The Road to War Underlying Causes of World War Two

1. The Treaty of Versailles Harsh terms intended to make Germany powerless accept total blame for WW1 reduced military reparations of $33 billion loss of territory

Territorial Disputes After WWI Many German people were living in new countries such as Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Austria. Germany lost territory to several countries, leading to grievances.

2. Rise of Fascism Fascism A system of government in which: Nationalism is promoted Labour and industry are regulated by a strong national government All opposition is suppressed

Italian Fascism The political ideology of fascism originated with Benito Mussolini, who became dictator of Italy in 1922 1922- “March on Rome” Mussolini’s blackshirts destroyed Italy’s government

Benito Mussolini Called “Il Duce” meaning “The Leader” Created a totalitarian dictatorship by: banning opposing political parties & unions censoring newspapers creating a secret police force

Rise of Adolph Hitler 1923: Hitler, leader of Nazi party, conducts an armed revolt in Munich the “Beer Hall Putsch” Hitler thrown in prison Wrote “Mein Kampf” (my struggle) while in prison

Rise of Fascism in Germany 1933 -Hitler is elected Chancellor of Germany, becoming “Fuhrer” (leader) organized opposition was violently suppressed by the “brownshirts” Hitler’s policy of “Lebensraum” (living room): take over German-speaking territories in neighbouring countries such as Austria, Poland, Czechoslovakia defeat Soviet communism and expand German territory to the east into the U.S.S.R., expelling non-German people

Anti-Semitism in Germany Blamed Germany’s problems on “scapegoats” such as Jews, blacks, Gypsies, homosexuals and the mentally ill. Nazi party policy very racist and anti-Semitic Widespread discrimination against Jews in Germany

3. Failure of the League of Nations The League of Nations was established in 1920 to prevent war, but its decisions were not legally binding Non-intervention is when one does not involve themselves with foreign affairs. Appeasement is the act of giving into, or satisfying ones demands. Canada and most other countries followed a policy of non-intervention and appeasement

The Manchurian Crisis Sept. 1931: Japan invaded Chinese province of Manchuria on the pretext that China attacked Japanese-owned South Manchurian Railroad

Manchurian Crisis (con’t) China applied to the League of Nations for help The League condemned Japan’s actions, but there was little support for economic sanctions due to Great Depression

Limited Membership The United States never joined the League The Soviet Union joined only in 1934, and was expelled in 1939 Germany and Japan both withdrew in 1933

Spanish Civil War In 1936 a Spanish civil war breaks out between: New Republic government led by communists vs. Fascists led by Francisco Franco

Response to Spanish Civil War “MacKenzie-Papineau Battalion” made up of Canadian supporters of communism - over half of volunteers die Britain, France and Canada maintain official policy of non-intervention Germany and Italy support the fascists with arms, equipment, and money

Italian Invasion of Abyssinia Border clash between Abyssinian troops (Africa) and neighboring Italian Somaliland Mussolini launched full-scale attack against Abyssinia League of Nations imposes boycott against Italy, but little world enthusiasm for sanctions England and France took no action against Italy, allowing Italian ships through the Suez canal

5. Formation of Axis Powers In 1937 Germany and Italy made a pact not to go to war with each other, later joined by Japan They became known as the “Axis Powers” during World War Two Hitler with Mussolini