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Questions and Answers

What was the main purpose of the German Labour Front under Nazi rule?

To negotiate workers' rights and benefits

To promote international labor cooperation

To support the rights of agricultural workers

To abolish trade unions and enforce labor policies (correct)

What was the significance of the Concordat made between Hitler and the Pope?

It eliminated the influence of communism in Germany

It granted the Catholic Church control over German laws

It allowed the Pope to take over Nazi governance

It established peace between the Catholic Church and the Nazi regime (correct)

What was the role of the Reich governor under the Law for the Coordination of the States?

To promote regional autonomy

To oversee the democratic election process

To manage local economies independently

To enforce Berlin's policies at the state level (correct)

What was one of the key features of the Nazi People's Courts?

Judges had to swear loyalty to the Nazis Signup and view all the answers

What was a major reason for the distrust of Ernst Rohm among Nazi leaders?

His desire to merge the SA with the regular German army Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary consequence of the Reichstag Fire Decree?

End of civil rights guaranteed by the Weimar constitution Signup and view all the answers

What role did Hermann Goring play in the Nazi regime?

Controller of the police force and Gestapo Signup and view all the answers

Which accident allowed Hitler to push through the Enabling Act?

Reichstag Fire Signup and view all the answers

What was one effect of the Night of the Long Knives?

Trusted support from the military Signup and view all the answers

How did Hitler's rise to power relate to the death of Hindenburg?

Hindenburg's death allowed Hitler to combine both roles as chancellor and president Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant action taken against Jewish civil servants during the Gleichschaltung process?

Removal from government positions Signup and view all the answers

What was one notable feature of the Enabling Act?

It permitted Hitler to rule without consulting the Reichstag for four years Signup and view all the answers

What was a major propaganda achievement linked to the passing of the Enabling Act?

Association of the new Reich with traditional German values Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the Weimar constitution's provision regarding Article 48?

It allowed the president to act without parliamentary approval. Signup and view all the answers

Which political figure served as president after the elections in January 1919?

Friedrich Ebert Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the political instability in the Weimar Republic?

Many chancellors held office for only short periods due to unpopularity. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the increase in German political parties around 1920?

The Kapp Putsch demonstrating dissatisfaction with the government. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary economic issue faced by Germany during the 1920s?

Reliance on American investment along with high-interest rates. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Weimar constitution aim to protect against revolutionary actions?

By allowing the president to declare states of emergency. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the Dawes Plan on the German economy?

It fixed annual reparation payments at manageable levels and increased loans. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant factors contributing to structural unemployment in Germany?

Technological advancements in production. Signup and view all the answers

Which parties were categorized as left-wing during the Weimar Republic?

Spartacists (KPD) and Independent socialists Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant limitation of the parliamentary system established by the Weimar constitution?

Coalition governments were often unstable and ineffective. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary aim of Woodrow Wilson regarding the Treaty of Versailles?

To create an idealist vision for European peace Signup and view all the answers

Which treaty resulted in Hungary losing two-thirds of its prewar territory?

Treaty of Trianon Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the economic conditions in Europe post-WWI that allowed dictators to rise?

Severe economic devastation and hyperinflation Signup and view all the answers

Who was a key figure in the Italian Fascist movement known for his extreme nationalism?

Benito Mussolini Signup and view all the answers

What resulted from the Kapp Putsch in Germany?

Exposed the government's weakness and dependence on the military Signup and view all the answers

The League of Nations ultimately failed due to which of the following reasons?

Lack of enforcement power and failure to include major powers Signup and view all the answers

What key ideology motivated Japan's aggressive expansion during the interwar period?

Pan-Asianism Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of the Hitler Youth organization?

To indoctrinate children with Nazi ideology and prepare them for military service. Signup and view all the answers

What form of governance characterized Mussolini’s regime in Italy?

Fascism with extreme nationalism and military control Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Lebensborn program introduced by the Nazis?

To encourage racially pure women to have children and provide support for single mothers. Signup and view all the answers

The Treaty of Saint Germain required Austria to pay reparations and restrict its army. What else did it mandate?

Recognition of the independence of Hungary and others Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a method used by anti-Nazi youth groups to oppose the regime?

Adopting nonconformist lifestyles and avoiding Nazi youth organizations. Signup and view all the answers

What major global economic event severely impacted European economies in the 1930s?

Great Depression Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the TOV for Germany, leading to Nazi expansionism?

Germany lost territories, resulting in a desire for Lebensraum. Signup and view all the answers

What was Article 10 of the League of Nations covenant related to?

Collective security and mutual defense Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the League of Nations’ response to Japan's occupation of Manchuria?

Inability to impose effective sanctions or military action Signup and view all the answers

How did the Nazis view women in their society?

As valuable for their roles in motherhood and raising future Aryans. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant feature of Nazi education focused on girls?

Focus on domestic science and race studies. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Treaty of Versailles affect Germany's military capacity?

It mandated complete disarmament and reduced army size Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of charismatic leaders in the rise of dictatorships during the interwar period?

They were generally opposed to established democratic systems Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of the 1936 Hitler Youth law?

It mandated that all youths join the Hitler Youth. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions did Nazi teachers face if they refused to join the Nazi Teachers Association?

They faced job loss and removal from their posts. Signup and view all the answers

What ideological doctrines were enforced through the Reich Chamber of Culture?

Promotion of Nazi propaganda such as anti-Semitism and Aryan superiority. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the ways opposition groups attempted to undermine the Nazi regime?

By secretly distributing leaflets and publications to raise awareness. Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of appeasement towards Germany by the western powers?

It encouraged Germany to continue demanding territory. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main outcome of the Munich Agreement concerning Czechoslovakia?

Czechoslovakia lost the Sudetenland and was later fully occupied by Germany. Signup and view all the answers

How did Hitler's regime handle religious opposition?

By closing down religious schools and youth groups. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the Edelweiss Pirates in their opposition to the Nazis?

They openly rejected militaristic values and embraced individualism. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Treaties that ended WW1

Treaty of Versailles (1919): Forced Germany to accept full responsibility for the war, leading to territorial losses, reparations, and a reduced army.
- Signed by Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Japan, and the US in France.
- Key figures: Woodrow Wilson (US), Lloyd George (UK), and Georges Clemenceau (France)
- Intended to establish long-lasting peace but contributed to German resentment.
Treaty of Saint Germain (1919): Austria was held responsible for starting the war, resulting in reparations, military restrictions, and recognition of new countries like Hungary, Yugoslavia, Poland, and Czechoslovakia.
Treaty of Neuilly (1919): Bulgaria lost territory to Greece, Yugoslavia, and Romania. They were also obligated to pay reparations and reduce their army size.
Treaty of Trianon (1920): Hungary lost two-thirds of its territory and faced military reductions.
Treaty of Sevres (1920): Dissolved the Ottoman Empire. Territories were claimed by Britain and France, but the agreement was later revised in the Treaty of Lausanne.

Rise of Dictators after WW1

Conditions that enabled dictatorships:
- Pre-war Developments: Increased population in industrial cities, spread of education led to mass politics, strikes, revolutionary movements, and strong left & right political wings.
- Impact of WW1: Economic destruction, mass mobilization, incompetent governments, and widespread propaganda.
Treaty of Versailles: Perceived as unfair by many countries (like Italy and Japan), leading to resentment and a loss of hope. Redrawing of Eastern and Southern Europe created tensions between majority and minority groups.
Europe's Constitutions and Political Processes: Demand for new constitutions across Europe often led to fragmented legislatures, extreme political groups, and instability. These factors hindered the development of democracy.
Role of Economics: US dominated international trade, protectionist policies, and dependence on US investment made Europe's recovery slow. Economic hardship created fertile ground for radical alternatives.
Influence of Personality: Charismatic leaders emerged during times of widespread discontent, using their appeal to undermine democracy and offer simple solutions to complex problems.
Examples of Impact:
- Kapp Putsch (1920): An attempted coup to overthrow the Weimar Republic and reverse the Treaty of Versailles. This event revealed the weakness of the Weimar Republic.
- 1920 US Election: Republic party won, replacing Woodrow Wilson.
League of Nations:
- Lack of power and the absence of key nations like the US hindered its ability to resolve conflicts.
- The combination of difficult conditions and the rise of extreme ideologies led to dictatorships utilizing scapegoating and nationalism.

Dictators and Their Features

Interwar period (1919-1939): The emergence of these dictatorships:
- Germany: Hitler and Nazism (ethno-nationalism, idea of a superior German race)
- Russia: Stalin and Communism (nationalism focused on isolation and self-sufficiency)
- Italy: Mussolini and Fascism (extreme nationalism, military power, and state capitalism)
- Japan: Hirohito and Imperialism (pan-Asianism, militarism, and expansionist policies)

Specific Dictatorships

Germany

Rise of Nazism:
- Ethno-nationalism: Belief in a superior German race (Übermenschen) entitled to dominate other races (Untermenschen).
- Hyperinflation: Caused by the Weimar Republic's policies to pay for war efforts and reparations. This led to poverty, unemployment, and distrust of the government.
- Kapp Putsch (1920): An attempted coup led by Wolfgang Kapp and supported by parts of the military. It failed due to a general strike, but revealed instability in the republic.
- Spartacist Uprising (1919): A communist uprising that was brutally suppressed by the Freikorps, a right-wing paramilitary group formed from former soldiers.
- Ebert-Groener Pact: An agreement between the SPD government and the military, promising support in exchange for maintaining discipline in the army and opposing any revolutionary movements.

Italy

Rise of Fascism:
- Mussolini: Appealed to workers and soldiers with his radical and violent views. He became "Il Duce" (the leader) after taking power from the King.
- Palingenetic Myth of Nation Rebirth: A belief in the rebirth of the Roman Empire.
- Spazio Vitale: Idea of acquiring living space and building an empire, leading to the invasion of Ethiopia.
- State Capitalism: A system organized around corporations controlled by the state.
- Consolidation of Power: Mussolini used the "Blackshirts" (paramilitary group) to terrorize opponents and gain control. He formed a fascist majority in parliament through a coup.

Japan

Rise of Imperialism:
- Pan-Asianism: Belief in the dominance of Japan in Asia.
- Kenpeitai: Secret police used to make Japan less democratic.
- Invasion of Manchuria: Aimed at expanding Japanese control in China, resulting in the creation of the puppet state of Manchukuo, known as the "Rape of Nanking."
- Occupation of Indochina: French Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos) fell under Japanese control in 1940.
- Anti-Comintern Pact: Signed with Italy and Germany in 1936 against the Soviet Union.
- Tripartite Pact: Signed with Germany and Italy in 1940, forming the Axis powers.
- Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere: Japan sought to achieve economic independence from Western nations in Southeast Asia.
- Bombing of Pearl Harbor: Aimed at preventing the US from interfering in Japanese expansion.

League of Nations

Purpose and Aims:
- Prevent future conflict, resolve disputes peacefully, encourage cooperation, disarm nations, and improve global social conditions.
Collective Security: Article 10 mandated that members would defend any attacked nation against aggression.
Structure:
- Council: Main decision-making body, comprised of five permanent members (Britain, France, Italy, Japan, and the US, but the US blocked any involvement) and four non-permanent members.
- Assembly: Debated issues relating to peace, security, membership, and the Covenant (document founding the League).
- Secretariat: Responsible for day-to-day administrative tasks.
Successes:
- Peaceful resolution of conflicts between Sweden and Finland over the Åland Islands and Greece and Bulgaria.
- Administration of mandates in formerly German colonies.
Failures:
- Italy's disregard for League resolutions during the Corfu Incident.
- Inability to address issues outside of Europe.
Reasons for Failures:
- Did not reflect global power dynamics due to the absence of key players (like the US).
- Domination by Britain and France, but they were viewed as second-rate powers economically and militarily compared to the US.
- Lack of unified support for internationalism.
- No military force, relying solely on moral persuasion.
- Unwillingness of nations to engage in conflicts beyond their own interests.
- Inability to reach agreement on disarmament and conflicting visions between Britain (flexible league) and France (strong league).

League of Nations Failures - Specific Examples

Manchuria (1931-1933): Japan seized Manchuria, sparking a major crisis for the League.
- Japan claimed the explosion on the Manchuria Railway was a Chinese act of sabotage, then conquered the region.
- China appealed to the League but Japan walked out when the League called for the withdrawal of Japanese forces.
Abyssinia (1935-1936): Italy invaded Ethiopia.
- Italy's objectives were to conquer Ethiopia, control resources, and establish a new Roman empire.
- The League condemned Italy but imposed weak sanctions.
- The Hoare Laveral Plan (a secret agreement to buy off Mussolini) exposed the League's weakness and willingness to appease dictators.
- The League did not seriously attempt to deter or punish aggression.

Key Points

Treaty of Versailles: A major factor in the rise of dictatorships due to its harsh terms and perception of unfairness.
League of Nations: A significant failure in maintaining peace and preventing aggression.
Dictatorship: Used various tactics to consolidate power, manipulate public opinion, and achieve their goals, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of World War II.### The Weimar Republic
The SPD (Social Democratic Party of Germany) was the largest party in the Weimar Republic, but they often overlooked right-wing violence while dealing harshly with the left.
Conservative elites remained in power, even though the SPD appeared to be in control.
In January 1919, the national assembly appointed Friedrich Ebert as president and Philipp Scheidemann as chancellor.
The Weimar constitution established a president elected every 7 years with the power to appoint or dismiss the chancellor.
Article 25 allowed the president to close the Reichstag (parliament) and call new elections.
Article 48 gave the president emergency powers in times of crisis, including the right to close parliament and issue decrees. This was known as the "suicide clause," as it was seen as potentially undemocratic.
The parliament had two houses: the Reichstag and the Reichsrat.
The Reichstag members were elected by proportional representation, making it difficult for any one party to gain a majority.
This led to the formation of coalition governments, which were often unstable and ineffective.
The Reichsrat could veto laws passed by the Reichstag and had equal representation from all states based on population.
Hitler used Article 48 to justify his dictatorship.

Political Parties in the Weimar Republic

The chancellor was chosen by the president and was responsible for creating laws.
The president was the head of state and could dissolve the Reichstag at any time.
The president was also in charge of the army and could pass laws without the Reichstag consent using a diktat (dictation).
Many chancellors held office for short periods due to a lack of popularity, leading to an ineffective government.
Left-wing Parties:
- SPD (Social Democratic Party of Germany)
- Independent Socialists (a radical group that broke off from the SPD)
- Spartacists (KPD, Communist Party of Germany)
Middle Parties:
- Centre Party (Zentrum)
- German Democratic Party (DDP)
Right-wing Parties:
- German People's Party (DVP)
- German National People's Party (DNVP)
- National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP, Nazi)

Economic Issues in the Weimar Republic

The German economy was heavily reliant on American investment, which came in the form of short-term loans that could be withdrawn at short notice.
The Dawes Plan (1924) fixed German annual reparation payments and increased American loans to Germany to boost the economy.
The Young Plan (1930) placed a time limit on reparation payments, requiring an annual report until 1988.
German borrowing of short-term loans for long-term projects led to financial instability.
High interest rates in Germany attracted foreign investment but discouraged domestic investment.
Germany relied on exports but faced high tariffs from other nations, limiting its ability to sell goods abroad.
Structural unemployment was a problem due to technological advancements.
The occupation of the Ruhr (1923) led to hyperinflation.

The Nazi Takeover

Gleichschaltung: This refers to the consolidation of power under the Nazis.
Hermann Göring controlled the police force, which eventually led to the establishment of the Gestapo (secret police) in 1933.
Key Events:
- Hitler becoming Chancellor
- The Reichstag Fire
- The Enabling Act
- The Night of the Long Knives
- Death of President Hindenburg
- Oath of Loyalty to Hitler

The Reichstag Fire

The Reichstag building was set ablaze on February 27, 1933. A communist was found inside and admitted to responsibility.
The Reichstag Fire Decree (a Nazi decree) was used to end all civil rights guaranteed by the Weimar constitution.
The decree became the constitutional basis for Nazi actions.
Hitler used the incident to spread propaganda, convincing people that communists were using terrorism to take power.
The communists were banned from the Reichstag.

The Enabling Act

With the communists banned, Hitler was able to pass the Enabling Act.
The Act allowed Hitler to rule alone for four years without consulting the Reichstag and enact legislation without the consent of President Hindenburg.
All political parties except the Nazi Party were banned.
Political prisoners, those who opposed Hitler, were sent to concentration camps run by the SS.
The enabling act allowed the government to bring key agencies and institutions under Nazi control and suppress democracy.

The Night of the Long Knives

Hitler's SS killed over 1,000 SA (Sturmabteilung) members, including Ernst Röhm, the leader of the SA.
The SA was mostly made up of lower-class and unemployed individuals.
The army supported Hitler and was pleased with the removal of Röhm, who had posed a threat to his authority.
The purge eliminated Röhm's leadership aspirations.

Death of Hindenburg

The death of President Hindenburg allowed Hitler to combine the roles of chancellor and president.
He declared himself "der Führer" (the leader).
The army swore a personal oath of loyalty to Hitler.

Other Factors in the Nazi Takeover

Law for the Restoration of the Professional Civil Service: This law removed civil servants of Jewish descent from their jobs.
German Labor Front (DAF): Trade unions were abolished, and their leaders were arrested. The DAF, a Nazi-controlled organization, replaced them. Membership was compulsory and negotiations were prohibited.
Concordat: Hitler made an agreement with the Pope, who saw him as someone who could destroy communism. This allowed Hitler to gain political power in Germany in exchange for leaving the Catholic church alone.
Law for the Coordination of the States: A Reich governor was appointed to ensure that state governments implemented the policies of the government in Berlin. This effectively abolished the Reichsrat and state parliaments.
People's Courts: Nazi-controlled courts were established, and judges were forced to swear an oath of loyalty to the Nazis. These courts dealt with crimes against the state.

The SA (Sturmabteilung) and the SS (Schutzstaffel)

SA:
- It became the Nazi Party's paramilitary force after the Munich Putsch of 1923.
- They were known as "brown shirts" and were responsible for attacking Hitler's opponents.
- They were led by Ernst Röhm, one of Hitler's earliest supporters.
- They played a role in spreading Nazi propaganda.
- The SA had over 2 million members by 1934.
- Their violence and radicalism made them lose favor with conservatives, President Hindenburg, and the general public.
- Röhm's ambition to merge the SA with the German army made him a potential rival to Hitler, leading to his downfall.
SS:
- They were an elite force, known for their physical strength and racial purity.
- They instilled fear in the German population and, after 1933, could make arrests without a trial.

Nazi Education

The SS was divided into three sections:
- The first section was responsible for security.
- The second section was integrated into the armed forces.
- The third section was trained in eugenics, the belief in the genetic dangers of mating with "weaker races."
Geography classes focused on teaching students about the territory lost under the Treaty of Versailles and the need for "Lebensraum" (living space).
Physical education (PE) accounted for 15% of school time, and students had to pass a PE exam to avoid expulsion. This ensured that boys were fit for future military service and that girls were fit for producing children.
Boys and girls were educated in separate schools. Girls focused on domestic science and lessons in race studies and eugenics.
Jewish people were presented as examples of those with "non-Aryan characteristics."

Nazi Teachers

In 1933, teachers were forced to join the Nazi Teachers Association or lose their jobs.
Jewish teachers were removed from their positions.
Teachers who were perceived as lacking loyalty were replaced with fervent Nazi supporters.

Nazi Youth Organizations

The Nazis formed the Hitler Youth, with the goal of:
- Indoctrinating children with Nazi ideology.
- Making them feel part of a mass movement.
- Preparing them for a military future.
By 1936, all other political youth organizations were disbanded, and young people were encouraged to join the Hitler Youth.
The Hitler Youth Law (1936) made membership compulsory for those who had not already joined.
Members of the Hitler Youth were to be respected as the future of Germany.

How the Nazi Youth Organizations Were Organized

Boys:
- "Pimpf" (ages 6-10) wore miniature SA uniforms and swastika armbands.
- "Deutsche Jungvolk" (ages 10-14) learned about Nazi ideology and military matters.
- "Hitler Jugend" (ages 14-18) emphasized military training.
Girls:
- "Jungmadel" (ages 6-14) were educated about health and motherhood.
- "Bund Deutsche Madel" (BDM) (ages 14-21) emphasized motherhood and household issues.

Anti-Nazi Gangs

Alternative youth gangs emerged to rival the Hitler Youth, often made up of working-class youths.
These gangs refused to conform to Nazi expectations of appearance and behavior, such as smoking.
They greeted each other with "Bye-bye" instead of "Heil Hitler."
These gangs were seen as a nuisance and embarrassment rather than a threat to the regime.
Examples include:
- The Edelweiss Pirates, a group of youth movements that opposed Nazi rule, were known for their anti-militaristic stance, open interaction with the opposite sex, and defiance of movement restrictions. They were often punished with shaved heads, public denunciations, or imprisonment in concentration camps.

Family Life under the Nazis

Children were used as informants by the Nazis to report any anti-Nazi behavior displayed by adults.

Women under the Nazis

Women were praised for their activism in the Nazi movement and their value as "generators of the race."
Germany's aggressive population policy encouraged racially pure women to bear as many children as possible.
Lebensborn (Fountain of Life): This program, an extension of the SS Marriage Order of 1931, encouraged SS members to father four children, both in and out of wedlock.
Single mothers received financial support from Lebensborn.
While Lebensborn was not aggressively promoted, the government focused on encouraging marriage through marriage loans and family income supplements.
Later, women were required to join the war labor force.

Religion and Culture Under the Nazis

Reich Chamber of Culture: To be employed in any area of "art," individuals needed membership in the Reich Chamber of Culture, a certificate of Aryan heritage, and a certificate of good political conduct.
Nazi Propaganda: The Nazis promoted:
- Anti-Semitism
- The superiority of the Aryan race
- German nationalism
- The glorified of war
- The importance of family
- Traditional German virtues
- Emphasis on "blood and soil" (rural life)
Eternal Jew Propaganda: This propaganda portrayed Jewish people as communists, greedy, and physically unfit.
Reich Cinema Law (1934): All movie scripts had to be approved by Goebbels' ministry before release, and actors and directors had to pass racial and political background checks.
Despite the Concordat (agreement with the Pope), Hitler removed Catholic youth groups and changed the curriculum of Catholic schools, leading to opposition.

Opposition to the Nazi Regime

Left-wing Groups:
- Some workers were dissatisfied with the regime and engaged in sabotage, such as slowing down production.
- The SPD fled the country but attempted to raise resistance among workers by distributing leaflets, newspapers, and publishing reports about the situation in Germany.
- The Communist Party formed underground organizations to print and distribute leaflets and newspapers in hopes of sabotaging war production.
Youth Groups:
- Working-class gangs who rejected compulsory membership in the Hitler Youth opposed the regime through their lifestyle.
- They were seen as a nuisance rather than a threat.
The Churches:
- Hitler's violation of the Concordat, including the closure of the Catholic Youth League, led many priests and laypeople to speak out against Nazism.
- Pope Pius XI issued a statement condemning Hitler's actions and urging German Catholics to remain true to their beliefs.
- Some Catholics resisted Nazi bans by displaying religious symbols.
The Army:
- The army, which had the power to potentially overthrow Hitler, was sworn to him, making opposition difficult.
- Resistance groups were formed to prevent an upcoming war, but they were rebuffed.
Individuals:
- Individuals who openly opposed the regime risked being labelled as traitors and endangering themselves and their families.
- Some individuals demonstrated dissatisfaction through passive resistance, such as a lack of cooperation.

The Intentions and Authority of the United Nations (UN)

Intentions of the UN:
- Maintaining peace throughout the world.
- Promoting friendly relationships among nations.
- Assisting nations in working together to improve the lives of poor people.
- Helping nations achieve these goals.
Authority of the UN:
- The Security Council holds the power to approve peacekeeping missions to maintain global peace.
- The Permanent Five members of the Security Council (United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China) have significant resources to enforce decisions.

The Ambitions of Germany and Japan

Germany:
- Lebensraum: This policy of "living space" led to aggressive expansionism.
- Policy of Appeasement: The western powers followed this policy to avoid war with Hitler, which allowed him to demand territory without consequence.
- Rearmament (1933+): Germany withdrew from the League of Nations and the Disarmament Conference. Hitler announced Germany's rearmament and introduced conscription, a violation of the Treaty of Versailles that was tolerated by the allies.
- Occupation of the Rhineland (1936): The TOV demilitarized the Rhineland to increase French security. Despite this, 30,000 German soldiers reoccupied the area. This lack of opposition from the allied powers established a precedent and allowed Germany to build the Siegfried Line.
- Anschluss: Invasion of Austria (1938): German troops invaded Austria with minimal resistance, annexing the country under the “Anschluss.” This led to Hitler requesting the Sudetenland from the allies.
- Invasion of Czechoslovakia (1938): Germany demanded the Sudetenland, a region of Czechoslovakia. In the Munich Agreement, Italy, Britain, and France ceded the territory to Hitler. Hitler used this land as a launching point to occupy the rest of Czechoslovakia. This marked the end of appeasement.
- Invasion of Poland (1939): After demanding Poland, Hitler invaded the country, which triggered World War II. This broke the terms of the Soviet-Nazi Non-Aggression Pact.
Japan:
- Ideologies:
  - Pan-Asianism
  - Self-sufficiency
  - New Order (a regional power structure in Asia)
  - Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere (an economic and political alliance)
- Expansion: Japan's aggression led to the invasion of:
  - Manchuria (1931)
  - China (1937)
  - French Indochina (1940)
  - The bombing of Pearl Harbor (1941)
- Pearl Harbor: Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, hoping to force the US to surrender its steel and oil.

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