Dictators and War GR 23-1

Problems with peace 1. Why were there problems with the peace negotiated in the Treaty of Versailles? Some countries (Britain, France, US) had all the say Made Germany really weak Italy and Japan wanted more land than they got

Totalitarianism 2. What is totalitarianism? Government in which a single party or leader controls everything (economic, social, cultural lives of people) a. How is it more extreme than just a dictatorship? Characteristics include (copied from chart in book): Single-party dictatorship exerting control over all aspects of life Strong, charismatic leader often at head of government State control of the economy Use of police, spies, and terror to enforce the will of the state Government control of the media and use of propaganda to indoctrinate citizens Use of schools and youth organizations to spread ideology to children Strict censorship of artists, intellectuals, and political rivals with dissenting opinions

Russia/ USSR 3. When and where was the first totalitarian state? Russia in 1917 (it became Communist) Why? Lots of Russians had been poor Corruption in government under tsars World War I was extremely deadly for Russia (1.8 million dead, 4.9 million wounded)

Stalin as dictator 4. Describe what happened to the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin. The nation did grow economically during his reign, as he tried to form state-run collective farms There wasn’t much freedom Limits on what science was OK to research and what art was OK to create Every type of religion was outlawed or persecuted (Communism tends to go hand-in-hand with atheism) And there were deaths “Purges” in Communist party; up to 700,000 killed for being disloyal Deported 3.3 million to Siberia and other areas Set up gulags (prison camps), and 18 million passed through them, many dying 3 million died in Ukraine famines in (debate over whether it was intentional genocide, or just mostly caused by Russia’s bad governing policies)

Mussolini in Italy 5. How and why was Benito Mussolini able to take control in Italy? Formed Fascist Party, which was very nationalistic and militaristic Fought against socialists and communists 1922: Italian king asks Mussolini to form government, and he took over with title of “Il Duce” (the leader) 6. How did Mussolini change Italy? (773) He then outlaws political parties, takes over press, creates secret police Saw children as future of Fascist party, so education was very important Schools had strict uniforms, lots of marching and use of guns for boys Oath children had to remember: "I believe in Rome, the Eternal, the mother of my country……I believe in the genius of Mussolini…and in the resurrection of the Empire." To increase population (and power of nation), Mussolini was all about making babies "War is to the male what childbearing is to the female." All women encouraged to be homemakers Women would get a medal if they had at least seven children all pregnant women were saluted any unmarried man was taxed

German democracy crumbles 7. A democratic government was established in Germany after World War I. Why did it begin to fall apart in the next two decades? Economic troubles Anger over Treaty of Versailles (which made Germany admit fault for WW1, pay reparations, have to have really tiny military) Great Depression makes it worse New Nazi Party opposes communism (which some feared would take over) and emphasizes German ethnic solidarity, promising a Third Reich for Germany

Hitler 8. Describe Hitler’s background and beliefs. Austrian ethnicity, failed artist, wounded WW1 soldier, mental illness probably Wrote Mein Kampf (“My struggle”) while in jail after failed rebellion earlier; here he outlines anti-communist beliefs and especially anti- Semitic beliefs (saying the greatest threat to Germany was the Jews) Also planned for world domination 9. Describe how Hitler gained power in Germany. Appointed chancellor in 1933, then gradually increased his power (thanks to Reichstag) His policies (public works programs and military spending) did help economically, which is another reason for his popularity

Japan 10. What changes happened in Japan in the 1920s? Military reduced, all men given right to vote, unions legalized, different political parties established a. What changes happened there in the 1930s? Why? Great Depression hits hard, and Japan’s leaders were blamed Military gained major power (as had been traditional in the country) 11. What actions did Japan take in the 1930s to expand its empire? Attacks Manchuria in 1931 (especially for natural resources) 1937, Japan attacks China (“Rape of Nanking” brutality kills 200,000)

Aggression begins 12. How and why was the League of Nations weak? US wasn’t in it No army, no real power to enforce any laws With Great Depression, countries even more reluctant to go to war 13. What aggressive actions did Hitler take in the 1930s? He enlarged army, navy, air force (which was not allowed under Treaty of Versailles) He spoke of need for Lebensraum for people 1935: reclaimed Saar region from France 1936: sends German troops into Rhineland 14. What aggressive actions did Mussolini take in the 1930s? 1935: invades Ethiopia (and League of Nations can’t help)

Spanish Civil War 15. What happened during the Spanish Civil War? How did other countries react? Nationalists (who were Fascists) rebel against democratic Republican government Hitler and Mussolini aid Nationalists and their leader General Francisco Franco USSR helps Republicans a little, but US, France, Britain stay out of it

Appeasement fails 16. What is appeasement? Granting concessions to a potential enemy in the hope that it will maintain peace a. Why did Britain and France use this policy in the 1930s? Fear of another war (like WW1) Belief that the Soviet Union was a greater threat than Germany, hoping a stronger Germany would be a buffer Partially hoping Hitler and Mussolini would be satisfied 17. What was the Anschluss? Union of Germany and Austria 18. What was the Munich Pact, and why was it signed? Gave Hitler the Sudetenland in exchange for peace