What do Hitler, a child's bedtime and Carousel have in common? These are definitely not horses running in circles. The real answer is that all three came into play between 1940 and 1960. Hitler was a leader during World War II, which lasted from 1939 to 1945. A child's bedtime is a scene of The Sound of Music, published in 1959. Carousel is a musical comedy published in 1956 and which is part of the "golden age" of musical comedies. The 20th century was greatly influenced by the Second World War and the “golden age” of musicals, including The Sound of Music. World War II was a result of the unresolved issues of World War I. When Germany lost World War I, it was surrounded. and forced to sign the Treaty of Versailles, and the terms of the treaty were very strict (Bethell 69). Germany was unhappy with the terms of the treaty but was forced to sign it so as not to starve. A man named John Maynard Keynes said that the “peace” of the Treaty of Versailles would last 20 years, and he was absolutely right (Bethell 69). Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States at the time of World War I, wrote the Fourteen Points to end the loose bonds of war (Bethell 69). These points forced Germany to return all previously claimed colonies and lands, and Germany had to pay billions of dollars in debts caused by the war (Bethell 68). One territory taken from Germany and given to Poland was Danzig (Bethell 69). Adolf Hitler, the new leader of Germany, wanted Danzig back from Poland (Bethell 69). Neville Chamberlain, then British Prime Minister, declared that Britain would declare war on Germany if Poland asked for help (Bethell 69). His declaration was called the "Polish Guarantee of 1939" (Bethell 69)... middle of paper ...... actually ten von Trapp children, not seven; seven were from Georg's first marriage and three from his marriage to Maria (Gearin). Georg fell in love with Maria and the two married in 1927, eleven years before leaving Austria (Gearin). The von Trapp did not leave Austria secretly; they left the Nazi regime and went to the United States (Gearin). Before leaving Austria, the von Trapp family was invited to sing at Hitler's birthday party, but they refused (Gearin). After becoming American citizens, Rupert and Werner von Trapp, two of the sons, fought for the United States in World War II (Gearin). On top of all of this happening within the same twenty year period, World War II, the "Golden Age" and The Sound of Music influenced each other. Now, there is one more thing in common between Hitler, A Child's Bedtime and Carousel; you just learned about each of them.