The build up to WWII Do you remember the problems with the Treaty of Versailles?

The other guys had very different ideas about the future of Europe… – Set new boundaries - Established nine new nations, carved ottoman empire into four areas (Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine) given to GB and France as colonies... – Demilitarizing Germany – decreased German military and gave colonies to France – Reparations: Germany must pay war damages – War-guilt clause: forced Germany to acknowledge that it alone was responsible for WWI

Flaws of Treaty lead to WWII… Germany is humiliated and mad… Russia felt ignored and determined to regain power Ignored claims of colonized people for self-determination

Stalin seizes control of the Soviet Union Joseph Stalin wanted to create a model Communist state –To do so he began an agricultural and industrial restructuring that trampled the rights of his people. – Great Purge : responsible for deaths of 8 to 13 million people, millions more died in famines caused by restructuring –Established totalitarian government – one that maintains complete control over citizens.

Mussolini rises to power in Italy Benito Mussolini (il duce) established a fascist government – strong centralized government headed by a powerful dictator –Fascism rooted in nationalism, dreams of Italy as great world power! –Created a very efficient state by crushing all opposition through totalitarian rule –New Government formed by 1922

Nazis take over Germany Rises to power after WWI as he becomes führer of National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazis) Nazism based on extreme Nationalism – Dreams of Great German Empire which would be ruled by German speaking Aryans Great Depression helps Hitler rise to power, becomes chancellor (prime minister) in 1933 –Quickly dismantles democratic Weimer Republic and establishes Third Reich

Holocaust In 1935 Nuremberg Laws, 1935, strip Jews of civil rights and property, Jews forced to wear bright yellow star Kristallnacht, Nov. 9, 1938 Jews flee Germany –40,000 to France, Britain admits 500 refugees a week – unwilling to admit more…. –60,000 refugees fled to US, but immigration laws not relaxed St Louis – German luxury liner sent away despite 900 of 943 passengers had landing permits, ¼ of passengers survived the holocaust. “Final Solution” adopted in Genocide

Militarists Gain Control in Japan Military Leaders beginning gaining control and share Hitler’s dream of more “living space” for their growing population. Launched surprise invasion of Manchuria province in China, 1931 League of Nations condemns Japan, Japan quits the League Militarists firmly in control after successful invasion.

America’s Position? Isolationists vs Interventionists…