The Treaty of Versailles, which officially ended World War I, was perceived negatively by Italy and Germany due to harsh terms imposed by the victorious powers (Britain and France).
Italy's Grievances
Italy was initially allied with Germany but switched sides after the Allied Powers promised land in Austria and the Ottoman Empire.
The Allied Powers regretted this offer because Italy was not very effective in the war.
Britain and France withheld the promised land, causing resentment in Italy.
Germany's Grievances
Reparations: Germany was required to pay reparations to the victorious powers, contributing to hyperinflation and economic disaster.
Demilitarization: Germany was forced to demilitarize, leaving them vulnerable.
War Guilt Clause: The treaty placed the entire blame for the war on Germany, humiliating them on the world stage.
Continued Imperialist Aspirations
Japan expanded into China and the Pacific.
Italy, denied territorial gains after World War I, invaded and conquered Ethiopia, consolidating its colonial holdings into an Italian Empire.
Germany, under Adolf Hitler, began expanding, reclaiming lands lost in the Treaty of Versailles.
Germany first took back the Rhineland.
Expanded into Czechoslovakia and Austria, seeking "Lebensraum" (living space).
Britain and France's policy of appeasement towards Hitler's aggressive militarism demonstrated to Hitler that he could act without consequences from Western powers.
Economic Crisis During the Interwar Period
The Great Depression, starting in the United States, spread globally, causing widespread unemployment and hunger.
This economic hardship made populations susceptible to authoritarian leaders promising improvement.
Rise of Fascist and Totalitarian Regimes
Soviet Union (Communism)
The Russian Revolution of 1917 established the Soviet Union as a communist state.
Joseph Stalin rose to power after Vladimir Lenin's death and aimed to spread communism worldwide, concerning Western powers.
Italy (Fascism)
Fascism is defined by extreme nationalism, authoritarian leadership, and militaristic means.
Benito Mussolini rose to power in Italy, establishing a fascist state.
Mussolini implemented policies that provided state-funded social security and public services, which were welcomed during the Depression.
He used nationalism, speeches, and mass communication to gain support and glorify Italy.
Germany (Nazism)
Fascism took hold in Germany through the Nazi Party under Adolf Hitler.
Hitler used speeches and mass communication to spread nationalistic messages of German greatness.
Hitler identified socialists, communists, and Jews as enemies responsible for Germany's problems.
Nazi policies initially improved living standards for Germans suffering from unemployment and hunger.
Hitler's program had four parts:
Canceling reparations payments.
Remilitarizing Germany in violation of the Treaty of Versailles.
Acquiring "Lebensraum" for the German people.
Eliminating races and people deemed impure, with Jews suffering the most.