Dictators Threaten World Peace Chapter 24 Section 1
Nationalism Grips Europe and Asia The seeds of new conflict had been sown in World War I. Brought the rise of powerful dictators driven by the belief in nationalism and the dreams of territorial expansion. The Treaty of Versailles caused anger and resentment. People turned to authoritarian leaders to solve their economic and social problems. New democracies collapsed and dictators were able to seize power.
The Soviet Union: Joseph Stalin Focused on creating a model communist state. All economic activity placed under the control of the state. Eliminated anyone who threatened his power. Responsible for the deaths of 8 to 13 million people. By 1939, Stalin had firmly established a totalitarian government - tried to exert complete/total control over its citizens.
Italy: Benito Mussolini 1921 established the Fascist Party. Stressed nationalism and placed the interests of the state above those of individuals. Mussolini achieved this by crushing all opposition and by making Italy a totalitarian state. Invades Ethiopia
Germany: Adolf Hitler In 1919 Hitler joined the Nazi Party. (National Socialist German Worker’s Party) Promised to bring Germany out of chaos. Enforced racial “purification”. Believed in national expansion – more living space for the German people and bringing all German speaking people together Establishes the Third Reich (last 1000 years). Invades the Rhineland
Japan: Militarism Militarists launch a surprise attack on the Chinese province of Manchuria in ( wanted more living space) League of Nations does nothing, Japan leaves the League.
The United States Responds Cautiously Most Americans were alarmed by conflicts, but believed that the USA should not get involved. Cling to isolationism Neutrality Breaks Down Roosevelt finds it impossible to remain neutral. Sends arms and supplies to China.
WAR IN EUROPE Chapter 24 Section 2
Austria and Czechoslovakia Fall Austria: Germany marches in unopposed Czechoslovakia (Sudetenland): Munich Agreement: Britain (Chamberlain) and France (Daladier) agree to give Hitler the Sudetenland and he promises this will be his last territorial demand. Your Turn: Question #1
Winston Churchill Chamberlain’s political rival By signing the Munich Agreement, they had adopted the shameful policy of appeasement: or giving up principals to pacify an aggressor. “Britain and France had to choose between war and dishonor. They chose dishonor. They will have war.” Your Turn: Question #2
The Soviet Union Declares Neutrality Stalin surprised everyone by signing a nonaggression pact with Hitler on Aug. 23, Agreed never to attack each other Also signed a 2 nd secret pact agreeing to divide Poland between them Your Turn: Question #3
Blitzkrieg in Poland September 1, 1939 the German Blitzkrieg begins. September 3, Britain and France declare war on Germany. Fighting is over in three weeks, before Britain and France could even mount a defense. By the end of the month Poland no longer exists and World War II has begun. Your Turn: Question #4
The Fall of France The German offensive trapped almost 400,000 British and French soldiers. 330,000 escape across the English Channel. On June 22, 1940 France surrenders.
The Battle of Britain In the summer of 1940 Germany launched an air war and began bombing runs over Great Britain. Every night for two solid months, bombers pounded London. The Royal Air Force fought back brilliantly. Six weeks later Hitler calls off the invasion of Britain indefinitely. Your Turn: Question #5