Unit 3 Notes 1: The Rise of Fascism – The Beginning of World War II Modern US History April 1, 2010

The aftereffects of World War I directly led to World War II: Economic troubles paved the way for dictators and revolutions: o Germany was forced to pay too much. Not being able to afford this, Germany’s economy went into an economic Depression. o Major countries around the world put too much faith in their war economies and eventually many of them also experienced economic Depressions.

The aftereffects of World War I directly led to World War II: The League of Nations had no real power to keep peace Many countries were more concerned with their own well-being and thought that since they helped in WWI, they would not have to help again.

The Rise of Nationalism After WWI, an idea known as nationalism took a hold of many European countries. Nationalism is the loyalty to one’s country above all else and the belief that all the people of your country (usually defined by language groups) should be united as one.

The Soviet Union Russia had undergone a communist revolution in 1917 and became the communist country known as the Soviet Union. Their leader through this, Lenin, died in 1924 and Joseph Stalin took over as the leader of the USSR. Stalin created a series of “5 year plans” to set goals for the Soviet Union to become a true communist state. In these plans all economic activity, including agriculture and industry, were taken over by the government. Joseph Stalin

By killing all who opposed him (or he thought opposed him) Stalin was able to create a totalitarian government. A totalitarian government is one where the government rules all, individuals have no rights, and the government suppresses all opposition. The Soviet Union: Communism and Totalitarianism

Italy: Fascism After WWI, Italy was suffering from its own economic troubles. Many of the upper classes were worried by the protests in the streets that leaned towards communism. Because of these demands for a strong leader, Benito Mussolini was able to come to power. Mussolini was an excellent speaker and played on the nationalist ideas of the Italians.

Italy: Fascism Winning support across Italy, Mussolini established the Fascist Party. Fascism is a type of government that stresses nationalism and places the interests of the state over the interest of individuals. To strengthen the nation, fascists believe that power should rest in the hands of one strong leader who controls a strong army.

Italy: Fascism Mussolini’s followers became known as the “Black Shirts” because of their uniforms. Together with the Black Shirts, Mussolini marched on Rome in October The Italian king made Mussolini the head of the government. Many were initially amazed at the reforms that Mussolini was able to accomplish in Italy, but they were made by crushing all opposition.

Germany: Nazism In 1919, Adolf Hitler joined the National Socialist German Workers’ Party – better known as the Nazi Party. Though the name might imply otherwise, this party was sternly opposed to Communism and Socialism. Hitler’s leadership and public speaking skills soon made him the leader of this party. Hitler called himself Der Führer (The Leader). Nazism was the German brand of fascism that was based on extreme nationalism.

Germany: Nazism Hitler and the Nazi Party convinced the German people that they were the ones to save Germany from its troubles. Much of this was done by playing on feelings of nationalism that had been injured by the Treaty of Versailles at the end of WWI.

Germany: Nazism By 1932, 6 million Germans were unemployed because of the economic Depression that Germany was suffering from after WWI. Many out-of- work men joined Hitler’s private army called “The Storm Troopers” or the “Brown Shirts”.

Germany: Nazism By mid-1932, the Nazis became the strongest political party in Germany. In January 1933, Hitler was appointed chancellor of Germany (like the prime minister in England). Even though the Nazis and Hitler were put in power through public elections, once in power, Hitler dismantled the democratic Weimar Republic and established a new German Empire called “The Third Reich.” According to Hitler, this new empire would last a thousand years.

Germany: Nazism Hitler and his Nazi Party had three main goals for Germany: 1.All German-speaking people should be united in a great German Empire. 2.For Germany to thrive, Germany needed more lebensraum or living space. Therefore Germany would have to expand into other areas. 3.Germans, especially blue-eyed, blond-haired “Aryans”, would form a “master race” in Germany. All other people were deemed inferior – this included Jews, nonwhites, Gypsies, etc. Hitler believed that “racial purification” should happen in Germany and the races he did not agree with should be forced to leave or serve the Aryans.

Germany: Nazism Goals 1 and 2 began WWII in Europe and Goal 3 led to the tragedy of the Holocaust. Germany’s extreme nationalism and economic depression allowed Hitler to carry out his goals with little opposition.

2-3 Clip 1: Hitler’s Rise to Power

Japan: Militarism Japan was ruled by an imperial government (led by an emperor), but during this time, militarists were trying to take control of the country. Militarism is a type of government that uses the strength of the military to further the goals of the country. Militarists also believe that discipline (like that found in the military) is necessary for the proper functioning of society.

Japan: Militarism The militarists were able to take control of Japan’s government and left the emperor as a “figure-head”. Like Hitler, the Japanese militarists believed that they needed more room to expand for their growing population. Therefore, they launched a surprise attack on China to seize control of the province of Manchuria in The League of Nations tried to punish Japan for its actions, but Japan simply left the League.

Japan Invades Manchuria

America and Japan After Japan invaded Manchuria, they launched a full-scale invasion of China in July This was done under the leadership of Hideki Tojo, chief of staff of the army. Soon, Japan had plans to invade British, Dutch, and French colonies in Asia.

The Japanese Invasion of China, 1937

America and Japan In July of 1941, Japan took over French military bases in Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos). The US protested this act of aggression by cutting off all trade with Japan. This included not selling any more oil or steel to Japan – resources that Japan needed to continue their militarism.

America and Japan America and Japan entered into peace negotiations in 1941, but after cracking the Japanese code, America knew that Japan was planning to attack the US after November 5, Roosevelt sent out a “war warning” to American military commanders in Hawaii, Guam, and the Philippines.

America and Japan The peace talks continued, but on December 6, 1941, Roosevelt received a decoded message that instructed Japan’s peace envoy to reject all American peace proposals. Roosevelt realized that this meant war.

Pearl Harbor

Totalitarian Countries

Why do People Go Along with Fascism?

2-3 Clip 2 – Early Nazi Propaganda