Origins of WWII: Modernity, WWI, Ideologies, and Totalitarian States

What were the main causes of WWII?

Disruption by modernity, unresolved causes of WWI, new ideologies, and the Economic Depression

How did modernity impact European society?

It created progress and opportunity but also massive disruption to traditional societies and institutions.

What are some disruptions?

Destruction of folk life, exploitation of working class, huge gap between rich and poor

What was the power keg?

1914 challenges from before are going to sink in

What economic changes occurred due to industrialization?

Rapid economic and technological growth, expanded wealth, and a growing middle class.

What was the impact of imperialism on European nations?

It created intense rivalries and a need for new markets and resources.

Define nationalism in the context of WWII.

The belief that people sharing a common identity should have their own nation and government.

What was the significance of WWI in relation to WWII?

WWI caused cataclysmic destruction in Europe, leading to political, economic, and cultural collapse.

What were the two approaches to post-WWI peace?

Wilson's 14 Points aimed to fix the system causing war, while the Allies focused on securing national interests through the Treaty of Versailles.

What were the consequences of the Treaty of Versailles for Germany?

Germany faced territorial losses, military restrictions, reparations, and a war guilt clause.

What was the Great Depression's effect on Europe?

It led to increased economic problems and a focus on fixing economies, exacerbating isolationism.

What ideologies emerged in the 1930s?

Fascism, Nazism, and Communism, each claiming to have solutions to Europe's problems.

Define totalitarianism.

A political system where the state controls all aspects of individual life and thought.

What are the characteristics of totalitarian states?

One-party state, cult of personality, secret police, mass surveillance, prison camps, brainwashed population, and control of media.

What event marked the beginning of the German Revolution?

The abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II in November 1918.

What was the Weimar Republic?

Germany's democratic government established after WWI, associated with the Treaty of Versailles.

What economic crisis did Germany face in the early 1920s?

Hyperinflation due to reparations payments, leading to societal instability.

What was the Ruhr Valley Crisis?

France occupied the Ruhr Valley in 1923 after Germany defaulted on reparations payments.

Who was Adolf Hitler?

Born in 1889 in Austria, he became a prominent political figure and leader of the Nazi Party.

What was 'Mein Kampf'?

Hitler's autobiography outlining his ideology, including themes of Lebensraum, radical ideology, and anti-communism.

What was the Beer Hall Putsch?

A failed coup attempt by Hitler in 1923 to overthrow the Weimar government.

What was Lebensraum?

The concept of 'living space' for the German people, particularly in Eastern Europe.

What was the 'Lost Generation'?

The term referring to the millions of Europeans who died during WWI and its aftermath.

What was the impact of the Spanish Flu on post-WWI Europe?

It caused an additional 20-40 million deaths between 1918-1920.

What was the response of the United States to the League of Nations?

The U.S. opted for isolationism and did not join the League of Nations.

What was the role of social Darwinism in the context of nationalism?

It justified imperialism and the belief in the superiority of certain nations over others.

What was the significance of the 'Hollow Years' in Europe?

A period of societal fatigue and disillusionment following the devastation of WWI.

What was the Reichstag Fire?

An arson attack on the Reichstag building in Berlin on 27 February 1933. The attack was a false flag created by the Nazi party.