossa. Despite initial success, the harsh Russian winter pushed back the German forces. Meanwhile, Japan's expansionist actions in the Pacific led to a US trade embargo. Japan responded with the attack on Pearl Harbor, drawing the United States into World War II, and Germany subsequently declared war on the US.
The Allied Powers rapidly advanced in the Pacific Theater. In Europe, British and American forces liberated North Africa and pushed into Italy, eventually deposing Mussolini. On June 6, 1944 (D-Day), Allied forces stormed the beaches of France. With Allied and Soviet forces closing in, Hitler committed suicide. Germany surrendered on May 8, 1945. Japan continued to fight until the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan's surrender.
After the war, Germany was divided among the victorious powers. Remaining Nazis were tried and executed. The United States occupied Japan, helping to rebuild its economy and dismantle its military. The video humorously suggests Japan's eventual 'revenge' would be the introduction of Anime and other cultural exports.