Aftermath of WWI and Rise of Totalitarianism

The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions on Germany after WWI, creating deep resentment and instability. This, combined with the economic depression and hyperinflation, led to a desperate societal situation that propelled extremist ideologies like Nazism.

Hitler exploited Germany's anger towards the Treaty of Versailles, economic hardship, and fear of communism. He offered promises of economic recovery, restoring Germany's greatness, and restoring national pride. He consolidated power through propaganda and the Enabling Act, effectively ending democracy.

The Munich Agreement allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland, a region in Czechoslovakia with a predominantly German population. It epitomized a policy of appeasement, where powerful countries gave in to Hitler's demands to avoid war.

Italy faced economic difficulties after WWI, with high unemployment and dissatisfaction with the Treaty of London. This fostered political extremism, allowing Mussolini's fascist movement to gain traction.

Mussolini's fascist ideology promised to restore Italy's past glory, creating a 'New Roman Empire'. He used violence and propaganda to suppress opposition, creating a totalitarian state.

Japan faced economic challenges due to limited resources and a struggling post-WWI economy. Increased military dissatisfaction with the civilian government led to a shift in power towards the military. This culminated in an aggressive expansionist policy, particularly in Asia and the Pacific, aiming to secure resources.

The Spanish Civil War was a brutal conflict between the Republican government and the Nationalists led by Franco. This war became a proxy conflict where Hitler and Mussolini supported Franco, while Stalin backed the Republicans. The Western democracies remained neutral, demonstrating the world's hesitancy to intervene in another major conflict.

Stalin consolidated his power in Russia through purges, propaganda, and the control of the NKVD, the secret police. He established a totalitarian state based on communist ideology and promoted 'socialism in one country', aiming to expand Soviet influence.

The U.S. initially adopted an isolationist policy after WWI, focusing on domestic issues like the Great Depression. This was driven by the public's war-weariness and desire to avoid another major conflict. However, the US gradually shifted from neutrality towards aiding the Allies, culminating in its involvement in WWII after the attack at Pearl Harbor.

The League of Nations, established after WWI to prevent future conflicts, failed to effectively address German aggression. Its weakness stemmed from lack of enforcement power and member states' reluctance to act decisively against aggressor nations.