Dictators Threaten World Peace

CH 24 Sect 1

Pg 734

Failures of the peace of WWI

Treaty of Versailles caused anger & resentment.

Germans saw nothing fair in the treaty blaming them for the war.

Soviets resented the carving up of Russia. People turned to authoritarian leaders to

solve economic & social problems. Dictators were able to seize power.

Joseph Stalin Transforms the Soviet Union Democracy gave way to civil war resulting in the

establishment of a communist gov. Joseph Stalin took control. Made both agricultural & industrial growth the prime

goals of the Soviet Union. Abolished all privately owned farms & replaced them

w/ gov. owned farms. ***All economic activity was placed under state

management. Established a totalitarian state – gov. that

maintained complete control over its citizens. Individuals have no rights, & gov. oppresses all opposition.

Rise of Fascism in Italy Benito Mussolini – established a totalitarian

state in Italy. Unemployment & inflation produced bitter

strikes, communist led. Middle & upper class demanded stronger

leadership. Mussolini played on the fears of economic

collapse & communism. Won support of many discontented Italians.

Rise of Fascism in Italy

Mussolini established the Fascist Party. Fascism – stressed nationalism & placed the

interests of the state above the individual. “black shirts” – Mussolini supporters IL Duce – the leader

Nazis take over Germany

Adolf Hitler followed the path of Mussolini Nazis Party – National Socialist German

Worker’s Party Fuhrer – the leader Promised to bring Germany out of chaos Mein Kampf – Hitler’s book which set forth

the basic beliefs of Nazism Nazism – the German brand of Fascism,

based on extreme nationalism.

Nazis take over Germany Hitler dreamed of uniting all German

speaking people in great German empire. Wanted to enforce racial “purification” Blonde haired, blue eyed, Aryans “master

race” National expansion – more living space Great Depression helped Nazis come to

power. Germany’s economy was dependant on the

U.S. so they were hit hard.

Nazis take over Germany

Unemployed men joined Hitler’s private army. “brown shirts”

Nazis had become the strongest party. Hitler appointed chancellor Dismantled the Weimar Republic &

established the Third Reich

Militarists gain control in Japan

Nationalist military leaders trying to take over the imperial gov. of Japan.

Need for more living space. Launched a surprise attack on Chinese

province of Manchuria. League of Nations allowed actions despite

the goal to prevent aggressive acts. Condemned Japan, who simply quit the

league.

Aggression in Europe & Africa

Hitler pulled Germany out of the League of Nations.

Began a military build up Sent troops into the Rhineland League did nothing to stop Hitler Mussolini began building his empire

beginning w/ Ethiopia. League of Nation’s response was an

ineffective economic boycott.

Civil War in Spain

Francisco Franco rebelled against the Spanish republic.

Spanish Civil War began Americans sent aid but the aid was not sufficient to

stop the spread of fascism. Western democracies remained neutral. Hitler & Mussolini backed Franco w/troops Forged a close relationship b/w Germany & Italy. Spain became a Fascist state.

Americans cling to Isolationism

Americans were determined to avoid war & maintain isolationism.

Congress passed a series of Neutrality Acts. Outlawed arms sales or loans to nations at war. Extended the ban on arms sales & loans to

nations engaged in civil war.

Neutrality breaks down

Roosevelt found it impossible to remain neutral despite public opinion.

U.S. continued to send supplies to China b/c Japan had not declared war on China.

Roosevelt spoke out against isolationism.

Answer these questions

1. In what countries did totalitarian governments come to power?

2. What was the goal of the militarists who took control in Japan?

3. How did the League of Nations responds to aggression?

4. What type of foreign policy did the U.S. adopt after WWI?

5. What laws did Congress pass regarding foreign policy?

6. Why did many Americans have difficulty with a policy of neutrality?