Appeasement

In Europe… 1930s - The rise of fascism Fascism – a political movement based on extreme nationalism, lack of individual rights, and one-party rule Seen in Germany and Italy Based a lot on anger Why would these countries be angry?

Nationalism vs. Fascism Nationalism – “My country is great.” Fascism – “My country is better than all other countries, and I’m going to punch you in the face to prove it.”

Mussolini Italy angry Benito Mussolini founded Fascist Party in 1919 Didn’t get land from Treaty of Versailles, and huge unemployment Benito Mussolini founded Fascist Party in 1919 Promised jobs, big military Takes power in 1922 – got rid of democracy right away Totalitarian Nicknamed “Il Duce” – or the leader Used group known as Blackshirts to enforce power

Adolf Hitler Germany angry about treatment after World War One Blamed for World War One, land taken away Hitler and Nazi party evoke nationalism, tell Germans to be proud of their country Called Germans “Aryans”, or the master race

The Rise of the Nazi Party Hitler tries to take power in 1923 – arrested While in jail, writes Mein Kampf, or “My Struggle” Takes control of Nazi Party when released Named chancellor (like Prime Minister) of Germany in 1933 Weimar Republic was afraid of Nazis, thought they could win him over by doing this

Hitler targets opponents 1934 – Nazis set fire to Reichstag (German Parliament), blame Communists Hitler declares his government the Third Reich, names himself dictator, or Der Fuhrer Uses Brownshirts, SS, Gestapo to enforce his rule Allies with Mussolini

Scenario There is a bully in school who is taking kids’ lunch money and threatening to beat up people if they don’t pay up. What can you do? Refuse to pay Pay in full Try to strike a deal with the bully What are the risks with each of these?

1930s – A time of international bullying Japan, Italy, and Germany become bullies, use military aggression to take what they want Japan invades Manchuria (1931) and China (1937) – brutal when they do so League of Nations protests, but can’t stop them What message does this send to other bullies?

Italy Italy tried to invade Ethiopia in 1890 and failed Mussolini wants revenge, invades again in 1935 Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie begs League of Nations for help, but they do nothing

Haile Selassie “Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph.”

Germany 1935 – Hitler announces he won’t listen to Treaty of Versailles anymore Increases size of army 1936 – Sends troops into Rhineland (demilitarized zone between France and Germany) League of Nations issues statement condemning action, but nothing else

Appeasement Appeasement – making concessions to avoid a war What role could World War One have played in this? Munich Conference (1938) – meeting between Britain, France, Germany, and Italy to discuss expansion. They end up appeasing the aggressors and giving them what they want. “I believe it is peace in our time” – Neville Chamberlain, British Prime Minister He thought giving in to bullies avoided war