International History 1870–1945 - Chapter 3: The League of Nations and international relations in the 1930s

The Great Depression

Global economic catastrophe triggered by 'Black Friday' in 1929, causing deflation, bank failures, and soaring unemployment.

Economic struggles in Japan

Fueled militaristic expansion in Japan due to a lack of natural resources, leading to an aggressive foreign policy.

The Nazis

Exploited economic desperation in Germany by promising to restore national pride and economic stability.

Economic issues in Spain

Exacerbated political tensions in Spain, leading to the Spanish Civil War.

National Humiliation

Hitler's view of the Treaty of Versailles

Rearmament of Germany

Stimulated the German economy, reduced unemployment, and boosted Hitler's popularity.

Lebensraum

Hitler's concept of needing more territory in Eastern Europe to thrive, acquired at the expense of Slavic populations.

Invasion of Manchuria (1931)

Driven by the desire for resources and territory, demonstrating Japan's expansionist ambitions.

Withdrawal from League of Nations (1933)

Signaled Japan's disregard for international law and cooperation.

Anti-Comintern Pact (1936)

Solidified an alliance between Germany and Japan, creating a bloc that challenged the existing world order.

Mussolini's Aggressive Foreign Policy (Post-1934)

Sought to emulate the Roman Empire and expand Italy's influence in the Mediterranean and Africa.

Invasion of Abyssinia (1935)

Demonstrated Mussolini's expansionist ambitions and his willingness to defy the League of Nations.

Alliance with Germany (Rome-Berlin Axis, Pact of Steel)

Symbolized the partnership between Mussolini and Hitler, setting the stage for their joint aggression in World War II.

Social Inequality in Spain

Vast disparities in wealth and land ownership that fueled social unrest in Spain.

General Francisco Franco

The military revolt in Spain started by

League of Nations' Non-Intervention Policy

Policy adopted to prevent the Spanish Civil War from escalating, though it proved largely ineffective.

Hitler's aim to Overturn the Treaty of Versailles

Dismantle the treaty's restrictions on Germany's military and territorial sovereignty.

Hitler's aim to Expand Territory

Acquire Lebensraum in Eastern Europe for the German people.

Failed Attempt at Anschluss (1934)

Failed due to opposition from other European powers, particularly Italy.

Failure of the Stresa Front

Formed in 1935 to counter Germany's rearmament and expansionist policies but collapsed after Italy's invasion of Abyssinia.

Remilitarization of the Rhineland (1936)

A demilitarized zone under the Treaty of Versailles that Hitler remilitarized in 1936.

Rome-Berlin Axis (1936)

A political and military alliance between Italy and Germany, formalizing their cooperation.

Anti-Comintern Pact (1936)

An agreement between Germany and Japan aimed at countering the spread of communism.

Anschluss (1938)

Annexed by Hitler in 1938, expanding Germany's territory.

Czechoslovakia (1939)

Annexed by Germany in 1939, violating the Munich Agreement and signaling the failure of appeasement.

French Refusal to Compromise

France was unwilling to compromise due to fears of German aggression.

Hitler’s Insistence on Rearmament

Hitler demanded that Germany be allowed to rearm to an equal level with other powers.

Japan’s Refusal to Withdraw from Manchuria

Japan refused to withdraw despite condemnation, demonstrating its defiance of international norms.

The League’s Investigating Commission and the Lytton Report

The League sent a commission resulting in this report, which condemned Japan's actions but failed to compel it to withdraw.

Importance of Stresa Front

Britain and France wanted to maintain this with Italy to counter Germany.

Fear of War

They feared that taking strong action against Italy could lead to this

Hoare-Laval Pact

A secret agreement between Britain and France to appease Mussolini by giving him part of Abyssinia.

Appeasement - Fear of War

Policy primarily driven by a desire to avoid another large-scale war in Europe.

Impact of Great Depression - Appeasement

Had weakened British and French economies, making them reluctant to engage in costly military actions.

Harmful Sanctions - Appeasement

Would further harm British and French economies, which were already struggling due to the Depression.

Western Fears of Communism

Western powers feared this from the Soviet Union, making it difficult to form a united front against Germany.

Chamberlain’s Belief - Munich Agreement

Chamberlain naively believed that this secured "peace for our time."

Opposition to the Munich Agreement - Churchill

Opposed the Munich Agreement, warning that it was a sign of weakness that would embolden Hitler.

German Invasion of Czechoslovakia (1939)

Demonstrated that Hitler could not be trusted and that appeasement had failed.

Chamberlain’s Rejection of Appeasement

Abandoned appeasement and adopted a more confrontational policy towards Germany.

Britain’s Guarantee to Poland

Guaranteed to support this country against Germany to deter further aggression and uphold international law.

Hitler’s Motives - Nazi-Soviet Pact

Signed to secure Hitler's eastern front, allowing him to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention.

Stalin’s Motives - Nazi-Soviet Pact

Signed to buy time to rearm, gain territory in Eastern Europe, and avoid being isolated in a war against Germany.

Implications of the Pact - Poland

It was divided between Germany and the Soviet Union, leading to its occupation and the outbreak of World War II.

Implications of the Pact - Germany

Allowed Germany to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention, triggering the start of World War II.

Germany’s Invasion of Poland

Invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, to seize territory and expand its Lebensraum.

British Ultimatum

Issued to Germany demanding that it withdraw from Poland.

Appeasement - Long Term Causes of WW2

The policy of this allowed Hitler to grow stronger and more aggressive, ultimately leading to war.

Historians debate whether Hitler