World War Two Background

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o39ZuGNaGVg&feature=fvsr World War TwoBackground Totalitarianism

2. Rise of Totalitarianism • Totalitarianism = Dictatorships that strictly control their populations • Germany (Hitler) & Italy (Mussolini) – Fascist totalitarian regimes • Soviet Union (Stalin) – Communist totalitarian regime

3. Searching for Security, 1919 Security pre 1919 was defined by: • Alliances • Secret Diplomacy • Military preparedness “This is not peace. It is an armistice for twenty years” • Marshall Ferdinand Foch The “Big Three” in Paris, 1919 “Whoever can conquer the street will one day conquer the state, for every form of power politics and any dictatorially-run state has its roots in the street.” Joseph Goebbels

4. Treaty of Versailles • Most important international agreement of the 20th century • It was a compromise between realists and idealists, although heavily punitive • The treaty was forced on Germany via diktat. Germany signed, but under protest MAJOR CLAUSES • War Guilt Clause – Germany must accept sole responsibility for the war • Disarmament – 100 000 troops for internal security; Navy divided among victors • Colonies – relinquished to British, French or League of Nations • Loss of merchant navy – limits German ability to import raw materials • Reparations - $33 Billion; led to Germany’s staggering inflation and economic collapse • Demilitarization & Occupation of Rhineland – France required a buffer zone • Anschluss banned – German and Austrian unification forbidden; also, Saar region • Successor States – Poland born out of land taken from Germany, all land surrendered by Russia returned; Austria-Hungary broken up to create Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Austria, Hungary; Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France

5. Self-Determination and Successor States “When the president talks of ‘self-determination’ what unit has he in mind? Does he mean a race, a territorial area, or a community? It will raise hopes which can never be realized. It will, I fear, cost thousands of lives.” US Secretary of State, Bainbridge Colby, 1918 • Self-determination • Ethnic groups would vote on the issue of whom they would prefer to live with or be governed by. • In order to completely implement self-determination, it was necessary to create homelands for all of the different ethnicities in Europe. • Redrawing the borders of Europe would prove to be a difficult assignment, one that led to the eventual break out of WW II.

6. Evaluating the Treaty http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShRA8HRMR4Q No question – the territorial, military and economic terms infuriated and humiliated Germany. The treaty encouraged a sense of vengeance. In part, a future cause of the World War Two – Thousands of demobilized German troops, resenting the terms of the treaty and disgruntled with a weak political system within their country, joined right wing political groups. France was left feeling insecure Britain gained strength and colonies USA eventually pulled out of European affairs and returned to its isolationist policies The Treaty of Versailles was the result of national self-interest rather than the idealistic vision for a new world order brought forth by Woodrow Wilson.

7. The United States and the League Return to Isolationism: • US Senate refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles and rejected the bill to join the League of Nations • When the USA refused to become a member of the League of Nations, Europe was left without the backing of American industrial and military might. • The French had agreed to make the Treaty of Versailles less punitive because they felt that with the USA in the League of Nations collective security would be able to hold Germany in check

8. Collective Security Woodrow Wilson meant to achieve collective security by creating a community of nations which would guarantee one another’s safety. Collective security meant that an attack by an aggressor on one country would be viewed as an attack on all countries. The League of Nations was to use the combined might of all its members in collective security, to deter aggression and maintain world peace.

9. League of Nations • The League of Nations demanded a radical departure from the traditional politics of Europe. Nations had to make sacrifices in order for this fledgling international organization to work. • Membership of the League was open to “any fully self-governing state, dominion or colony.” However, the USA did not become a member (not in its national interest).Also, Germany and the newly formed USSR were excluded. • Nationalism needed to turn into Internationalism, a feat still unaccomplished KEYS: • For action to occur there needed to be an unanimous vote • Agreement not to interfere with the domestic affairs of member nations

10. 1. Mussolini and Italian Fascism • Italy not happy after WWI • Democratic government seen as weak and ineffective • Got bad deal at Versailles • Economic chaos • Many willing to sacrifice democracy for a solution to problems • Benito Mussolini took advantage of this chaos

11. 1. Mussolini & Totalitarianism • Mussolini formed political party called the Fascisti (Fascist) • 1922 – when couldn’t win election, threatened to overthrow government during March on Rome • “Blackshirts” – quasi-military group who acted as political goons • Mussolini gathered 26,000 Blackshirts and demanded that the Italian government be turned over • King handed Mussolini government without a single shot being fired rather than risk civil war • 1935 – Mussolini led invasion of Ethiopia as part of goal of imperial conquest http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwx78c10kp0&feature=related

12. The Road to Totalitarianism in Germany “…our movement must necessarily be anti-Parliamentarian and if it takes part in the parliamentary constitution, it is only for the purpose of destroying this institution from within.” - Adolf Hitler in Mein Kampf

13. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMeesE4Nlhg&feature=related Key Ideas in Hitler’s Doctrine Repudiated democratic government and called the Weimar Republic an “abortion of filth”. He defined personal freedoms as “rotten liberalism,” incompatible with a strong and vigorous nation. Racial superiority of the Aryan or Nordic peoples. Jews, Slaves, Africans and Gypsies, homosexuals and the disabled were at the other end of the human scale. Hitler believed that the German people had a collective “will”. He referred to this as the will of the people. Lebensraum (living space) – This was to become the foreign policy expression of the Aryan myth. It stated that “inferior nations” next-door to Germany would have to make room for the “superior” Germans

14. Foundations of Nazism In times of prosperity the Nazis gained little support. Their ideas were more suited to a populace that was dissatisfied. Their key ideas would remain: • Ultra-nationalism: Included was the myth of Aryan supremacy and rabid anti-semitism b) Repudiation of the Treaty of Versailles c) Fanatical opposition to Communism With the coming of the Depression came widespread unemployment and growth of communist support. Wealthy landowners and manufacturers saw Hitler as their best defence against the communist threat. Most important, was his appeal to the middle classes who dreaded the return to the chaotic conditions of 1923. The bulk of his support would come from this group. Swastika

15. 2. Germany Between 1919-1933 1. German people hated the Weimar Republic for signing the Treaty of Versailles, which held Germany responsible for the war, etc. 2. Economic Issues – Undermined democracy • Inflation Crisis – 1923-24 • Germany could not make reparation payments • French and Belgian troops occupied Ruhr Valley • mark (German currency) lost all value (12 billion marks to one Canadian dollar) • People lost all of their money – furious with government • Hitler used these events to his advantage

16. Economic Issues – cont’ • Germany & Great Depression • For period of 5 years after inflation crisis of 1923-24, the government was reasonably stable, and the economy improved • However: 1929 – plunged into Great Depression • Political parties on the far left (communists) and far right (NAZIS – fascists) grew in popularity with each election

17. 2. Hitler & Nazis • NAZI Party = German Socialist Worker’s Party (in German acronym becomes NAZI) • Extreme Nationalism • Hitler convinced many Germans that a citizen’s sole existence was to serve the state • Anti-Democratic • Hitler was honest that he would destroy the democracy and turn Germany into a dictatorship Hitler’s Propaganda: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c98k2NQFJYU

18. 2. Hitler & Nazis – cont’ • Anti-Semitism • Means to dislike or hate Jewish people • Hitler blamed Germany’s difficulties on the Jews, creating a scapegoat (someone punished for the errors of others) for the German people • This lie – popular to people because it relieved them of their responsibility in WWI and other hardships • At first – Hitler did not tell of his plans to exterminate the Jews • Created an atmosphere of hatred that later would tolerate unspeakable atrocities

19. 2. Hitler & Nazis – cont’ 4. Restore Germany’s Military Might • Treaty of Versailles had severely restricted the size of the German military after WWI • Hitler’s promise to restore the military proved to be very popular with the German people

20. How Hitler Came to Power 1. Great Depression • Weimar Republic could not solve Germany’s economic problems during the Great Depression • People turned to radical parties on the left (communists) and right (fascists) • 1932 – Hitler became German Chancellor (head of government, like our PM), but with a minority government

21. How Hitler Came to Power 2. Burning of the Reichstag(parliament building) • 1933 – another election called in effort for NAZIS to gain a majority • communist burned down the Reichstag • Hitler used this event to convince Germans that a communist revolution was at hand • Outlawed communists in Reichstag – so NAZIS gained a majority

22. How Hitler Came to Power cont’ German Government Structure during Weimar Republic Head of Government – Chancellor (equivalent to Canada’s PM) Leader of party with most seats in Parliament (Reichstag) Head of State – President (Paul von Hindenburg) Elected directly by citizens (like American system) Once Hitler had a majority in parliament, he bullied the Reichstag into passing the Enabling Act Effectively made him all-powerful by becoming President as well as Chancellor = became known as Fuhrer(the leader) Rise of Hitler: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CFWH4Fhkak • Enabling Act Hindenburg

23. THE ENABLING ACT GAVE HITLER THE POWER TO MAKE HIS OWN LAWS. SO, HE BANNED ALL OTHER POLITICAL PARTIES! KPD SPD DDP Zentrum

24. 1. The Night of the Long Knives Now that Hitler had complete control, Germany continued to become a Totalitarian state through: June 1934 Now I have got rid of opposition political groups, I can now deal with opposition in my party. Ernst Rohm (an old friend), head of the S.A. (German for "Assault detachment" or "Assault section“)is very unpopular with the German army leaders. They have the power to overthrow me. I’ve been worried about Rohm for a while, so this is a good excuse.

25. The Night of the Long Knives – cont’ • Hitler had to get rid of Rohm. He was too much of a threat • On the night of 30th June 1934 Hitler’s S.S. killed over 1000 SA members including Rohm • The army were pleased • Hitler had gained the support of the army

26. 2. Nuremburg Laws – 1933-1939 • Draconian (harsh and unjust) laws enacted by Hitler against Jews – under laws, Jews: • had to wear star of David at all times • Lost their professional careers and property • Could not mingle with German population • Lost their citizenship

27. 3. Kristallnacht – the night of broken glass • November 9th, 1938 – Germans encouraged to attack Jews and their property • Jewish shops attacked, windows smashed, Jews beaten in public, many imprisoned for no reason 4. All human rights abolished

28. 5. Secret Police – Gestapo - SS • SS – German for “Protective Squadron” – became all powerful 6. Rapid re-militarization (re-building of the military)

29. 7. Death of President Hindenburg A final note PRESIDENT HINDENBURG’S DEATH GAVE HITLER THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMBINE THE ROLE OF CHANCELLOR AND PRESIDENT. HE CALLED HIMSELF ‘DER FUHRER’. August 1934

30. 8. Oath of Loyalty to Adolf Hitler http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-kCGGlNgLY&feature=related Every soldier swore a personal oath of loyalty to ADOLF HITLER.

31. HITLER BECAME CHANCELLOR THE REICHSTAG FIRE THE ENABLING ACT Der Fuhrer OATH OF LOYALTY TO HITLER THE NIGHT OF THE LONG KNIVES DEATH OF PRESIDENT HINDENBURG

32. Stalin • 1928 – Stalin gained complete control over the Soviet Union • Stalin – extreme totalitarian dictator

33. Characteristics of Soviet Union (USSR) under Stalin • Introduced 5-year plans and Command Economy, which included: 1. Collectivized farming– no private ownership of land – only state-owned • Former peasants became paid workers • First step to raise capital (money) to invest in other parts of his scheme

34. Soviet Union under Stalin – cont’ 2. Investment in Heavy Industry • Large projects such as steel, coal, armaments, railroads, ports, highways, and airports • Virtually ignored production of consumer goods • Ultimate goal: to modernize Soviet industry to build a military that would defend the USSR against invasions by foreign countries • Great Terror / Purges – 1930s • Anyone considered an enemy of his goals was executed • Millions of Soviet citizens lost their lives

36. The fate of the original Central Committee members

37. Soviet Union under Stalin – cont’ 4. International Goals • Defend USSR - priority • 1934 – joined League of Nations • 1939 - Signed the NAZI-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact to prevent USSR from becoming one of Hitler’s targets • Temporary Measure to buy both sides time

40. Use of propaganda

42. Features of Totalitarian Regimes • One leader with absolute power • Only one ideology/party allowed (no others tolerated) • Secret police used to instill terror • No dissent (opposition) allowed • citizens denied human and civil rights • Censorship and propaganda used to control the population • Citizens only left with freedom of own thought – but must keep these to themselves