The Rise of the Dictators Unit 6 Section 1 The Rise of the Dictators TYWL: Global interaction may be caused by conflict. / Forces of imperialism, nationalism, militarism and geo-political alliances, taken to the extreme, can lead to international conflicts. / Nationalism and the quest for power are often underlying causes for war. / Conflict occurs when compromise over land, national identity and colonial possessions is no longer an option between those in authority and those they serve. /

The Rise of Dictators Dictators (absolute rulers) seized power in Italy, Germany, Japan, Soviet Union after World War I Germany was treated severely after WWI (stripped of territory, forced to disarm, pay reparations)

The Rise of the Dictators Worldwide Depression also hit – many people looked to new leaders to solve problems The MAJOR Dictators: Benito Mussolini in Italy; Adolf Hitler in Germany; Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union, Hideki Tojo in Japan 1 2

Benito Mussolini (Italy) Preached a government called Fascism – includes intense patriotism & nationalism…the individual does not matter – only the nation! Very much linked to racism and cultural superiority

Adolf Hitler (Germany) Leader of the Nazi Party Spoke about Germany racial superiority, blaming problems on Jews (1% of population). Wanted revenge for Germany’s loss in World War I 11 Million Deaths…

Joseph Stalin (Soviet Union) Communist leader (Russia went Communist after WWI) Controlled every aspect of people’s lives Eliminated all competition to him in order to stay in power 20 Million Deaths… mostly Russians

Stalin with Nikolai Yezhov, Chief of his secret police force…

Stalin got angry with Yezhov, and he “disappeared,” in real life and from pictures.

Hideki Tojo (Japan) Japanese military grew in strength and importance in early 20th century Japan modernizes more rapidly than other Asian nations, lacks natural resources to fuel industry By 1930’s, military ruled country with Emperor Hirohito as figure head

Dictators Expand Territory 1931 – Japan attacks Manchuria in northern China Japan wanted more natural resources for its growing population (Manchuria is rich in natural resources) 3

Italy invades Ethiopia 1935 – Italy invaded Ethiopia in Africa Mussolini wanted new areas to expand his empire in Africa Leader of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie pleads for help from League of Nations…they ignore his pleas…. “It is us today. It will be you tomorrow.”

Germany Begins Conquests 1936 – Hitler moves troops into the Rhineland (German region near the French border) WWI treaty said no German troops here French Gov’t and League of Nations – TAKE NO ACTION 4

German-Italian Alliance Germany and Italy formed the Axis Powers Now – two dictators with stated goals of expansion are good friends Axis Powers help Spain’s Fascist military overthrow its elected government (Spanish Civil War) Mussolini and Hitler

Further German Conquests 1938 – Hitler and the Germans invade Austria (most Austrians spoke German and welcomed becoming a part of Germany) But…Hitler and the Germans were expanding – and the WWI treaty told them not to… 5

The Sudetenland After taking Austria – Hitler wanted more His next desire is the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia The Czechs didn’t want to give this area to Germany – nor did France and Russia 6

Germany’s Expansion

“Appeasement” at Munich The British step in to offer a peace and avoid war British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain meets with Hitler in Munich, Germany They agree to give Hitler the Sudetenland Hitler has to promise he is done seeking territory

Reactions to Munich Neville Chamberlain, the British Prime Minister who came up with the agreement, said that he had achieved “peace in our time” Winston Churchill, the future Prime Minister, said to Chamberlain: "You were given the choice between war and dishonor. You chose dishonor and you will have war."

Hitler breaks his promise: Germany Starts the War After being given Sudetenland – Hitler takes the rest of Czechoslovakia August 23rd, 1939. Hitler signs a Non-Aggression Pact with Stalin and the Soviet Union (they agree to not make war on each other) – now France and Britain have lost an ally in Stalin Immediately after – Germany invaded Poland (France & Britain declare war on Germany) WWII officially begins

1. from http://www.historysquared.com 2. from antsandgrasshoppers.blogspot.com 3. from http://www.bbc.co.uk 4. from http://www.saudibrit.com 5. from http://www.viennacitytours.com 6. from www.danville.k12.il.us