Axis Aggression
The Japanese Empire ► As Japan grew the island nation needed more natural resources. ► In 1931 Japan attacked Manchuria, an area in Northern China ► They conquered the entire region in just a few months. ► This area was rich in natural resources. 1,2
Italy’s Expansion ► In the spring of 1936 Italy attacked and conquered the independent African nation of Ethiopia. 3
German Expansion ► In 1936 Germany moved troops into the Rhineland, area around the Rhine River. ► This was strictly forbidden by the Treaty of Versailles, but the League of Nations did nothing. 4
German Expansion ► In 1938 Hitler invades Austria, home to many German speaking peoples. ► Many Germans and Austrians celebrate the unification. ► Italy and Germany sign the Rome-Berlin Axis, an alliance. ► After this Germany, Italy and their allies are known as the Axis powers. 5,6,7