1. Germany, Italy, and Japan Look to Expand

2. Japan has visions of an Empire
Due to poor global economy, Japan changes government
Military government with Emperor Hirohito as the leader
Japan wanted Pacific Empire

3. Cont. 1931-Japan invades China (Manchuria specifically)
Later Nanking in December of 1937
This aggression by Japan is the first test of the League of Nations
They do nothing

4. Italy’s Expansion Ethiopia-1935
Looking for military conquest, colonial empire, and revenge, Mussolini moves into Ethiopia
Haile Selassie (Ethiopian Emperor) begs League of Nations for help.
They do nothing and Italy takes control of Ethiopia

5. Germany’s Expansion
Hitler, like Mussolini, also wanted military conquest
In addition, he wanted to do away with the terms from the Treaty of Versailles. Declares this in March of 1935.
Rebuilds the entire German Military
March 1936-Mobilized military and takes Rhineland
Rhineland was a buffer between France and Germany
Great Britain and France’s reaction: use the policy of Appeasement
Giving into an aggressor to preserve peace
November 1936-Germany, Italy, & Japan form the Axis Powers

6. Civil War in Spain
July 1936-Civil war between Fascist (known as Nationalist) and the Republicans
Hitler and Mussolini sent military aid to the Spanish Fascists
Saw as chance to test their newly created military
1939-Fascist win and their leader, Francisco Franco becomes the new political leader of Spain.

7. Giving into Hitler Sucker Hitler continues his expansion
This will work for sure!
Sucker
Hitler continues his expansion
Annexes Austria, then looks to take Sudetenland (buffer between Germany and Czechoslovakia)
Munich Conference (Sept 29, 1938): Meeting between Great Britain, France, Italy, & Germany
Again, using appeasement, GB and France get Hitler to agree not to expand any more

8. Last facts
March 1939-Hitler violates Munich Agreement & occupies Czechoslovakia
Knowing that war was coming, Hitler does not want to fight a two front war
Signs Nonaggression Pact (Nazi-Soviet Pact) with Soviet Union (Aug. 23, 1939)
Agreed to create spheres of influence throughout E. Europe (specifically Poland)