Interwar Years 1919-1939

Interwar Years Main Idea: Following the death and destruction of the Great War, the map of the world changed, and nationalism and new types of leaders rose in Europe, Africa, and Asia leading the world to the brink of a second world war. Key Terms and People: Mao Zedong, Long March, Mohandas Ghandi, Benito Mussolini, Fascism, Totalitarianism, Joseph Stalin, Gulag, Adolf Hitler, Nazi Party, anti-Semitism, Nuremburg Laws

Unrest in Asia China-Chinese civil war between nationalists and communists began in 1927. 100,000 communists, led by Mao Zedong, marched 6,000 miles (Long March) to northern China. Only 8,000 survived. India-Tensions between Indians and the British continued after over 800,000 Indians fought in the war, and did not receive independence. Mohandas Gandhi-an activist for millions of Indians, participating in civil disobedience. Middle East-The establishment of the Republic of Turkey, Iran forms from Persia, Zionism grew in Israel, Palestine (east) and Jordan formed Transjordan, Iraq gained independence from British, and France continued the mandate over Syria and Lebanon.

Nationalism in Africa The war ended and Africans had little to show for it. No independence, the economies of Europe affected Africans negatively, no representation at Treaty of Versailles. Series of meetings called Pan-Africa Conference demanded change and Egypt revolted against British and won in 1922, but real change would not occur until after WWII.

World Depression Recovery from the war, debt to the U.S. and increase in tariffs slowed global trade, making economies worse. As economies suffered, new political groups were formed. The hopelessness of the global depression bring about new types of leaders.

Authoritarian Government and Totalitarianism Authoritarian-government is ruled by a single person or party interested in political power. Totalitarianism-government which seeks to control all aspects of a country; not only political power, but the economy, culture, and social life. Fascism-authoritarian government that places good of nation above all else. Including individual rights and needs. These governments often use terror and fear--utilizing propaganda and controlling access to information such as the press and education. (Examples: Italy, Germany, & USSR)

Japanese Aggression Economic crisis also hits Japan who is reliant on other nations for trade. Japan decided to expand into SE Asia to resources. Treaties with U.S. are broken and U.S. banned Japanese immigrants. Japan leaves League of Nations, signs agreement with Germany and Italy, and becomes highly militarized.

New Leaders Emerge In Italy, a new fascist government emerged in 1922 under Benito Mussolini. He rose to power using propaganda, brutality, and intimidation—promoting an ultra-nationalist Italy and himself as Il Duce (“the Leader”).

Fascism in Germany In 1921, Adolf Hitler took control of the National Socialist German Worker’s Party—better known as the Nazis. Failed attempt to overthrow German government in 1923 landed him in prison where he wrote Mein Kampf which outlines his ideas for German/Aryan superiority, political and nationalistic ideas. He became chancellor of Germany in 1933 and eventually claimed the title Fuhrer (guide of Germany) and established himself as dictator over the Third Reich. Hitler successfully rebuilds Germany and strengthens its military. A key component of the Nazi system was Anti-Semitism, passing Nuremberg Laws.

The Rise of Joseph Stalin 1924 Lenin dies and eventually Joseph Stalin seizes power, imposing a totalitarian state. He begins a Five Year Plan to increase industrialization and collectivize agriculture in the Soviet Union. Initially part of his plan was to give land to peasants, now he take it back. When people rebelled, they were sent to labor camps in Siberia called Gulags. Stalin was responsible for innumerable deaths. The entire country of Ukraine was starved intentionally, he purged many of the leaders within the government, and millions died in Gulags.