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The Russian Revolution
The success of the Bolshevik party in the Russian Revolution lead to a rapid spread in communism. The rise in this political view is feared by many European countries, in particular, it influenced major decisions made by Britain, which can be seen during the making of the Treaty of Versailles. Reference -
Founding of the League of Nations
The League of Nations was an international organisation formed to maintain world peace. The idea was proposed by Woodrow of the USA in his 14 point plan. However, the USA never joined the league. The League encourages negotiation rather than war, and so does not have an army. Despite its good intention, the League of Nations failed to prevent the outbreak of WWII.
Reference: Oxford Big Ideas History -
The Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles took place for the major Euro forces to decide on a set of restrictions that would be placed on Germany. The 3 main influences in these restrictions were Britain, France and USA. USA wanted to significantly weaken Germany, but not to the extent that would motivate Germany to fight again. France wanted to punish them as harshly as possible, and Britain saw Germany as a possible solution to the rapid spread of communism. Reference: Oxford Big Ideas History -
The Rise of Hitler
Hitler joined the Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, or the German Worker's Party as a corporal. He was on an investigating the small political group, and found theiry political ideas very agreeable. The group later changed their name to the National Socialist German Worker's Party. They are now commonly known as Nazi. Reference -
Beer Hall Putsch
Due to the repayments outlined in the Treaty of Versailles that Germany had to make, it was in a deep economic hole. The value of the German Mark had decreased by billions, and the German people were often poor and hungry. Hitler saw this as a good oppurtunity to take over Germany. He organised a kidnapping plot at a munich beer hall where the leaders of Bavaria were at. However, the scheme failed miserably and
Hitler was charged with treason and arrested two days later. -
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a period of time when the world experienced a plunge in global dconomy. Worldwide GDP fell by 15% from 2929 to 1932, unemployment in the US rose to 25% and 33% in other countries. The two main theories regarding the cause of the Great Depression are the demand-driven and the monetary theories. One argues that the government did not spend enough money, while the other argues that it was the dissapearance of 1/3 of all banks during
the banking crisis at fault. -
Rise of Hitler
After being defeated by Hindenburg in the election in 1932, Hitler is appointed chancellor of Germany in January 1933. By March, Hitler had gained a lot of power and Hindenburg is fairly insignificant. By late October, Germany had withdrawn from the League of Nations. Reference -
Heil Hitler
Hitler becomes Dictator of Germany. Reference:
The History Place -
Anschluss
Description:
Hitler announces a union (anchluss) between Germany and Austria, annexing Austria into a greater Germany. This is the beginning of many annexations and invasions to come. Other major powers however have not been strict with Germany's disobedience with the Treaty of Versailles. Reference: History.com -
Munich Agreement
Widely considered the failure of European Appeasement. This agreement was signed to allow Nazi German'y annexation of portions of Czechoslovakia. Reference -
Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain was a military campaign between the German airforce and the RAF of Britain. The German's intention in this campaign was to gain air superiority over Britain. This was also the first major battle compeltely fought in the air, and was the largest series of aerial bombings to
date. References: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
