Aggressors on the March Many of the major democracies were too worried about domestic problems to notice the build up of German and Italian military forces.

World Drifts Towards War In the 1930’s, military leaders would take control of Japan – They planned on solving the countries economic problems (depression) through expansion (a Pacific Empire) – Japan would eventually invade China

But the military leaders were extreme nationalists and supported the emperor, Hirohito

Japan had invested a great deal into China’s province, Manchuria

It was rich in iron & coal which was vital to Japan’s war effort. Japan took advantage of the Civil War in China and their army moved in and occupied Manchuria

They would eventually attack China in 1937 (more on that later) (Notice Japan using gas in their attacks against the Chinese). Documents show that Emperor Hirohito authorized their use 375 times against the Chinese.

Policy of appeasement—France and Britain gave into Hitler’s demands in in hopes of keeping peace Germany, Italy, and Japan would enter into a treaty called the Axis Powers

Mussolini attacks Ethiopia He knew that the League of Nations would not get involved He didn’t know how tough it would be to subdue them. He needed Germany’s help to defeat them

Cadets at newly opened military school

Effects of mustard gas attack by Italians on the Ethiopians

Halie Selassie addressing the League of Nations asking for their help against Italian aggression/invasion

Civil War in Spain Military leaders led by Francisco Franco began a revolt in Spain which turned into a civil war Franco was aided by Hitler and Mussolini – They sent troops, tanks, and airplanes Democratic leaders in Spain were aided by Russia

American volunteers known as the “Lincoln Brigade”

Western Democracies Fail to Halt Aggression Along with Britain and France, the United States also failed to act against fascist movements in Europe United States followed a policy of Isolationism—belief that political ties to other countries should be avoided Neutrality Acts (1935)—Congress passed a law that banned the US from loaning money and selling weapons to nations at war

German Reich Expands Hitler planned to absorb Austria, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Russia March 1938—Germany annexed Austria September 1938—Hitler demands Sudetenland

Munich Conference—Neville Chamberlin (Britain) concedes Sudetenland March 1939—Germany takes the rest of Czechoslovakia

Mussolini invades Albania Hitler demands the port of Danzig in Poland 1939—Hitler signs a nonaggression pact with Stalin