The League of Nations and International Relations in the 1930s

Flashcards about The League of Nations and International Relations in the 1930s

What were the key economic impacts of the Great Depression?

Triggered by the Wall Street Crash in 1929, it led to US investors ending loans to European countries, protectionist tariffs that limited world trade, and increased unemployment globally.

How did the Great Depression affect political ideologies?

The depression intensified the loss of faith in democratic systems, leading to the growth of communist and fascist parties, particularly in countries with weak democratic traditions.

What was the impact of the Great Depression on international affairs?

Britain, France, and the US focused on economic recovery rather than international affairs, leading to nationalist policies, Japanese expansion into Manchuria, increased US protectionism, and German violations of the Versailles agreements.

How did the military gain power in Japan?

The military took over Manchuria against the policies of the elected government, and Emperor Hirohito replaced democracy with a government of National Unity under Admiral Saito.

What was the aim of the military dictatorship in Japan?

Further expansion in Asia.

Why did Mussolini look to overseas success during the Great Depression?

Mussolini looked to overseas success to reunite people behind him, encouraged by the weak response to Hitler’s violations of the Treaty of Versailles.

How did Hitler gain popularity in Germany?

Hitler appealed to unemployed youths and soldiers with speeches critical of the Weimar constitution, the threat of communist revolution, and politicians who sought peace in WWI and the Treaty of Versailles.

What was the aim of Nazi foreign policy from 1933-1935?

Overturn Versailles and restore German strength.

What was the Stresa Front?

Meeting of Italy, France, Britain that condemned German rearmament and resolved to maintain peace settlements.

What was the Rome Agreement of 1/1935?

France and Italy promised not to meddle in the Balkans and act together against German rearmament and threats to Austria's independence.

What treaty was signed in May 1935 between France and Russia?

Franco-Soviet Treaty of Mutual Assistance

What was the main aim of British policy towards Germany?

Britain was willing to negotiate modifications to the Treaty of Versailles to prevent Hitler’s aggressive expansion due to economic problems and the costs of defending its worldwide empire.

How did Italy's foreign policy shift in the 1930s?

Italy tried to align itself opposite Germany after a failed Austrian coup and the reintroduction of conscription in Germany, initially aligning with Britain and France after the Stresa Conference but later looking to Germany for support after the invasion of Abyssinia.

What was the Soviet Union's approach to international relations in the 1930s?

Joined the League of Nations for collective security and pursued negotiations with Germany.

What was the United States' foreign policy approach in the 1930s?

Continued an isolationist policy to avoid European war, but became more hostile to Germany due to the persecution of Jews, with a main concern being Japan's empire threatening American interests in Asia.

Who were the Nationalists in the Spanish Civil War?

Right-wing groups including monarchists, conservatives, Catholics, and the Fascist Party, led by General Franco and supported by Germany and Italy.

Who were the Republicans in the Spanish Civil War?

Left-wing groups including opponents of the Catholic Church and communists, supported by Britain, France, and U.S.S.R.

What were Germany's aims in intervening in the Spanish Civil War?

To distract from rearmament and to have a friendly government for resources and naval bases.

What were Italy's aims in intervening in the Spanish Civil War?

Ideological, to gain a new ally in Franco, gain a naval base, strengthen Italian “character” through war, and strengthen ties with Germany.

Why did France not intervene in the Spanish Civil War?

Intervention would increase tensions in France, and Britain threatened neutrality if French intervention led to war with Germany.

Why did Britain not intervene in the Spanish Civil War?

They thought it more important to pursue negotiations with Germany, and members of the Conservative Party sympathized with Franco.

What were the Soviet Union's aims in intervening in the Spanish Civil War?

To divide enemies and prevent a fascist victory, but reduced aid once it was realized the Republicans could not win, to prolong the war.

What were the long-term aims of Adolf Hitler of Germany from 1933-1940?

Remove restrictions in the Treaty of Versailles, expand into eastern Europe, unite all German people together, and gain Lebensraum for German people.

How did Germany remilitarize the Rhineland in 1936?

Germany took advantage of the Abyssinian Crisis to remilitarize ahead of plan, justifying that the Franco-Soviet Pact violated the Locarno agreement, with Mussolini's support due to British and French opposition to the invasion of Abyssinia.

What was Germany's rearmament plan from 1936-1939?

Four Year Plan to prepare Germany for war by 1940, with military expenditures quadrupling between 1937 and 1939, emphasis on production of synthetic materials, and a buildup of the Luftwaffe and army.

How did the Anschluss (annexation of Austria) occur in 1938?

After riots led by Austrian Nazis, Hitler sent German troops to occupy Austria and annexed it into the Reich.

What was the outcome of the Sudetenland crisis in 1938?

British Prime Minister Chamberlain met with Hitler and agreed to all areas of 50% German population to return to Germany, leading to the Munich Pact where Germany received the Sudetenland.

How did Germany occupy Czechoslovakia in 1939?

Hitler encouraged agitation in Slovakia against the Czech government, and German troops entered Czechoslovakia, leading to Britain and France not intervening.

What events led to the invasion of Poland in 1939?

Germany demanded the return of Danzig and German access to the Polish corridor, violating the Treaty of Versailles and the German-Polish non-aggression Pact, leading to the invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939.

What problems faced the World Disarmament Conference: 1932-1934?

Poor Timing, Manchurian Crisis, Rise of Nazi’s, Great Depression

What was the British/ French strategy from the mid 1930’s?

British/ French strategy based on self-defense

What encouraged Britain to follow policy of confrontation ?

Encouraged by French economy recovery in Spring 1939