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Heimler Unit 8 - Topic 7

Apr 8, 2025

Lecture Notes: Prelude to World War II

Introduction

  • World War I was initially called the Great War or the "war to end all wars."
  • The name "World War I" implies the existence of a subsequent global conflict, World War II.

Post-World War I Context

  • Post-war factors contributed to the rearmament and expansion of fascist states.
  • Germany's Loss: Germany lost World War I and was subject to the Treaty of Versailles.
    • Required Germany to demilitarize and reduce territory.
  • Treaty Violations: Germany's violation of the treaty terms set the stage for further conflict.

Adolf Hitler's Rise

  • Under Adolf Hitler, Germany rearmed and began territorial conquests.

Reasons for Germany's Re-armament and Expansion

  1. Policy of Appeasement
    • Britain and France: Major appeasers to avoid another devastating war.
    • Allowed Hitler to rearm and expand without consequences.
  2. Antagonism with Soviet Union
    • Distrust between Soviet Union and Western nations like the U.S. and European democracies.
    • Inability to form a united front against fascist states like Germany and Italy.

Fascist Territorial Expansion

  1. Italy's Invasion of Ethiopia (1935):

    • Ethiopia was one of the last African states uncolonized by Europe.
    • Italy's conquest posed a threat to British control of the Suez Canal.
    • Weak economic sanctions from the League of Nations were Italy's only repercussions.
  2. Germany's Territorial Gains

    • Rhineland (1936): Militarization defied the Treaty of Versailles.
    • Austria (1938): Annexation known as "Anschluss."
      • Rigged vote with a suspicious 99% favoring annexation.
    • Sudetenland and Czechoslovakia: Further territorial claims.

Munich Agreement

  • Britain and France conceded to Hitler's demands with a promise of no further expansion.

Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact

  • Agreement Between Germany and Soviet Union:
    • No attack pact for a decade.
    • Division of Poland between the two powers.

Invasion of Poland (1939)

  • Hitler's invasion of Poland violated the Munich Agreement.
  • Response: Britain and France declared war on Germany, marking the start of World War II.

Conclusion

  • Britain and France's declaration of war on Germany was the tipping point that led to World War II.
  • Encouragement to continue studying for AP European History exams.

Additional Resources

  • Review packs and further study materials available for exam preparation.