Uneasy Peace, Uncertain Security World War 1 created border disputes Germany determined to change the terms of the Treaty of Versailles President Wilson hoped that the League of Nations would solve new conflicts, however it was not able to maintain peace

No US involvement The US would not join the League of Nations Americans didn’t want to be involved European affairs League could not us military force Rely on economic sanctions to stop agression

French French demand that the Treaty be strictly enforced Germans don’t pay anymore of the bill ($33 billion) due to economic issues at home French occupied the mining center of the Ruhr Valley French planned to take the reparations by operating German industries.

German Response Workers go on strike in Germany Germany simply printed more money to pay them off. Inflation decreased the worth of German Marks. By the end of 1923, the German Mark was worthless, it took more the 4 trillion marks to equal $1.00

Help for Germany Huge inflation meant that the people suffered Economic problems lead to political unrest Dawes Plan put in place to help. The Payments Germany owed went down where they could afford them and the US offered 200 million in investments, lasted from 1924-1929

Lasting Peace? Germany started to recover and became more cooperative. Treaty of Locarno 1925, which guranteed Germany’s western border Germany joined the League of Nations in 1928 Kellogg-Briand Pact – renounced war as instrument of national policy Germany only nation forced to reduce military, How far would trust go??!!??

The Great Depression European prosperity ended in 1929 with the Great Depression. During a depression there is very low economic activity and high unemployment Two main causes Economies suffered and 1929 stock market crash in US.

What was the depression? Germany borrowed money from US banks when stock marked crashed US banks pulled investment out of Germany. German banks and other European banks were left in weakened state. Trade slowed and industrial production slowed

What to Do?? There were always depressions but this was worse, unemployed and homeless filled the streets. Governments didn’t know what to do…tried to lower wedges and increase trade costs, made things worse, Communism started to become more popular in many areas.

Political Turmoil People started to follow political leaders who had simple solutions. Democratic governments challenged everywhere.

The Rise of Dictators Between 1919 and 1939 – all European nations except France and Great Britain had adopted some form of dictatorial government Totalitarian states Aimed to control all aspects of citizens lives. Control hearts and minds with propaganda and modern communications to achieve their goals

Single leader, All power Single leader and single parties led the new states NO INDIVIDUAL FREEDOMS….OR LIMITS TO THE GOVERNMENTS POWER Individuals were subservient to the collective whole State demanded that citizens actively support any of its goals.

Fascism in Italy Government Europe's first Fascist government Glorifies state above individual Strong central government and a single dictator After WWI Italy had sever economic problems Citizens afraid of communism, Mussolini and his party took over they were called the Blackshirts. They fought socialists and strikers, anyone who opposed the Fascist.

Fascism in Italy Mussolini appealed to nationalist pride Demanded more land from WWI treaties Demanded power from Italian king and eventually created Fascist dictatorship Had the power to decree laws Outlawed all opposition and setup secret police Controlled mass media

Fascism in Italy Mussolini never achieved total control over the state Left Vatican in Rome as independent Catholicism was still state religion Wanted to keep traditional values and importance of family and women in society

New Era in Soviet Union In 1924 Lenin Died Joseph Stalin was general secretary and appointed thousands of officials throughout Russia. Used position to gain control over Communist Party, by 1929 removed all Bolsheviks from power and became dictator.

New Era in Soviet Union The 5 years plan Set economic goals for the next 5 years. Emphasized industrialization and good production The plan greatly increased output of heavy machinery and production of oil and steel. Took heavy toll on Russian People Horrible housing, wages declined Propaganda used to boost morale

New Era in Soviet Union Introduced Collective agriculture. Government took ownership from private farms and had people work them Workers resisted and killed livestock and hoarded food Stalin's response was to increase the number of farms 1930’s people starved due to food shortages Those who resisted were sent to Siberian Labor camps...Purges executed opposition and spared no one Overturned laws made in 1920’s including women's rights no divorce or working outside the home