WWII et régimes autoritaires Flashcards
Steps of the Wall Street Crash of 29
Massive stock speculation led to overvalued shares.
Bank loans were granted widely for investments, creating an unstable financial bubble.
The collapse of the stock market (October 1929) - > people withdrew their savings, and banks ran out of reserves.
Creation of surplus that companies could not sell, leading to lower prices and profits.
Smoot-Hawley Tariff
1930, protectionist tax on imports, politically motivated but economically harmful.
Smoot-Hawley Tariff and 29 crisis consequences
- Sharp decline in American exports
- Fall in grain and steel prices, devastating farmers and the industrial sector.
- Retaliatory tariffs from trade partners.
- Global trade fell by 2/3 between 1929 and 1934.
- By 1931, 16% of americans were unemployed.
- Loss of confidence in capitalism.
- Shift towards federal intervention in the economy (Roosvelt’s New Deal).
Context in Japan before the 29 crisis
Era of Meiji industrialization, Annexation of Korea and ambitions in Manchuria (expansionism), Rise of ultranationalist movements.
Impact of the 29 crisis on Japan
Loss of exports, mining industries reduced wages, leading to strikes and unemployment, competitivness crisis because of the yen conversion, military reduction.
Reaction of Japan to the consequences of the 29 crisis
Mukden incident (1931) and the Manchuria invasion (and immigration), militarization of the economy to combat unemployement, leaving the LoN (1933) as they were qualified as aggressors.
Consequences of the 29 crisis on Germany
One-third of Germans were unemployed by 1933, the economy lost 20% of its value and the Weimar Republic struggled to find solutions.
Reaction of Germany to the consequences of the 29 crisis
- Germans turned to radical political parties (communists and Nazis) -> Hitler gained powerprioritizing the state over individual freedoms.
- Focus on autarky, war preparations, and public work programs.
- Re-armament became a priority (20% of GDP devoted to arms by 1939).
Italy’s response to the 29 crisis
-“Battle for Grain”(aimed to increase bread and cereal production in Italy to reduce the necessity for imports) to increase food self-sufficiency.
-state intervention in the economy
- Prioritized military production and economic autarky.
Consequences of the 29 crisis on Italy
- Industrial depression and high tariffs worsened Italy’s trade relations.
- Rural underdevelopment persisted despite industrialization efforts.
Versailles Treaty’s aim
“make the world safe for democracy” by promoting collective security, self-determination, and disarmament.
Consequences of the Versailles Treaty
The treaty’s harsh terms, particularly on Germany (territorial losses, military restrictions, and reparations), fostered resentment and instability.
Weakness of the League of Nation
- Lacked enforcement power, particularly against aggressive nations ( Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia).
- The U.S. never joined.
US isolationist policies
Neutrality Acts (1930s) to avoid involvement in foreign wars culminating in the Cash and Carry clause.
Consequences of the Cash and Carry clause
eventually allowed nations like Britain and France to purchase arms, but strict provisions reflected the U.S.’s determination to remain neutral.
Lebensraum
(living space) explained the need for expansion to the East for space and ressources, justified because they brought the Ayan race.
The new Roman Empire
Territorial expansion and asserting power on the Mediterranean region and Africa.
Italy’s frustration because of their international status
despite winning WW1, they were denied the title of great power in Europe. Economic and social instability and the lack of new territories pushed Mussolini to war.
The greater East Asia co-prosperity sphere
Pan-asianism, began to be promoted in the 30’s/40’s because of the need for ressources (rapid industrialisation), a bloc of Asian nations under Japan’s leadership that would be a self-sufficient zone, free from Western colonial powers.
Wat did the The greater East Asia co-prosperity sphere cause ?
invasion of Manchuria (1931), the second Sino-Japanese war (1937) and the invasion of SouthEast Asia during WW2 -> conflict with the US, the UK, and the Netherlands because of their colonies -> Embargoes and sanctions pushed them to develop their military power.
Bushido
the samurai code, emphasized honor, loyalty, and the sanctity of the nation.
Common point to all of the totalitarisms
believed diplomacy to be insufficient for achieving their goals and almost viewed it as weakness.
Policy of Appeasement
making concessions with aggressive power (here Germany) to avoid war associated with the British Prime Minister Chamberlain
Reasons to support Appeasement :
Memories of WW1, Great Depression, people wanted to focus on the economy, The fight was against Communism, not Nazism, Germany’s rearmament would take years, The Rhineland wasn’t that far,
The British Empire didn’t want a new WW to destroy their relationship with their colonies or create decolonization movements.
