History content summary (updated)

Chapter 1: WW1 Treaty of Versailles - Aims of the big three, why did they differ? Wilson [USA]: Advocated for a just & lasting peace, based on his Fourteen points, and probably because they didn’t suffer a lot. He aimed to prevent future wars mainly through creation of the League of Nations. Clemenceau [France]: Mainly concerned with ensuring France’s security against future German aggression. He aimed to weaken Germany as much as possible as they suffered the most and for revenge. Lloyd George [Britain]: Sought to balance the interests of France and Germany, while also ensuring Britain’s economic and strategic interests. - Terms of the TOV War guilt clause: Germany forced to accept full blame for the war Reparations: Germany to pay massive reparations to the Allies Territorial losses: Germany had to give up many strategic & economically valuable territories Military disarmament: German armed forces were severely limited League of Nations: Germany not allowed to join - Impact/effect of the TOV on Germany - Short-term Wave of bitterness against the new democratic govt.

- Medium-term Reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions led to economic hardship from hyperinflation, political instability of the Weimar government, and widespread resentment of the civilian govt as blame was placed on the govt. - Long-term Rise of the Nazi Party and Hitler. The effects of the harsh terms of the treaty created a sense of resentment among the German people, contributing to the growth of extremist ideologies. League of Nations - Aims of the LON Key aim: Resolve international disputes without war. Aim to be achieved through collective security. Collective security: All members of the league would collectively defend each other against aggression. Disarmament: Reduction of arms of members in League - Effectiveness - Successes Upper Silesia 1921: Germany & Poland argued over upper Silesia. To solve the issue, the league oversaw a peaceful vote and divided the region between Germany and Poland Greek-Bulgarian border 1925: Greece attacked Bulgaria over dead Greek soldiers at the border. Bulgaria asked the league for help. The League told Greece to leave Bulgaria & both sides to stand down. Greece obeyed but said the League treated smaller countries unfairly

- Failures Vilna 1920: Poland seized control of Vilna, Lithuania's capital. Lithuania seeked help from the League of Nations, but to no avail. Britain and France didn't want to help as they saw Poland as a possible ally against Germany. Corfu 1923: Albania and Greece argued about their shared border. Italy was involved in helping to decide the border, but some Italian officials were killed in Greece. Italy blamed Greece, demanded compensation, and attacked the Greek island corfu. Greece asked the League of Nations for help, but Italy said the League shouldn't be involved. Britain & France did not want a dispute with Italy. In the end, Italy won. - Weaknesses of the LON: Why was the LON ineffective in keeping peace? Lack of enforcement powers due to absence of the USA, leading to inability of enforcing decisions. Failure of disarmament, many countries continued to build military forces. Lack of unity of members due to conflicting interests. Ineffectiveness of collective security as nations often hesitated to intervene into conflicts to protect their interests. Chapter 2: Nazi Germany Reasons for the rise of the Nazis - Weaknesses of the Weimar govt.: How did it enable the Nazis to gain power? Weimar govt. was unpopular as they were forever to blame for the Treaty of Versailles. Many felt they stabbed Germany in the back (Dolchstoss). It failed to address the economic crisis, leading to widespread discontent and resentment. People blamed their hardship & suffering on the Weimar government. This led to extremist ideas taking root as an alternative to the ineffective govt. such as the Nazis.

- Strengths of the Nazis & Hitler: How did it help the Nazis to gain power? Hitler utilized his excellent oratorical skills to persuade & charm people with his speeches. He won over many wealthy business owners & industrialists who supported the Nazis financially. Nazi main beliefs appealed to many in Germany. Impact of Nazi rule in Germany - Political - Aims To establish a totalitarian state based on racial purity and authoritarian rule. They sought to eliminate political opposition, control the media, and suppress civil liberties. - How did the Nazis consolidate their power? The Reichstag Fire Feb 1933: Mentally unstable communist set fire to the Reichstag. Hitler used it to get president Hindenburg to pass the Decree for the Protection of People & State. Hitler then arrested thousands of communists, crushing his rivals. Enabling act March 1933: Enabling act allowed Hitler to make and pass laws without consulting the reichstag and without president approval. He used the SS & SA to intimidate opposition and pass the act. [End of democracy in Germany, established legal dictatorship of Hitler] Nazification of Germany 1933: Bringing all aspects of the state under Nazi control. It prevented any attempts to undermine Nazi rule.

Night of the long knives June 1934: Hitler wanted to consolidate his power within the Nazi party & rid opposition to his authority. Hitler saw the SA & its leader, Ernst Rohm as a threat as he challenged Hitler’s policies and the position of the army. In June 1934, the SS arrested Rohm and other SA leaders. [Hitler consolidated his power within the party & rivals were purged] The Army and the Oath of Allegiance: President Hindenburg died soon after the Night of the long knives. Hitler took over as Feuhrer (supreme leader). The army swore an oath of personal loyalty to Hitler. [Germany was now a totalitarian dictatorship.] - Economic - Aims of their economic policies To achieve self-sufficiency & prepare for war. Autarky: Made Germany self-sufficient by reducing reliance on imports & increasing domestic production. Rearmament: Nazis invested heavily in military buildup, preparing Germany for war & violating the Treaty of Versailles. - Social - Aims: How did it help the Nazis to ensure loyalty & obedience? Aimed to establish a Nazi totalitarian state. Create a racially pure society of the Aryan race, &