World War II 1939 1945 Rise of Totalitarianism

World War II 1939 -1945

Rise of Totalitarianism • Gov. in which a single party or leader controls the economic, social, & political lives of its people. • Characteristics: • Strong leader; Uses terror, spies, & secret police to impose laws on citizens • Control of media & propaganda

Totalitarian Leaders & States • Joseph Stalin, Soviet Union • “Man of Steel” • Communist state • Benito Mussolini, Italy • Il Duce, “the leader” • Creator of fascism

Totalitarian Leaders & States • Adolf Hitler, Germany • • • Leader of the Nazi political party, Nazism Joined Nazi’s after WWI Imprisoned for attempting to start a rebellion in Germany, wrote Mein Kampf Extremely anti-Semitic 1933= Appointed as Chancellor of Germany, 1935= Known as the fuhrer & sole ruler of Germany

Totalitarian Leaders & States • Japan impacted greatly by Great Depression in 1930 s, Solution= Invade surrounding areas • Operated as constitutional monarchy w/an Emperor as leader • But Emperor Hirohito was a weak, quiet ruler; Japan was really ruled by Japanese military • Democratic freedoms limited by military

Acts of Aggression • Germany, Italy, & Japan began to take conquer surrounding areas in 1930 s

League of Nations & Appeasement • Appeasement was a policy of the League of Nations • Allowed the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, & Japan) to expand their territories & gave other concessions in order to avoid a World War

Munich Conference (Sept. 1938) • 1938= Germany & Hitler peacefully invaded Austria & added it to German Empire; Next target is the Sudetenland (German-speaking area of Western Czechoslovakia) • Conference held b/t England’s & France’s prime ministers & Hitler • Hitler is given Sudetenland & promises to not take rest of Czechoslovakia • Hitler invaded rest of nation 1 month after conference