Here's a concise summary of the provided text:
In the initial part of the text, the focus is on a Skillshare advertisement, mentioning Churchill's diverse interests and Skillshare's offerings. Then, it delves into the political events leading up to World War II. It describes the rise of Mussolini and Hitler, their expansionist ambitions, and the failure of appeasement policies by the Allies. The text highlights the invasion of Poland, the phony war period, and the eventual German Blitzkrieg through the Ardennes, leading to the evacuation of British troops at Dunkirk and a dire situation for the Allies.
1. Churchill was an artist, a butterfly enthusiast, and had an unpublished manuscript about aliens.
2. Skillshare is an online learning community with over 19,000 classes in design, business, technology, and more.
3. Benito Mussolini moved from Italy to Switzerland in 1902 to avoid military service.
4. Mussolini got involved in socialism, working for trade unions and writing for socialist newspapers.
5. He advocated for the violent overthrow of European monarchies.
6. Mussolini was arrested, sent back to Italy, and later completed his military service.
7. He became an elementary school teacher and then returned to work as a socialist.
8. Mussolini's speeches and journalistic abilities made him famous among Italian socialists.
9. He was anti-war, but changed his stance when he believed it could bring about a socialist revolution.
10. Mussolini was kicked out of the socialist party due to his new pro-war stance.
11. He started a new political party and introduced the concept of "Fascismo".
12. Japan had isolated itself from the rest of the world for over 200 years.
13. The Americans imposed "Unequal Treaties" on Japan, which hurt their economy.
14. Japan had no natural resources and decided to go to war with China to gain control over Korea.
15. The Japanese launched an invasion against China and took control of Beijing and Shanghai.
16. Japan committed atrocities against the Chinese people, particularly in Nanking.
17. Germany and Italy signed the Pact of Steel, making their relationship official.
18. Hitler turned his attention to Poland and the Polish Corridor.
19. The Allies warned Hitler that an invasion of Poland would mean war.
20. Hitler made an alliance with Stalin, and they invaded Poland together.
21. The UK and France declared war on Germany.
22. The Poles fought hard, but were no match for the two invading powers.
23. The period following the invasion was known as "The Phony War".
24. The French were still proud of their victory in WW1 and hadn't updated their military tactics.
25. The UK dropped propaganda leaflets over German cities instead of launching bombing raids.
26. Hitler launched an invasion through Denmark into Norway.
27. The Allies landed troops in Norway, but were forced to retreat due to German air superiority.
28. Chamberlain resigned, and Winston Churchill took over.
29. Hitler's strategy was to attack France, defeat France, and then turn on the Soviet Union.
30. The Allies wanted to avoid a repeat of WW1 and kept the war as far from home as possible.
31. Hitler launched an invasion through the Ardennes, a region the French had left under-defended.
32. The Germans smashed through the Ardennes, encircled the Allied armies, and took out France's best armies.
33. The British made a desperate escape at Dunkirk, with civilian ships helping to bring soldiers home.
34. France fell, and Hitler hoped the UK would lose hope and sue for peace.
35. The UK didn't give up, and Hitler tried to force them into submission with mind games.
36. Italy declared war on the Allies, making the UK's situation worse.
37. Hitler occupied the coastal areas of France for defense but allowed France to continue as a German puppet state.
38. The UK responded by attacking France's navy base in Algeria and wrecking ships.
39. Hitler began planning an invasion of Great Britain, needing air and naval superiority first.
40. The Luftwaffe targeted British ports, coastal facilities, and RAF bases, but the RAF worked bravely to defend the nation.
41. Churchill ordered a small bombing raid over Berlin, which didn't do much damage but made Hitler furious.
42. The Luftwaffe refocused its attacks on civilian targets in London, but British morale held firm.
43. The RAF successfully repelled a massive German attack, destroying many aircraft and gaining air superiority.
44. Hitler's invasion was postponed, but the bombing of British cities continued.