Causes of World War II

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

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)

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

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

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

Rise of Fascism - Italy Benito Mussolini- founded Nationalist Fascist Party in 1912 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

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

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