Reasonings

• Treaty of Versailles (1919)

  This peace treaty imposed harsh penalities and reparations, terrtiorial losses and military restrictions on Germany after the first world war, which lead to resement and econmic hardship among Germans. The treaty was negotiated among the Allied powers, Great Britian, United States and Soviet Union, with little particpation from Germany.
• Economic Instability

  The Great Depression (1929) caused global economic turmoil, leading to high unemployment, especially in Germany, and political instability. Leading to many people in desperation and seeking extremist policaitcal parties that promised recovery.
• Rise of Totalitarian Regimes

  Germany: Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party rose to power, promoting aggressive nationalism and expansionism.

  Italy: Benito Mussolini established a fascist regime, seeking to rebuild the Roman Empire.

  Japan: Militarists gained control, pursing imperial expansion in Asia.
• Failure of the League of Nations

  The League was ineffective in preventing agreesion from Axis powers, Germany, Italy and Japan, due to a lack of enforcement mechanisms and the absence of major powers like the U.S.
• The rise of fascism

  Fascist leaders had controlled the government, creating a climate fall of fear and these fascist countries had wanted to expand their territories. These fascist countries had formed alliances (Axis Powers: Germany, Italy and Japan) to support each other in their aggressive actions.
• The rise of nationalism

  Nationalist countries had wanted to expand their borders and recliam lost lands with strong desires for revenge (Especially Germany after feeling humiliated after WWll and wanted to restore their pride and power). Countries had focused on their own interests and desires instead of working together making it harder to stop aggressor nations.
• Appeasement

  Western democracies, particularly Britian and France, had initially adopted a policy of appeasement, which allowed Hitler to expand Germany's territory without facing consequences, which emboldened further aggression and allowing Germany to invaded Poland in 1939.
• In what year did Hitler join the political group that became the Nazi Party?

  1919
• What was Hitler known for that helped him attract a following?

  His powerful speeches and propaganda
• How did the Great Depression affect the support for the Nazi Party?


  It created widespread unemployment and unrest, allowing the Nazis to gain support by blaming the Weimar government
• What significant political change occurred for the Nazi Party by July 1932?

  They became the largest party in the German parliament
• Why did political leaders appoint Hitler as Chancellor of Germany in January 1933?

  They believed they could control him
• What power was granted to Hitler in 1933 that allowed him to change laws without parliamentary approval?

  The power to change laws without needing the parliament's approval
• What actions did Hitler take against his political rivals after gaining power?

  He started to eliminate political rivals including Communists and Social Democrats
• What significant event occurred after the death of the President in 1934?

  Hitler combined the positions of Chancellor and President
• What type of regime did Hitler establish after combining the positions of Chancellor and President?

  A totalitarian regime