L2 (WW2 Causes) - Euro + USA 1930s Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is Appeasement?
- Diplomatic strategy focused on making concessions 2 aggressive foreign power > avoid war
- Aim to keep Hitler happy > avoid another world war
What led to the development of Appeasement?
- British political concerns = GD > massive unemployment in GB > rallies + demos against govt.
- Sympathy for Germany = many felt that ToV = too harsh on Germans + actions = justified under Hitler
- Fear of communism = Strong Germany = British ally > good barrier to potential communist expansion (e.g. Stalin’s USSR)
What is the League of Nations?
- LoN = assoc. of 42 states (founding members)
- Created during negotiations during ToV + existed 10th Jan 1920
What were the aims of the League of Nations?
- Stop conflicts breaking out around world
- Encourage disarmament
- Improve life around world = tackle contemporary issues e.g. disease + working conditions
What were the limitations of the League of Nations?
- USA = never member
- No army 2 enforce decisions
- Nations X agree > easy withdrawal
e.g. Germany X enter till 1926 + Hitler withdrew Oct 1933
e.g. Japan withdrew Mar 1933 > J responsible for Manchuria invasion
What is isolationism?
- Commitment 2 avoiding alliances + involvement in other nations politics > avoid being drawn into int’l crises inc. war
What did the USA do to ensure they were isolated in the 1930s?
- Congress = series of Neutrality Acts (FDR had to agree)
>1st Neutrality Act 1935 = prohibited ‘arms, ammunition + implements of war’ exportation from USA 2 foreign nations at war
>Neutrality Act 1937 = US citizens X travel on belligerent ships + American merchant ships X transport arms
> Neutrality Act 1939 = Embargo on arms sales 2 belligerent nations lifted h/w still ban on loans + American ships X transport goods to belligerent nations ports
Why did the USA break its policy of isolationism?
1941: USA began providing military aid w/o restrictions b/c of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour