The Rise of Dibtators dnd the Failure of the League of Nations
The Birth of the Leasue of Nations
r Originally proposed by the United States (Wilson's 14 points) at the end of WWI
. Designed to be a place to discuss international conflict and ensure the peace through mutual defense
o Problems from the start, USA didn't join, Soviet Union and Germany not allowed in at first, Locarno Spirit
(Western Powers wanted to keep the peace at whatever cost and withdrew from aggressive foreign policy)
o ln reality, the League was just the will of England and France
Imperial Japan and the Manchurian Crisis
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Japan's government was lead almost exclusiveiy be military offr.cers
Pursued a policy of expansion to gain more natural resources (dependent of other countries, especially
usA)
Conquers Manchuria Qrlorth of China) and declares it an independent state (controlled by Japanese puppet
governrnent (1932)
World is outraged, the league of Nations takes no Action
Attacks china in 1937
Mussolini comes to power in Italv and the Invasion of Abvssinia (Ethiopia)
. Benito Mussolini, former Socialist Newspaper editor, creates fascist government in 1922(\4arch on Rome)
o He comes to power on the back of the failed Italian Liberal government, economic problems and
discontentment over the treaty of Versaiiles (Italy received almogt nothing)
o Fascism is a combination of dictatorship based on one supreme leader and a combination of radical
nationalism and imperialism, aggressive foreign policy along with work creation schemes and social
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nroprams at home.
Hitler modeled much of what he did after Mussolini
As part of his idea to "rebuild the Roman Empire," Italy invades Abyssinia (now Ethiopia), brutal war as
Italians use new technology against a practically defenseless people (1935-36)
Again, the League of Nations takes no concrete action
The Soviet Union under Stalin
. Joseph Stalin comes to power after the death of V.I.Lenin in USSR
o "Creates Socialism in one country" using brutal methods (collectivization and the Purges)
o Directly and indirectly kills millions of his own people
r Absolute ruler of USSR. possiblv the most oowerful man in the world
Spanish Civil War
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Francisco Franco, general in Spanish army invades Spain from Morocco in 1936
Franco was actively supported by Mussolini and Hitler and the Spanish Govemment by Stalin
Voienteers from many countries went toi aid the government againt Franco (Abraham Lincoln Brigade
from USA, Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion from Canada)
Franco seizes power in 1939
Things to Remember
r Dictators (Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Franco) rise from poverty and discontent
. They use brutal methods at home and internationally
. The League of Nations (England and France) refuses to step in hoping to avoid war
. Since the League does nothing, it only encourages these dictators to act more aggressiveiy.
. The failure of the Leazue of Nations is a primary cause of WWII