Rise of Fascists

Economic Problems and Extremism

High unemployment and economic struggles helped extremist parties gain support.

Many Germans supported Hitler because the economy improved after he took power.

Hitler Becomes Chancellor

Hitler legally gained power when President Hindenburg appointed him chancellor in 1933.

Once in office, Hitler increased Nazi control over Germany.

Reichstag Fire

Hitler blamed communists for the fire and used fear to limit civil liberties.

The event helped Nazis arrest opponents and expand government power.

Night of the Long Knives

Hitler ordered the SS to eliminate rivals and threats within the Nazi Party.

This strengthened Hitler’s personal control over Germany.

Kristallnacht

Nazi stormtroopers attacked Jewish homes stores and synagogues.

The event marked a major escalation in Nazi persecution of Jewish people.

Nazi Expansionism

Hitler violated the Treaty of Versailles by moving troops into the Rhineland and annexing Austria and the Sudetenland.

These actions showed aggressive expansionist goals.

Appeasement

Britain and France allowed some German expansion in hopes of avoiding another war.

The Munich Conference became a symbol of appeasement.

Japanese Aggression

Japan expanded into China and other parts of Asia for resources and power.

The Rape of Nanking demonstrated the brutality of Japanese military aggression.

Rape of Nanking

Japanese forces killed civilians and committed widespread atrocities in China.

The event showed the devastating effects of militarism and imperialism.