Causes of WWII Rise of Dictators

Europe after wwi Ruined economy (cities and farms destroyed) Treaty of Versailles left European nations unhappy Germany suffered under Treaty of Versailles People discouraged and humiliated Reparations Inflation Ex: In 1923, bread cost 80 billion marks Weak govt: The Weimar Republic

Rise of dictators

Italy: Benito Mussolini Angry over the Treaty of Versailles, he founded the National Fascist Party. Fascism stressed the glory of the state over the individual “ Everything in the State, nothing outside the State, nothing against the State.” Established a dictatorship: government by a leader who holds unchallenged power and authority Had total control over daily life in a totalitarian regime No other political parties, controlled newspapers, schools, and businesses

Joined National Socialists, or Nazis Germany: Adolf Hitler Joined National Socialists, or Nazis 1923; revolt failed and was sent to prison Mein Kampf (My Struggle)—a book that outlined his political ideas Racial superiority Blamed the Jews for Germany’s problems Hitler became Germany’s chancellor in 1933. Eliminated all opponents Secretly began to build up the German military

Russia: Joseph Stalin Russia was a communist country Stalin comes in power in the 1920s Very controlling, totalitarian leader In control of every aspect of individual lives, as well as politics

Soviet Union Joseph Stalin, communism was similar to fascism. He crushed all political opposition.

Military Force of Totalitarian regimes

Japan invades manchuria Military leaders attacked Manchuria without permission of government and used violence to gain control over the government. Japan invades Manchuria in search of Natural Resources League of Nations is critical, but does nothing

Italy invades ethiopia 1935 Mussolini has Italy invade Ethiopia Italy conquers Ethiopia Ethiopian Emperor asks League of Nations for help “ It is collective security. It is the very existence of the League of Nations. It is the confidence that each State is to place in international treaties. It is the values of promises made to small States that their integrity and their independence shall be replaced and ensured…in a word, it is international morality that is at stake.”- --Halie Selassie League does nothing

Adolf Hitler Gains Power The Rhineland Hitler begins to re-arm Germany Hitler sent troops into the Rhineland in 1936. Violates Treaty of Versailles France and Britain were unwilling to stop this. Met the aggression with appeasment- allowing Hitler take land with agreement to stop

appeasement Appeasement is a diplomatic policy aimed at avoiding war by making concessions to an aggressor Giving up something small now in hopes of avoiding bigger problems in the future

The Anschluss In 1938 Hitler tried to unite the ethnic Germans of Austria with those of Germany. Violates the Treaty of Versailles But no one stops them

The Sudetenland Hitler wanted control of German-speaking portion of Czechoslovakia. Munich Agreement 1938: Neville Chamberlain (GB) and others allowed Hitler to annex the Sudetenland with the promise that he stop annexing land.

Map Activity Label the map of Europe Color the Axis and Allied Powers Use page749 in your book

WWII Alliances Allies Axis Powers Great Britain France Canada Russia- After Hitler breaks the non-aggression pact U.S. – After Japan attacks Pearl Harbor Germany Italy Japan