The document summarizes the rise of dictators in the early 20th century, including Mussolini in Italy, Stalin in the Soviet Union, and Hitler in Germany. It discusses how economic hardship and nationalist sentiments following WWI allowed these leaders to gain power. It also describes how they appealed to their populations through promises of restoring national pride and prosperity. The document further outlines the isolationist policies in the US during this period and the formation of an alliance between Germany, Italy, and Japan opposed to communism.
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Dictators
1. The Rise of Dictators Mussolini, Stalin, and Hitler
2. What helped them rise? Treaty that ended WWI Economic depression that followed WWI These created “anti-democratic” sentiments in these countries which empowered these leaders.
6. How did he appeal to the people? Europeans feared Communists were trying to bring down their government. Fascism stood for the protection of private property and middle class jobs, social security Stressed national honor and pride (prestige)
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8. Communist Party created a one-party rule, suppressed individual liberties, punished people who spoke out.
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10. Adolph Hitler Anti-communist and admired Mussolini Fought in WWI Joined the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NAZI) Nationalistic and anti-communistic Attempted to take over Munich and seize Berlin, failed, imprisoned. While in jail wrote, MeinKampf.
11. How did he appeal to the people? Germans were desperate for economic improvement. Pushed for expansion into Poland. (more land) Claimed Germans (blond, blue eyes) were the master race. Blamed problems on the Jewish people
12. How did he gain power? He supported the election of Nazi party candidates to the German parliament, or Reichstag. The German president appointed Hitler to prime minister. Hitler held elections and Nazis gave him dictatorial powers.
13. Military control in Japan… Too many imports and too few exports=low economic growth and unemployment in Japan Japanese military leaders blamed “corrupt politicians” Military leaders invade Manchuria, China for resources without government permission. Military leaders assassinated the Japanese Prime Minister.
14. American Isolationism Why did most Americans not want to get involved in another war in Europe? European debtor nations weren’t paying back the debt from American loans for WWI. The Nye Committee documented the huge profits that arms factories. This made it appear they encouraged the war. This led to this act: Neutrality Act of 1935—Made it illegal for Americans to sell arms to any foreign country at war. Neutrality Act of 1937 –continued ban, but also required warring countries to buy nonmilitary supplies by “cash and carry” only. Purpose? Prevent attacks on neutral American trade ships
15. Axis Powers: Anti-Com-intern Pact Required Germany and Japan to exchange information about Communist groups. Germany Italy Japan
16. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Position? He supported internationalism, not isolationism. Internationalism– the idea that trade between countries creates prosperity He sold arms to China to defend itself. Neither China nor Japan had formally declared war on each other.
