The Road to War Underlying Causes of World War Two

1. The Treaty of Versailles In reality the treaty had the opposite effect. It gave German’s grievances that Hitler would attempt to solve. Harsh terms intended to make Germany powerless

2. Emergence of New Countries After WW1 After World War One German people were living in new countries such as Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Austria Many Germans felt these countries should “belong” to Germany

3. Rise of Fascism Fascism: “A system of government in which nationalism is promoted, labour and industry are regulated by a strong national government, and all opposition is suppressed

March on Rome The political ideology of fascism originated with Benito Mussolini, who became dictator of Italy in “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 secret police force

Rise of Fascism in Germany Hitler becomes leader “Fuhrer” Hitler’s policy of “Lebensraum” - he wanted to take over German speaking countries such as Austria, Poland, Czechoslovakia

4. Failure of the League of Nations League of Nations established to prevent war Problems: 1) Non-intervention is when one does not involve themselves with foreign affairs. 2) 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 League condemned Japan’s actions, but there was little support for economic sanctions due to Great Depression

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

6. Soviet-Nazi Non-Aggression Pact August 1939: Stalin and Hitler agreed to divide Poland between them August 1939: Germany took over Poland German ambassador Von Ribbentrop laughs with Stalin as Molotov signs pact

7. World War Two Begins Sept. 1, 1939: Germany invaded Poland Britain and France declare war on Germany Canada declared war on Germany also on Sept. 10, 1939 German troops march into Poland