Aftermath of World War I

• World War I's destruction and suffering disproved the belief that it would prevent future wars.
• The settlements of WWI in 1919 failed to address Europe's fundamental issues, leading to the start of WWII just 20 years later.
• Europe experienced physical damage, especially in France and Russia, alongside shortages in food and energy resources by 1919.
• A serious economic recession and high unemployment affected Europe alongside unpayable war debts and reparations.

Italy After WWI

• Italy entered as an Allied Power but did not receive promised lands, leading to the population feeling betrayed and blaming the democratic government.

Germany After WWI

• Germans were angered by the Treaty of Versailles.
• They blamed the Weimar government while seeking revenge as reparations exceeded their means, causing government failure.

France and Britain After WWI

• They were victors but faced significant human and economic losses, prioritizing rebuilding economies over peacekeeping efforts.

The USA After WWI

• The United States gained little and embraced isolationism by not joining the League of Nations.

The USSR After WWI

• The USSR exited WWI in 1917 and faced devastation and civil wars.

Germany in the 1920s

• Post-Kaiser Wilhelm II, the Weimar government faced a reputation of weakness and was blamed for the Treaty of Versailles.
• An economic crisis led to the occupation of the Ruhr Valley, resulting in hyperinflation, lost savings, and increased unemployment.

The Great Depression

• The economic boom in the 1920s was followed by stock market crash in 1929.
• Unemployment increased and industries shut down.
• The USA imposed tariffs, impacting global economies.

Totalitarianism

• Totalitarianism involves one leader or party having absolute power.
• It emerged in Italy, Japan, and Germany following WWI.

Fascism

• Disappointment with the government led to Mussolini's rise.
• He seized power in 1922 and enacted new laws.

Nazism

• Hitler emerged as a leader during the Weimar Republic's unpopularity.
• He initially gained power through legitimate means but later established dictatorial control.

Militarism

• Reaction to weak government led to militarism's rise.
• Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931 to gain resources.

Features of Totalitarian Regimes

• One-party rule and total control over daily life was impemented.
• Cult of personality formed around the leader.
• Aggressive military expansion and anti-communism policies were pursued.

Aggressions in the 1930s

• The Axis Powers began military expansions and formed alliances.
• Key aggressions included invasions of Manchuria, Abyssinia, and the remilitarization of the Rhineland.

Appeasement (League of Nations)

• Britain and France adopted appeasement to avoid conflict.
• Economic weaknesses limited enforcement of League decisions.
• The League failed to respond effectively to Axis Powers' aggression, resulting in major states leaving the League by the mid-1930s.

Responses to Aggression: Appeasement (Britain)

• The League of Nations already failed by 1935.
• Britain reacted to Nazi Germany's moves to break the Treaty of Versailles.
• Hitler announced rebuilding the German army in 1935, however, Britain did not respond.
• In 1936, Germany remilitarized the Rhineland with little British response.
• Hitler annexed Austria in March 1938 by breaking the Treaty.
• In September 1938, he sought the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia, claiming to protect Germans.
• Chamberlain believed Hitler was rational and met him in Munich, leading to the Munich Agreement.
• Czechoslovakia felt betrayed, and Stalin was angered by the exclusion from discussions.

Reasons for Appeasement

• Britain and France faced economic problems post-Great Depression.
• Public opinion favored Germany, believing the Treaty of Versailles was too harsh.
• The USA adopted isolationism, limiting its action against Axis aggression.
• Britain's priority was maintaining its empire, which distracted from European conflicts.
• Chamberlain viewed Nazi Germany as a barrier against the Soviet threat.

The End of Appeasement

• The Munich Agreement lasted for only six months.
• Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia on March 15, 1939, breaking the agreement, angering Chamberlain and allies.
• On March 31, 1939, Britain and France issued the Polish Guarantee.
• This aimed to deter Hitler and allow time for military preparations.
• On August 23, 1939, Hitler signed a non-aggression pact with Stalin.
• Hitler invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, resulting to Britain and France declaring war, beginning WWII on September 3.