The Expansion of Nazi Germany, 1936-1939
The Nazis Strike is the second of seven documentaries from the Why We Fight series directed by Frank Capra. Released between 1942 and 1945, these films were shown to American military personnel for instructional purposes; they also served as American propaganda during World War II. With the use of animated maps and combat footage, this film is a good overview of how Germany sought to control the world by first controlling the land areas. Once the natural resources and population of the land areas of the world were controlled, world conquest would be complete. We also see how Germany re-militarized the Rhineland in 1936, annexed Austria in 1938, consumed the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia in 1938, and invaded Poland in 1939. At about forty-two minutes in length this film is ideal for middle or high school teachers looking for a concise but informative overview of the events leading to World War II. However, it does contain some disturbing images (dead bodies, emotionally distraught people, and wounded children) so teachers may want to prepare their students ahead of time before showing. Still, despite its age, The Nazis Strike is an effective teaching tool.
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