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.