1. Causes of WWII

2. The Treaty of Versailles
The main provisions were:
Territorially Germany lost land to Poland and Czechoslovakia
Reparations Had to pay over 30 billion in gold – an intolerable number
Armaments No air force. Limited navy. 100,000 soldiers. No conscription!
War Guilt Article 231 blamed Germany for the war!
Creation of the League of Nations – aim was to preserve peace by securing international co-operation on political, economic, and social matters.
Taken together, Germany was left with a keen sense of injustice and desperate for revenge.

3. Officially ended hostilities between Allies & Central Powers
Terms were designed to weaken Germany so it would not wage war again
The drafters of the treaty wanted to make WW1 “the war to end all wars”
Changed the borders of Europe creating new countries in Eastern Europe from the pre-war Austrian, German, Russian, & Ottoman empires
Formation of the League of Nations

4. Hall of Mirrors

6. The Big Four United States….Woodrow Wilson
Great Britain….David Lloyd George
France….George Clemenceau
Italy…Vittorio Orlando

7. Germany & The Treaty of Versailles

8. Failure of The League of Nations
Structure was weak – it required unanimous decisions to get anything done and it had no military force of its own.
Membership was weak – USA was never a member, USSR and Germany were not allowed to join for years. It was almost like a club for the winners of WWI.
As result, in the 1920s the old practice of secret agreements and alliances and treaties to solve disputes. Ex. Locarno and Kellogg- Briand deals implied League was not necessary.
By the 1930s, these problems multiplied as aggressive dictatorships threatened peace. Ex. Manchuria and Abyssinia

10. Depression and Economic Problems
The Great Depression produced great social and economic distress which threatened peace.
Hyperinflation in Germany meant that they could no longer afford to pay reparations.

11. Rise of Fascism/Political Instability
Fascism – a system of government based on unquestionable acceptance of a dictator’s rule, coupled with ultra-nationalist beliefs. The military is used to further its goals.
Typically uses myth to justify the regime. Reliance on symbolism and pageantry in huge public displays.
Stresses the collective goals of the country over individual rights.
Set goals of overcoming external obstacles and internal enemies of the state – a visible minority often used as a scapegoat.
Fascists came to power in many countries including Hitler in Germany (1933), Franco in Spain (1936), Mussolini in Italy (1922), Salazar in Portugal (1926) as well as dictatorship in Japan under Hirohito.

12. Rise of Hitler

13. He showed a complete disregard for international peace.
Territorially, he pursued Anschluss (union) with Austria and took over the Sudetenland on the grounds that these were German peoples.
Then he invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia and then Poland. Outright aggression.
Militarily, he increased military spending, re-introduced conscription and remilitarized the Rhineland.

14. Created National Socialist Party (NAZIS) and came to power in 1933
Created central belief that Germans are the “Master Race”
Deeply Anti Semitic (hatred for Jews) and blamed them for many of Germany’s hardships
Referred to as der Fuher or leader
Outlawed other political parties
Set up secret police to carry out his wishes (Gestapo)

15. Strictly controlled radio and newspapers (Heavy use of Propaganda)
Society required to follow Nazi philosophy (Hitler Jugen)
Eventually Germany is a totalitarian state where Hitler controls everything

16. Appeasement
Gave the impression that Britain and other world powers were weak and would allow Hitler to do anything he wanted.
League of Nation fails to act decisively in Manchuria and in Abyssinia
Munich Agreement signs over the Sudetenland to Hitler
Anglo-German naval agreement of 1935 allows Germany to build up to 35 % of Britain’s navy without French or Italian consent. (Both British allies in the Stressa Front of that same year – an agreement designed to contain the threat posed by Hitler)