2. Post War Europe —Almost every country was bankrupt
—Inexperienced democracies
—Coalition governments- when parties briefly align

4. Causes of World War II 1.Underlying Causes of World War II
a.Nationalism
b.Imperialism
c.Militarism

5. Underlying Causes of World War II
Fascism: The use of colonial systems of control (think of the foldable) on a countries own people.
Fascism was obsessed with the notion of “ACTION” – usually meant violence
Fascists aimed violence at unions – they allied with business and status quo leadership
“coporatism”

6. Totalitarian Dictatorships: Leaders who control all aspects of society
i.Each dictator took advantage of economic problems by:
1.Promising simple solutions to their nation’s problems
2.Rebuilding national pride (often using propaganda)
3.Providing scapegoats (targets for anger & blame)
4.Absorbing power, taking away individual rights, and crushing opposition (1 party; 1 ruler)

7. Benito Mussolini of Italy

8. Fascist Italy Dictator: Benito Mussolini (Il Duce = The Leader)
b.Goals:
i.Nationalism:
1.Wished to rebuild the ancient Holy Roman Empire
ii.Imperialism:
1.Felt betrayed by the Allies at the Treaty of Versailles Conference
2.Wanted to control lands around the Mediterranean Sea;
Took power during March on Rome – WHY DIDN’T ITALIAN LEADER KILL THEM??????????????

9. Adolf Hitler in Germany

10. Fascist Germany a.Dictator: Adolf Hitler (Der Fuhrer or The leader)
i.Nazism is German Fascism
b.Goals:
i.Nationalism:
1.Wanted to rebuild Germany
2.Preached Vengeance against (4 hates)
a.Democracies
b.Communism
c.November Criminals who signed the WWI Armistice
d.Jews

11. Fascist Germany ii.Imperialism:
1.A desire to unite all people of German ancestry
2.“Lebensraum” (living space) needed to build his empire (The Third Reich)
iii.Militarism:
1.Defied the Treaty of Versailles & rebuild the army
2.Created the “Nazi War Machine”
3.Built #1 military in the world

14. Hideki Tojo & Emperor Hirohito

15. Japan Dictators:Hideki Tojo: Military Leader/Prime Minister Goals
and Emperor Hirohito: Political & Spiritual figurehead
Goals
i.Nationalism:
ii.Imperialism:
1.they needed oil and raw materials
2.Wanted China’s land (and others) to obtain oil and raw materials
iii.Militarism:
1.Built up the strongest military regime in Asia
2.“Death before Dishonor”

16. Francisco Franco of Spain Joseph Stalin in The Soviet Union

17. Poor Decisions were made by the powerful democracies
i.France & Great Britain adopted a policy of appeasement
ii.The League of Nations would prove ineffective; lacked a military
iii.U.S.: Isolationism & Depression kept our focus on U.S. concerns; once aggression began we claimed to be neutral

18. Nationalism + Imperialism + Militarism = Aggression
Extreme Aggression = War!