The Second World War

• European powers went to war with one another in 1939.

• In the case of Britain, the Dominions followed suit from choice - the direct rule colonies and mandates had no choice
• Australia, Canada, New Zealand straight away
• South Africa was a little slower but eventually joined

• At first the war was confined to Europe

• The Germans had lost their colonies after WW1
• Lebensraum was a Euro-centric colonial plan by the Nazis
• Slav nations would provide labour for pastoral German Aryan landowners

• But it spread to North African colonies as Italy joined the war.

• Libya, Somaliland, Ethiopia
• Italy invaded Egypt but repulsed
• Afrika-Korps sent to stiffen Italians
• Threat to Suez Canal

• Holland and France were defeated by Germany in 1940

• What was to become of their colonies?

• Japan entered the war in December 1941

• Turning into true World War.