Overview
This lecture covers the rise of fascism in Italy, Germany, and Japan leading up to World War II, and details the initial stages of the war, including military strategies and responses by the Allies.
Rise of Fascism in Italy
- Mussolini, originally a socialist, shifted to nationalism and founded Fascism after being expelled from the socialist party.
- Italy felt cheated after WWI due to limited territorial gains and a weak postwar economy.
- Mussolini gained support by promising to restore Italy's greatness and became Prime Minister in 1922, establishing a dictatorship.
Hitler and Nazi Germany
- Germany was severely punished by the Treaty of Versailles, leading to territorial loss, demilitarization, and reparations.
- Economic hardship and political instability made Hitler's message appealing; he became Chancellor in 1933.
- Hitler established a totalitarian regime and formed alliances with Italy and Japan.
Expansionism and Failed Appeasement
- All three Axis powers (Germany, Italy, Japan) pursued aggressive expansion, believing in their racial superiority.
- Germany violated the Versailles Treaty by rebuilding its military and reoccupying the Rhineland.
- The Allies followed a policy of appeasement, allowing the annexation of Austria and Sudetenland.
- Hitler invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia despite promises.
Japan's Expansion in Asia
- Japan, lacking resources, waged wars against China and Russia, annexed Korea, and expanded into Manchuria.
- The Marco Polo Bridge incident led to full-scale war with China, with significant atrocities like the Nanking Massacre.
Outbreak of WWII
- Hitler signed the Pact of Steel with Mussolini and a nonaggression pact with Stalin to divide Poland.
- Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939; Britain and France declared war.
- Soviet Union attacked Finland; meanwhile, France and the UK remained mostly defensive.
Fall of France and Battle of Britain
- Germany used blitzkrieg tactics, bypassing French defenses and quickly conquering France.
- British forces narrowly escaped at Dunkirk; France became a German puppet state.
- Hitler attempted to force Britain into submission through air attacks (the Blitz), but British morale and RAF resistance held strong.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Fascism — A political system prioritizing national unity and authoritarian rule over individual rights, first established by Mussolini in Italy.
- Treaty of Versailles — The 1919 agreement ending WWI, imposing harsh penalties on Germany.
- Blitzkrieg — "Lightning war"; German military strategy using fast, concentrated attacks to encircle and defeat enemies.
- Appeasement — Diplomatic policy of making concessions to avoid conflict, practiced by the Allies before WWII.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the causes and consequences of appeasement in Europe.
- Prepare notes on the major WWII battles covered in the next lecture.