Secondary Two History (Part-2

  • The Origins of the Second World War in Europe (1938 – 1939)

  • The Second World War in Europe and its Consequences (to 1949)

  • The Russian Revolution (1938 – 1939)

  • China: Civil War and the Rise of Communism

  • The Rise of Japan (1933 – 1938)

  • Victory, Defeat, and Reconstruction: Japan (1937 – 1952)

Table of Contents

The Origins of the Second World War in Europe (1938 – 1939)

Hitler's Expansionist Goals

Hitler, appointed Chancellor of Germany in 1933, pursued aggressive strategies for territorial expansion, guided by his ideological belief in Lebensraum (living space), aimed at providing more land and resources for the German people. Following his initial successes in consolidating power and rearming Germany, Hitler sought further territorial gains primarily in Eastern Europe, with particular focus on regions inhabited by ethnic Germans, such as Poland and Czechoslovakia.

Austria and the Anschluss (March 1938)

In violation of the Treaty of Versailles, which prohibited the annexation of Austria, Hitler aimed to unify Austria with Germany. On March 12, 1938, German troops marched into Austria, meeting no resistance. This event, known as the Anschluss, was largely welcomed by a majority of the Austrian population, although Jews and opponents of the regime faced severe repercussions. The lack of decisive action from Britain and France in response to this blatant aggression emboldened Hitler to continue his expansionist policies.

Czechoslovakia and the Sudeten Crisis (September 1938)

With Austria annexed, Czechoslovakia became surrounded by German territory, leading to heightened tensions as Hitler exploited discontent within the Sudetenland, a region with a significant ethnic German population. British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, in an effort to maintain peace, pursued a policy of appeasement and made three visits to negotiate with Hitler. During these meetings, Hitler threatened war if his demands were not met. Ultimately, at the Munich Conference in September 1938, Britain, France, Germany, and Italy agreed to cede the Sudetenland to Germany without Czechoslovakia's representation. Initially hailed as a diplomatic success by Chamberlain and Hitler, the Munich Agreement ultimately weakened Czechoslovakia significantly, compromising its sovereignty and stability.

The German Invasion of Czechoslovakia (March 1939)

Despite assurances regarding the Sudetenland, Hitler escalated his ambitions and occupied the rest of Czechoslovakia by March 15, 1939, further illustrating his disregard for diplomatic agreements. The lack of an effective response from Western powers led to increased confidence in Hitler's militaristic agenda. In light of rising threats, Britain and France began to rearm and form mutual defense agreements with Poland, marking a significant shift away from their previous appeasement policy.

The Outbreak of the Second World War (September 1939)

On September 1, 1939, after failing to negotiate concessions from Poland regarding the Danzig Corridor and other territorial claims, Hitler launched a swift invasion of Poland. This act of aggression prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany on September 3, 1939, marking the official outbreak of the Second World War in Europe.

The Second World War in Europe and Its Consequences (to 1949)

Overview of the War

The Second World War evolved into a total war, drawing in over 60 countries and resulting in unprecedented civilian casualties, estimated at over 70 million people. Warfare strategies shifted dramatically with the introduction of Blitzkrieg, or lightning warfare, characterized by rapid, surprise attacks, which proved effective in early German offensives.

Effects of the War

The war caused untold suffering, particularly among civilian populations who were targeted through aerial bombardments, including the London Blitz and the firebombing of German cities. The conflict culminated in the dramatic fall of Nazi Germany in May 1945, leaving Europe in devastation and chaos. Post-war, territorial reorganization and political shifts emerged, leading to the rise of the United States and Soviet Union as superpowers and the beginning of the Cold War, which characterized global relations for decades to come.

The Russian Revolution (1938 – 1939)

Context and Background

The vast Russian Empire, home to numerous ethnic groups, experienced significant turmoil under Tsar Nicholas II. Growing economic struggles and military failures during World War I exacerbated discontent among the populace, resulting in revolutionary sentiments that fueled the Bolshevik movement.

Key Events Leading to Revolution

Major revolutionary events commenced with the February Revolution of 1917, where popular unrest fostered the abdication of the Tsar. The Provisional Government that succeeded him struggled with key issues like continuing wartime efforts and necessary land reforms, leading to increased support for the Bolsheviks, who promised to address these concerns.

The Bolshevik Takeover

In October 1917, the Bolshevik Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, successfully overthrew the Provisional Government, establishing a communist regime that would alter the course of Russian history dramatically.

Important Themes

  • Appeasement vs. confrontation: The failure of appeasement as a strategy is evident in how it emboldened aggressive regimes to pursue expansionist goals, ultimately leading to large-scale conflict.

  • Total War: The total mobilization of resources for warfare involved national economies and societies directly, resulting in long-lasting impacts on civilian life and political structures globally.

  • Rise of Totalitarianism: Economic degradation and social chaos allowed authoritarian leaders to seize control, instating regimes that prioritized state power over personal freedoms and civil rights.