1. Causes of World War II

2. Treaty of Versailles
League of Nations (international peace organization) offended or excluded many countries leaving a negative attitude towards the victors
Germany was humiliated on multiple accounts leaving them very bitter
Many countries that joined the war effort were promised territories and money but received very little of either
The victors re-organized countries in Europe to create weaker nations that couldn’t contest their power easily instead of nationalist tendencies
Left to Right: British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, Italian Prime Minister Vittorio Orlando, French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson

3. Japanese Aggression
Meji Restoration- nation’s economy began to industrialize
Began right before World War I
Nation’s economy began to depend on war
Struggled after the war- went into decline
Unhappy about the results of WWI- despite aid to Allied powers much land in Asia was taken by the European powers
Developed military to deal with lacking nationalism (evolving into military oligarchy)

4. Japanese Aggression
After disagreement between Japan and China, the military defied the government and invaded China
Had the support of the Japanese people
Major step for militarism in Japan
World powers began to condemn Japanese aggression with the exception of Germany
Forged the beginning of an alliance between Germany and Japanese
Both countries were concerned about the spread of communism from the USSR

5. Russian Revolution and Communism
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics established in 1922
Improving economy under Lenin until he died in 1924
Lead to vicious power struggle and rise of Joseph Stalin by 1930
Many weaker countries were moving towards totalitarian governments
More countries are following Hitler’s fascism because of similar experiences after World War I
Anti-communist feelings begin to spread creating tension on the European continent

6. Rise of Fascism
Fascism- authoritarian form of government that depends on severe style of nationalism
Totalitarianism- government attempt to control all social, economic, political, and personal aspects of life
State is more important than individual
Citizens are denied basic rights
Controlled by single political party
Secret police use terror and violence
Economy is used to fulfill the needs of the state
Run by dictator as a symbol of the government

7. Rise of Fascism - Italy
Benito Mussolini- founded Nationalist Fascist Party in and became known as “Il Duce”
Organized “March on Rome” as demonstration of power-> effectively took over as head of Italian government as a result
Utilized propaganda to promote Italy’s greatness and create holidays celebrating Roman history
Invaded Ethiopia to expand colonies and while most nations condemned this no one wanted to risk another war
Beginnings of alliances in World War II

8. Rise of Fascism - Germany
Weimar Republic- republican government establish by Treaty of Versailles after WWI that was unpopular and ineffective
Not well run and because of war reparations the economy was destroyed (worse than U.S. during the Great Depression)
Nazi Party- Nationalist Socialist Party
group of right-wing extremists that actively worked against the Weimer Republic
Attempt led by Adolf Hitler to overthrow the government

9. Rise of Fascism - Germany
Mein Kampf- Hitler’s book detailing German superiority (Aryan race), nationalism, and solutions
Used as platform of Nazi Party to gain widespread support
Began rebuilding the German military which directly helped the economy (direct violation of Treaty of Versailles)
Used as propaganda that glorified Hitler-> became known as “Fuhrer”
Anti-Semitism- prejudice towards Jews
Nuremburg Laws- created a separate legal status for the Jews restricting a lot of basic rights
Action by Hitler was perceived as him directly fixing the problem and increased his popularity