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The Dust Bowl (USA)
The Dust Bowl was a catastrophic natural disaster that intensified the economic effects of the Great Depression. The temperature of the Atlantic increased while it decreased in the Pacific which caused severe dust storms across the central and southern United States. It resulted in environmental damage, loss of livestock, and crop deficiency. -
Authoritarianism and Populism (South America)
In Argentina, José Félix Uriburu became an authoritative leader by overpowering President Hipólito Yrigoyen.
In Brazil, Getúlio Vargas ruled as a populist leader. -
Socialism in Chile (South America)
Chile was briefly dominated by socialist leader Carlos Dávila. He was overthrown by Pedro Aguirre Cerda, a leftist leader, 6 years later. -
Rise of the Nazi Party (Europe)
Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Power took control of Germany in 1933. Hitler implemented totalitarist and nationalist policies in Germany. He further the movement of antisemitism in Germany and began prosecuting jews. -
Italian Invasion of Ethiopia (Italy/Africa)
Mussolini invaded Ethiopia in a second attempt for Italy to gain control. Although the League of Nations imposed sanctions on Italy for its invasion of Ethiopia, this event showed how weak the League of Nations was. The tensions caused by this event contributed to the start of World War 2. -
Spanish Civil War (Europe)
The Spanish Civil War was fought between the Nationalists (led by Francisco Franco) and the Republicans. It started because of the rise of extremist parties and economic inequality. Franco won the victory over Spain and remained dictator for several decades after his victory in the Spanish Civil War. This event was a predecessor of WW2 as Italy and Germany had the chance to apply their war strategies. -
The Rape of Nanjing (China)
The Rape of Nanjing was an act of violence and sexual assault by the Japanese military on the Chinese civilians and military when they invaded China. It is remembered due to the inhumane and painful suffering of the Chinese people. -
Start of World War 2 (Worldwide)
There were many events leading up to WW2, but one key event was Germany's invasion of Poland. It led to Britain and France's decision to initiate war with Germany. Other events that led up to WW2 were the Japanese expansion into Asia and the rise of totalitarian regimes. The war had immense economic, political, and social impacts on the entire globe.