Interwar Years Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of the Interwar Period

Study Notes

Introduction to the history channel "History Hits" described as the Netflix for history, featuring documentaries and interviews with historians, with new content being added regularly.
Overview of the turbulent period in the 20th century after the two world wars, characterized by a mix of high hopes and looming crisis.
Mention of American writer Robert McAlmon's observations in 1929 about the atmosphere of the time, with a sense of impending disaster despite outward appearances of prosperity.
The sudden death of Gustav Stresemann, the Chancellor of Germany, in 1929, leading to uncertainty in Germany's future and a succession of chancellors until Hitler's appointment.
Impact of the Wall Street Crash in 1929 on the German economy, as warned by Stresemann before his death, leading to the collapse of the German economy when short-term loans were called in by America.- Joseph Stalin celebrated his 50th birthday on December 21st, leading to the birth of a cult of personality around him.
Stalin's character is described as elusive and constantly changing, making it hard to grasp.
In Italy, there was also a cult of personality around Mussolini, but he had to make accommodations with existing power centers like the king and the Catholic Church.
The Lateran Palace protocols in 1929 formalized the relationship between Fascist Italy and the Vatican, making Catholicism the official state religion.
A referendum in Italy on March 24th saw over 8.5 million Italians supporting the regime.
Britain, under Stanley Baldwin, focused on safety first in an election where all women over 21 could vote.
In India, the Indian National Congress saw motions for dominion status and full independence in 1929.
The global economy faced a threat due to the bursting of a big economic bubble as the '20s ended.
Ramsay MacDonald, the British Prime Minister, showed signs of mental collapse in 1930.
Spain transitioned into a republic after the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera from 1923 to 1930.
In Germany, the Nazi party gained significant support in the 1930 elections, with Hitler gaining popularity.
The power of film was recognized by fascist leaders like Mussolini, Mosley, and Hitler to communicate their messages effectively.
The Great Depression starting in 1929 led to a crisis of liberalism and a shift in governments' priorities towards economic recovery.
The impact of the Depression was severe, with millions unemployed and rural populations facing challenges like lack of plumbing and electricity.
The Smoot-Hawley tariff bill in the US raised tariffs, triggering a global trade war and worsening the economic downturn.
The Depression led to bank closures, with over 600 banks shutting down in the last 60 days of 1930 in the US alone.
The Depression's effects were felt globally, with industrial production falling significantly and unemployment rising in countries like the USA, Germany, and Britain.
In India, Gandhi's Salt March in 1930 marked a shift towards mass movement in the campaign for independence.
The economic crisis of the early '30s led to chaos and panic in countries like Austria and Germany, affecting international relations.
The British abandoning the gold standard in 1931 caused a significant devaluation of the pound, impacting global confidence in currencies.
The crisis in Britain led to fiscal tightening measures, including cuts to unemployment benefits and tax hikes.- Ramsey MacDonald, the Prime Minister, faced criticism and insults from Churchill and Lloyd George, leading to visible strain and drain on him.
Spanish dictator Miguel Primo de Rivera faced a loss of support, left office, and died at a young age, possibly due to strain.
The Great Depression in 1930 led to economic collapse in Spain due to huge loans taken for public works.
A coalition of socialists and middle-class republicans with a reform agenda succeeded de Rivera in power in April 1931.
The Spanish monarchy fell in April 1931 when Alfonso XIII voted republican, leading to the royal family's exile.
France faced political instability with patchwork coalitions in the interwar period between the World Wars.
Josephine Baker's song "J'ai deux amours" celebrated her sensation in Paris in 1931, causing a stir.
In Italy, not everyone supported Mussolini during the festive celebration of the March on Rome's 10-year anniversary in 1931.
Japan's modernization efforts were hindered by the global downturn, leading to a disastrous impact on the nation's mental outlook.
The Japanese militarists dominated the government and moved into Manchuria in 1931, sparking a conflict with China.
Japan's invasion of Manchuria led to the creation of Manchukuo, a puppet state, with minimal international opposition.

Description

Test your knowledge on the turbulent interwar period between the two world wars, covering events like the Wall Street Crash, rise of dictators, impact of the Great Depression, and global political shifts. Explore key figures, economic crises, and cultural developments of the time.