US History

Establishment of the Italian Fascist Party (1920): Benito Mussolini rises to power by 1922 when King Victor Emmanuel names him Prime Minister.
Definition of Fascism: An authoritarian governmental system characterized by:
- Base in Socialism: Involves nationalizing industry.
- Strong Central Authority: Concentration of power within a central government.
- Economic Control: The government exerts control over capital and resources.

Attacks on East African Countries: Mussolini's military initiatives include attacks on Somalia (established as an Italian protectorate in 1923), Ethiopia, and Eritrea.
Ethiopian Conquest (1935): Mussolini successfully invades Ethiopia, deposing King Haile Selassie, who goes into exile.

Joseph Stalin assumes power in the Soviet Union.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) wins the 1932 election, becoming a significant leader for the United States.
Adolf Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany in 1933, leading the National Socialist Party (NAZI).

Recognition of Soviet Government (1933): FDR officially recognizes the Communist government in the Soviet Union, initiating trade and diplomatic relations.
London Economic Conference: FDR speaks against the stabilization of currency and reduction of tariffs, prioritizing American interests over European needs.

Purpose: Strengthening ties with Latin America for better defense against possible attacks.
Implementation:
- Concept by Secretary of State Cordell Hull promoting freer trade and stronger relations.
- Key decisions include:
- Withdrawal of Marines from Haiti.
- Abrogation of the Platt Amendment affecting Cuba.
- Non-intervention in Mexico.
- Trade Agreements: Initiatives to reduce certain tariffs by up to 50% with reciprocal agreements from other nations.

Conflict Overview: A civil war seen as a mini World War II.
Key Figures: Spanish rebels led by Fascist General Francisco Franco, supported by Hitler and Mussolini.
Loyalist Support: Loyalists receive aid from Communist forces in the Soviet Union.

U.S. Response: Roosevelt and Congress extend an arms embargo, choosing to remain neutral.
Result of Inaction: Franco, with support from Hitler and Mussolini, overthrows the republican government, emboldening totalitarian regimes.

Formation of Alliance: Hitler and Mussolini form the Rome-Berlin Axis due to mutual interests in Spain and division with democratic Europeans.
Mussolini's Shift: Though he initially disagrees with Hitler's anti-Semitism, Mussolini adopts similar decrees shortly thereafter.

Rhineland Occupation: Hitler sends troops into the demilitarized Rhineland as a threat to French security, justifying it with claims of being threatened by Franco-Soviet relations.

Anschluss (Annexation of Austria):
- Austria was separated post WWI. Movement for unification with Germany gains momentum in the 1920s.
- Hitler, a native Austrian, supports the unification efforts with a referendum scheduled in March 1938.
- Prior to the vote, German occupation occurs. The fake referendum on April 10, 1938, shows 99.7% in favor, indicating manipulation in the results.

Invasion of Manchuria (1931):
- Japan eyes the resource-rich territory of Manchuria, launching attacks for economic gain.
Second Sino-Japanese War (1937):
- Japan escalates aggression by attacking mainland China.

Sudetenland Crisis:
- Hitler reveals intentions to occupy the Sudetenland, claiming it was part of Germany before WWI.
- Appeasement Policy: British PM Neville Chamberlain and French leader Édouard Daladier agree to Hitler's demands, thinking this will prevent war. Chamberlain declares, “There will be peace in our time.”
- Agreement made in September 1938, leading to Hitler breaking it in March 1939 by taking the remainder of Czechoslovakia.

Non-Aggression Pact (August 23, 1939):
- Hitler negotiates with Stalin to divide Poland, ensuring neutrality from the Soviets if attacked.
Invasion of Poland (September 1, 1939): Germany invades, marking the start of WWII in Europe. The country is divided along the Vistula River between Germany and the USSR.

British and French Reaction: Upon Germany's invasion of Poland, both nations declare war on Germany to support Poland.
FDR's Neutrality Policy: Despite claims of neutrality, FDR initiates a “Cash and Carry” system where allies pay up-front for war materials.

Definition: Means “lightning war”; a military strategy allowing rapid attacks and surprise elements, effectively overwhelming opponents.

The Miracle at Dunkirk: Evacuation of 300,000 British troops thanks to civilian boats amidst the German advance.
Battle of Britain:
- Aerial warfare between German Luftwaffe and British defenses, leading to extensive bombings of British cities for 57 consecutive days.

Formation of Tripartite Pact (1940): Japan partners with Germany and Italy, aiming to secure its Pacific territories.

Trade Agreement (FDR and Churchill): U.S. provides 50 WWI-era destroyers in exchange for leases on naval bases, enhancing military positions in the Caribbean.

Implementation: U.S. supplies war materials to allies with intent for items to be returned after the war, creating contention over neutrality policies.
Justification: FDR uses the “garden hose analogy” to explain needing to assist allies in crisis.

Breach of the Non-Aggression Pact: Initiated by Hitler to capture oil fields, leading to the USSR becoming an ally against Axis powers.

Date: December 7, 1941.
Consequence: The surprise attack prompts U.S. entry into WWII on December 8, 1941, marking a significant turning point in the war across the globe.