1. CH. 31.4 “Aggressors Invade Nations”

2. Japan Post-WWI  Only Japan & U.S.A emerged from WWI financially stable  General prosperity allows Japan to become more democratic.  Sign Kellogg-Briand Pact in 1928  Parliament had little control over the military. They answered directly to the Emperor.

3. Japan Militarizes  Same old story  Right Wing Nationalists and Militarists gain control of government  Goal: Return to tradition of military rule in Japan  Emperor Hirohito is established as head of state.

4. Japanese Aggression  Japanese militarists were extreme nationalists  Wanted more room for farmland, raw materials, and markets for Japanese goods  Invade Manchuria in 1931  League of Nations objects, and Japan withdraws in 1933  War w/China. Capture the Chinese capital of Nanjing in 1937.

5. European Aggression  Hitler & Mussolini encouraged by Japan defying L.O.N  Mussolini invades Ethiopia.  L.O.S. condemns Italy, but does nothing. G.B. allows Italy to use the Suez canal to transport Troops and weapons.

6. European Aggression  Hitler ignores Treaty of Versailles and rebuilds the German Army.  1936--German troops enter the Rhineland (Appeasement)  Japan, Germany, & Italy form an alliance, and come to be called the Axis Powers (1936)

7. Increased German Aggression & the Democratic Reaction  1938--Hitler annexes Austria despite Treaty of Versailles  1938—Hitler demands the Sudetenland be given to Germany  Munich Conference: Meeting between Germany, France, G.B., and Italy. Hitler agrees to stop expanding if he’s given the Sudetenland.

8. Axis Aggression Continues  Hitler takes Czechoslovakia, Mussolini takes Albania. Hitler demands Poland give Germany the port of Danzig.  G.B. and France ask Russia for help, but Stalin and Hitler sign a non-aggression pact  U.S. decides to remain Isolationist