WORLD WAR II BETWEEN THE WORLD WARS Important
WORLD WAR II BETWEEN THE WORLD WARS
Important changes took place in the 20 years between the two world wars (1919 to 1939)
What was Europe like after World War I ?
In Europe, the war led to a sense of bitterness and pessimism among nations ■ Text Many European nations were destroyed and bankrupted by years of fighting along the Western Front Russia was destroyed after WWI and a threeyear civil war; these wars led to communism and the formation of the Soviet Union
The harshness of the Treaty of Versailles created bitterness in Germany; the Germans were unable to pay reparations ■ Text Italians were angry when they did not receive land along the Adriatic Coast
The horrors of World War After the war, people I changed people’s started questioning attitudes about progress traditional beliefs What were some new ideas in the post-war era?
Austrian-born Sigmund Freud revolutionized psychology; he believed the mind has conscious and subconscious thoughts that affect peoples’ behavior
German-born Albert Einstein revolutionized physics; his theories on light, relativity, and energy disproved many of Isaac Newton’s discoveries from the 1600 s
New abstract art, like Pablo Picasso’s cubism (using geometric shapes) and Salvador Dali’s surrealism (dream-like art), reacted against traditional art forms
New abstract art, like Pablo Picasso’s cubism (using geometric shapes) and Salvador Dali’s surrealism (dream-like art), reacted against traditional art forms
What was America like after World War I ?
While European nations struggled to rebuild and pay for the war, some world nations benefited from WWI The United States was the Japan gained wealthiest nation in the by selling supplies to world and a major world the Allies and power that created (but increased its position never joined) the League as the strongest of Nations nation in Asia
After WWI, the Mass production in factories United States entered led to new consumer goods the “Roaring Twenties” and high wages for workers
Automobiles became inexpensive and popular…
Electric appliances and radios were popular…
Americans enjoyed themselves at movies, sporting events, and jazz clubs
R o ar in g T w e n ti e s
The USA used its wealth to help European nations repay their debts and rebuild after the war
What changed in America in the 1930 s?
The Roaring Twenties came to an end in 1929 when the stock market crash, bank failures, and high unemployment led to a Great Depression
The depression in America triggered a world-wide depression in the 1930 s when international trade declined and U. S. investment in Europe ended
The depression led to a sharp rise in unemployment in Europe
Why did powerful dictators come to power in Europe in the 1920 s and 1930 s?
In Germany, the situation grew desperate by the 1930 s and the Weimar government (Germany’s republican government after the Kaiser left) became more unpopular
The Weimar republic was already unpopular because government leaders signed the Treaty of Versailles
To pay war reparations and rebuild the country, the government printed money which led to hyper-inflation (paper money became worthless) Unemployment in Germany reached 30%
Like Germany, Italians felt betrayed by the treaty; even though Italy was on the winning side, they gained very little new territory Italy also had a suffering economy and saw its unemployment rise
Due to the economic depression, bitterness, and desperation, ruthless dictators will seize power in Germany and Italy
These dictators played an important role in causing World War II
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