Paper 1 - German and Italian Expansion

Question 1

How did Naziism spark German expansionism?

Answer 1

Their goal was to unite all Germans (regardless of where they were from) besides Jews, minorities, etc.

Question 2

What was lebensraum?

Answer 2

Germany’s belief that they had a “right” to expand. Based off of the racism of Germans > all others.

Question 3

What was the Munich Putsch?

Answer 3

Hitler’s attempted march on Munich to take government buildings, gain popularity, and gain power.

Question 4

What were the effects of the Munich Putsch?

Answer 4

It gained national attention, Hitler got to rant, became a key piece of Nazi lore, and Hitler wrote Mein Kampf while in prison.

Question 5

What was the “stab in the back” myth?

Answer 5

German nationalists and soldiers were upset with the armistice. A myth was created that the new government was full of Jews and commies trying to stage a coup.

Question 6

What was the impact of the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 6

Germans did not like how they were treated from this. It tried to ensure that Germany was no longer a threat.

Question 7

How did Hitler rise to power?

Answer 7

He was appointed chancellor and when Hindenburg died, he merged the offices of president and chancellor.

Question 8

What happened at the World Disarmament Conference?

Answer 8

Germany withdraws from the League of Nations which paves the way for their future violation of treaties.

Question 9

How did Hitler feel expansionism would help Germany?

Answer 9

It would allow for Lebensraum (living space) as well as let the nation gain “autarky” boosting economic growth.

Question 10

What was the significance of the Poland-Germany nonaggression pact?

Answer 10

France had to look for other allies and Germany was protected (a little) from Russia.

Question 11

What was the Dolfuss Affair?

Answer 11

Nazis assassinated Austria’s prime minister Dolfus and tried to come in to save the day in order to gain Austria too. Italy mobilizes, so Germany does not continue.

Question 12

What was the Stresa Front?

Answer 12

Britain, France, and Italy align. This eventually fell apart because of the distance between the nations.

Question 13

What was the Franco-Soviet Alliance?

Answer 13

France and Russia aligned against Germany. France also created the Maginot line of fortifications against Germany.

Question 14

What was the significance of the remilitarization of the Rhineland?

Answer 14

Britain and France condemn it, but do not do anything because they are not ready for war.

Question 15

How did the Rome-Berlin Axis form?

Answer 15

Hitler and Mussolini bonded over anti-commie, Spanish Civil War, and anti-Brit/Franco Bloc.

Question 16

What was the Anschluss with Austria?

Answer 16

Hitler demands Austria release German prisoners and imposition of a Nazi leader. To stave off invasion, Austria agrees. A plebiscite found 99% were for it.

Question 17

What was the Sudeten Crisis?

Answer 17

Ethnic Germans in Sudetenland (in Czechoslovakia) wanted Germ. annexation. So did Hitler. He gave a list of demands and mobilized, forcing Czecho. to agree to more and more.

Question 18

What was the Munich Agreement?

Answer 18

Mussolini asked for peace talks that end in an agreement for Germany to annex the Sudetenland.

Question 19

What were the results of the Sudeten Crisis?

Answer 19

Brit/Franc publics relieved at avoiding war. Czecho. was slowly dismantled b/c Munich Agreement took away 70% of their industry and 1/3 of their population. Later Hitler fully took over Czecho.

Question 20

What was the Polish Crisis?

Answer 20

Ethnic Germans advocated for annexation. Poland says no and so does the Brit/Franc Bloc. Germ. invades and Brit/Franc declare war.

Question 21

What was the Pact of Steel?

Answer 21

Hitler and Mussolini completely aligned in May 1939.

Question 22

What was the Nazi-Soviet Nonaggression Pact?

Answer 22

Germany and Russia would not go to war and that they could split Poland.

Question 23

What was the response to Poland’s invasion?

Answer 23

A peace conference was called but Brit rejects it. Brit/France end up declaring war on Germany. Germany speeds up Poland invasion. WWII starts.

Question 24

What was the impact of WWI on Italy?

Answer 24

It became politically divided and the economy went down. This meant that communism grew.

Question 25

Why did support for Fascism grow in Italy after WWI?

Answer 25

People were full of national pride and patriotism at the victory (Italy was with allies then). The rise in communism meant that people went to communism’s enemy: Fascism. The church supported them.

Question 26

How did Mussolini consolidate is power?

Answer 26

Intimidation and violence increased parliamentary representation from 7%-66%. OVRA (secret police) established.

Question 27

What factors influenced Mussolini’s foreign policy?

Answer 27

He wanted to build an empire to spread fascism and wanted to strengthen his economy.

Question 28

What were the tenants of Fascism?

Answer 28

A strong empire, nationalism, anti-commie. Followers were called “blackshirts”.

Question 29

What were Mussolini’s foreign policy goals?

Answer 29

Wanted to dominate the Balkans and Mediterranean, wanted to build an empire in Africa, spread fascism, and gain Autarky.

Question 30

How did domestic economic issues impact Italy’s foreign policy?

Answer 30

The Great Depression destroyed the economy. Measures are taken to provide relief. Abysinnian crisis likely an outcome.

Question 31

Why did Mussolini invade Abyssinia?

Answer 31

He had nationalist ambitions (revenge for the Battle of Adwa in 1896). Since it wasn’t colonized, he assumed it was good for his taking. To build his African empire. He had a fear of losing power to Germany in Europe.

Question 32

What were the results of the Abyssinian War?

Answer 32

Italy annexed Abyssinia and won the war. The League of Nations did nothing about it –> telling the world that the League was worthless.

Question 33

Why did Italy intervene in the Spanish Civil War?

Answer 33

They were confident in their military ability. Mussolini also wanted to weaken France.

Question 34

What were the results of Italy’s intervention in the Spanish Civil War?

Answer 34

Massive econ. cost to Italy prompting increased trade with Germany. Italy’s military was weakened and this was exposed to the world. Italy drew closer to Germany.

Question 35

What was Italy’s role in the Sudetenland Crisis?

Answer 35

To make Italy look like a peace-making nation (Munich Agreement). Mussolini really acted as a German puppet.

Question 36

Why did Italy invade Albania?

Answer 36

Mussolini wanted the same success as Hitler had in Czecho. (it was really worthless because they already had influence there)

Question 37

Why did Italy remain non-belligerent in 1939?

Answer 37

It would not be ready for war until 1943 and may have gone with Britain and France rather than Germany (might have).

Question 38

Why did Italy join WWII in June 1940?

Answer 38

Germany owed $40 million to Italy and paid through coal shipments that Brit/Franc blocked. Italy declared war on Brit/Franc because it wanted its money.

Question 39

What was the Hoare-Laval Pact?

Answer 39

The League of Nation’s failed attempt at solving the Abyssinian Crisis. Mussolini would get 2/3 and Selassie would get 1/3 of Abyssinia.

Question 40

What were the effects of the Abyssinian Crisis on Italy?

Answer 40

Italian East Africa was established. Italy was further isolated from Western Economies. Muss. consolidated power and used propaganda to gain popularity. Italy became closer to Germ/Jap and further away from Brit/Franc.