* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Download Northfield School History Department Unit 1 Revision Booklet Topic
Foreign relations of the Axis powers wikipedia , lookup
Allied plans for German industry after World War II wikipedia , lookup
Swedish iron-ore mining during World War II wikipedia , lookup
Nazi views on Catholicism wikipedia , lookup
Consequences of Nazism wikipedia , lookup
Nazi Germany wikipedia , lookup
Fascism in Europe wikipedia , lookup
Anglo-German Naval Agreement wikipedia , lookup
British propaganda during World War II wikipedia , lookup
German–Soviet Axis talks wikipedia , lookup
Allies of World War II wikipedia , lookup
World War II and American animation wikipedia , lookup
End of World War II in Europe wikipedia , lookup
New Order (Nazism) wikipedia , lookup
European theatre of World War II wikipedia , lookup
Economy of Nazi Germany wikipedia , lookup
Diplomatic history of World War II wikipedia , lookup
Western betrayal wikipedia , lookup
Northfield School History Department Unit 1 Revision Booklet Topic 1 : Peacemaking 1918-19 and the League of Nations Topic 2: The Origins of the Second World War Topic 3 : The Origins of the Cold War, 1944-55 Topic 1: Peacemaking 1918-1919 and the League of Nations 1. Paris Peace Conference It was at the Paris Peace Conference that the Treaty of Versailles was decided and the League of Nations was agreed to. You will need to know that the Big Three were present: David Lloyd George—Great Britain Georges Clemenceau—France Woodrow Wilson—USA You will also need to know about the attitudes of the Big 3: Woodrow Wilson (USA) As they joined in 1917 war damage was slight and casualties low in comparison. Wilson believed Germany was to blame for the war but he felt the Treaty should not be too harsh as Germany may want revenge. He produced the ‘14 points’ – the most important being self-determination which means that people should rule themselves. Georges Clemenceau (France) During the war France had suffered enormous damage. Large areas of land destroyed and millions were killed. Wanted Germany to suffer. He did not want Germany to recover and be a threat to France. David Lloyd George (Britain) People in Britain were bitter towards Germany and wanted Germany punished harshly. He did want Germany punished but not too harshly as he thought they may want revenge. He wanted to protect Britain’s navy and start trading with Germany again 2. The Treaty of Versailles You will need to know about the main terms of the Treaty of Versailles: Military Terms The army was limited to 100,000 and conscription was banned Germany was not allowed tanks, submarines or aircraft The navy could only have 6 battleships Germany could not put troops in the Rhineland. War Guilt Germany had to accept that the war was their fault Revision Checklist. Peacemaking 1918-1919 and the League of Nations. The Paris Peace Conference The Big Three Treaty of Versailles League of Nations The Origins of the Second World War. Hitler ’ s Aims Rearmament 10 Year Non-Agression Pact Failed Anschluss Anglo-German Naval Agreement The Saar The Rhineland Anschluss Appeasement The Nazi-Soviet Pact Poland The Origins of the Cold War, 1944-55 East-West Ideological Gap Yalta and Potsdam The Atomic Bomb Iron Curtain Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan Cominform and Comecon Berlin Blockade and Airlift NATO and Warsaw Pact Nuclear Arms Race Korean War The Thaw Importance of the Korean War It extended the Cold War to the Far East It showed that Truman was prepared to stick to the Truman Doctrine and the principle of containing communism It showed that America and Russia did not want to turn the Cold War into a ‘ hot war. ’ The Russians were not directly involved in the war ( sent equipment and weapons, not men ) . The USA fought with the UN forces ( 16 countries sent troops ) . It showed that communist China was a powerful country The UN had resisted an act of aggression—something the League of Nations had never been able to do Remember to revise the importance of each event to the development of the Cold War so that you can answer your 10 mark question. Reparations Germany had to pay £6600 million over 42 years Territorial (Land) losses All German colonies were given to the Allies Germany lost 10% of its land size. This was given to Belgium, France, Denmark and Poland. West Prussia was given to Poland and it split Germany in two. Germany was forbidden to unite with Austria. German Reactions to the Treaty of Versailles They were shocked at the Treaty and felt the terms were totally unfair and far too harsh. They were upset that they were not represented at the peace talks. They hated the war guilt clause and thought other countries should share the blame. The loss of land was deeply resented and went against self-determination. The war was followed by economic problems and Germans blamed this on paying the reparations They thought the army was too small for Germany and angered many. How accurate is the view in the cartoon? Explain your answer by referring to the purpose of the source as well as using its content and your own knowledge. (6 marks). Model answer: I think that the cartoon is accurate because it shows that the Treaty of Versailles is being forced on Germany by the Big Three who are saying ‘ you have got to swallow it’. This is accurate because the Treaty of Versailles was a diktat. I think that the cartoon is accurate because it is factually correct as it shows the main people here being the Big Three i.e. Wilson, Lloyd George and Clemenceau and they were the ones who put the Treaty of Versailles together. It is also accurate because it was drawn in 1919 so is a primary source by a cartoonist who must have known what was happening because he was around at the time. The cartoon is limited in accuracy because it does not explain why this pill is being fed to Germany and makes Germany look like the victim. Also Clemenceau was the only member of the Big Three happy with the Treaty of Versailles. Both Wilson and Lloyd George felt that it was too harsh. Finally, it was drawn by a British cartoonist perhaps to prove that the Treaty of Versailles was too harsh and so is one sided. 3. The League of Nations Strengths: Many major powers members Goodwill - nobody wanted another war Improved communications in the 1920s and 30s made decision making easier Germany joined later Minor disputes solved in the 1920s - e.g. Aaland Islands Moral, trade and military sanctions in place to deal with aggressive countries Weaknesses: USA not members which weakened the League from the start No permanent army so military sanctions not imposed Decision making slow as decisions had to be unanimous Seen as club for victorious powers as Germany not allowed to join USSR not allowed to join as Communist Sanctions not imposed as countries put their own self - interest first i.e. Not willing to risk armed forces or trade Trade sanctions did not work as the USA continued to trade The League proved powerless against major powers such as Japan, Italy and Germany The Korean War—Events. Berlin Blockade and Airlift, 1948-1949 Introduction After WW2 Germany and Berlin had been divided into 4 zones of occupation. In 1948 the French, US and British zones merged to become West Germany. With the help of Marshall Aid, West Germany and West Berlin recovered and began to prosper. It was a different story in East Germany and East Berlin. Here there was poverty and hunger. Many East Germans were leaving the East because West Germany seemed more attractive. Berlin Blockade – 1948 For Stalin, when West Germany introduced their own currency he had had enough and decided to try and blockade Berlin. In June 1948 Stalin closed all the road and rail connections from Berlin to West Germany hoping he could force the Western Allies out of Berlin. Stalin could not block air routes to West Berlin without provoking a war so the Allies decided to airlift supplies to West Berlin to prevent people from starving. The airlift was a great success. Every day thousands of British and American planes flew supplies to overcome the Blockade. By May 1949 the USSR lifted the blockade. Results of the Blockade This was a victory for the West but relations with the USSR had hit rock bottom and Germany would remain divided. Importance of Blockade and Airlift It was the first major confrontation of the Cold War - could have become a HOT war. The USA and the West had proven they would stand up to the USSR and resist any further expansion of communism - Truman Doctrine in action. It led to a permanent divide of Germany and Berlin It was seen as a victory for the West and Capitalism The Berlin Blockade and Airlift deepened the hostility between the USA and USSR. How accurate is the cartoon to a historian studying the weaknesses of the League of Nations. Explain your answer referring to the content and purpose of the cartoon as well as your own knowledge. (6 marks) Hint: explain why the absence of the USA weakened the League of Nations. Show an understanding that the League had other weaknesses and also some strengths. You must understand the events of Manchuria and Abyssinia and how they led to the failure of the League of Nations and therefore threatened world peace. The Manchurian Crisis, 1931 In 1931 Japan invaded the Chinese province of Manchuria. This was the first major test for the League of Nations. Causes Japan was short of living space for its population Manchuria was rich in natural resources such as iron ore and coal which Japan needed. Japan claimed that Chinese troops were attacking the Manchurian Railway that it protected. • Japan’s trade was badly affected by the Wall Street Crash and they were looking for new markets. Events China appealed to the League for help 1932 – The League set up a Commission under Lord Lytton who condemned the invasion. Japan kept conquering territory and left the League The League took no further action. Britain did not want to provoke Japan in case it attacked its colonies in the Far East. Effects Japan captured Manchuria and had a base to attack China. The League was shown to be weak and not prepared to take action. This encouraged further aggression, especially from Italy and Germany. The Abyssinian Crisis, 1935-36 In 1935 the Italian leader, Mussolini, decided to invade Abyssinia in Africa. Causes Italy already had possessions around Abyssinia Mussolini wanted to build a great Italian Empire. • Abyssinians had killed 30 Italian troops in 1934 Events 1935 – the Italians invaded using modern weapons against the weak Abyssinians The Abyssinian leader, Haile Selassie appealed to the League for help. The League decided that Italy was the aggressor and set economic sanctions. BUT Coal, oil and steel were excluded from the sanctions Not all countries applied the sanctions Britain and France did not stop Mussolini using the Suez Canal to get to Abyssinia HOARE-LAVAL PACT – Dec 1935 Britain and France proposed that Mussolini should get two-thirds of Abyssinia if they stopped fighting – hoped to keep Mussolini sweet so he would not ally with Hitler – an outcry stopped this pact. Results Abyssinia became an Italian possession The League was totally discredited. It had failed to act effectively and its most powerful members had gone against it. Mussolini and Hitler went on to become allies in 1936. Which was more important in the failure of the League of Nations: The Manchurian Crisis The Abyssinian Crisis You must refer to both bullet points when explaining your answer. (10 marks) You must write three paragraphs for this type of question. The first must explain why the Manchurian Crisis led to the failure of the League, the second why the Abyssinian Crisis led to the failure of the League and the final paragraph must give your opinion on which was most important supported by historical fact. Developments in the Cold War – 1947-48 The Cold War really intensified (stepped up) in this period because of several reasons. Soviet Expansion into Eastern Europe After the Second World War the Soviet Union set up ‘puppet’ governments in Poland, Albania, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Romania and Hungary. This meant that the countries became communist and were controlled by the Soviet Union. In a speech in America in March 1946 Churchill said that an ‘Iron Curtain’ had fallen across Europe. The Soviets said that this gave them protection against the West, but the US feared that as one country became communist others would fall. Truman Doctrine – 1947 He was worried that communism would spread into Greece. In 1947 America supplied the Greeks with weapons, supplies and money to defeat the communists. Truman made a speech telling people how America would support people against the communists. This was known as the Truman Doctrine. Marshall Plan – 1947-51 Truman thought that poverty would encourage countries to become communist. Under the Marshall Plan that was set up in June 1947, America gave economic aid to European countries. $13 billion was given to Europe. This made the Cold War worse because Stalin accused the Americans of trying to control the trade and economy of Eastern Europe to accept this aid. How accurate is this view of the divisions in Europe in the 1940s? Use the content and purpose of the cartoon as well as your knowledge. Accurate Europe was divided by Capitalism and Communism USSR had Soviet Sphere of Influence in the East Churchill described the division as an Iron Curtain Primary source from time of the event Limited in Accuracy Not actual curtain Stalin not entirely to blame for divisions British cartoon so one sided Model answer: The Manchurian Crisis was important to the failure of the League because it was the first time the League had been really tested by a major power. When China appealed to the League for help the League launched an inquiry which took a year to complete. This showed how slow the League was at making decisions. The League condemned Japan but was ignored by Japan who left the League and went to conquer more territory. This showed that the League had no real power as countries were not willing to risk their armed forces against Japan and the League did not have its own army. Countries were not willing to risk their trade with Japan and anyway the USA were not members of the League and so continued to trade with Japan. The Manchurian Crisis highlighted the weaknesses of the League and made it clear to other powers such as Italy under Mussolini that they would be unopposed if they acted aggressively to other countries. The Abyssinian Crisis was also important to the failure of the League because it was another example of the fact that the League was unwilling to stand up to major powers. Trade sanctions did not work because the USA continued to trade with Italy and Britain refused to stop trade of coal and oil. Britain and France refused to close the Suez Canal to Mussolini and even tried to strike a deal which gave Mussolini what he wanted. Nobody was willing to donate troops to fight the Italians. Mussolini now knew that the British and French were unwilling to risk their own interests and Hitler’s confidence increased encouraging him to remilitarise the Rhineland with no real threat of opposition. I believe that the Abyssinian Crisis was the most important in the failure of the League because it marked its collapse. It did exist until 1946 but after this event was ineffective. It also proved to Hitler that he could reverse the Treaty of Versailles and conquer territory without opposition. This led to an alliance between Hitler and Mussolini and moved the world closer to war. Topic 2 : The Origins of the Second World War You must be able to describe each of the steps Hitler took towards WW2 , the reasons he gave for each and how and why Britain and France did (and did not) react in the way they did Hitler’s aims and expansionist policy Hitler aimed to provide Lebensraum for the German people, retake land and unite German speaking people under his rule German Rearmament Hitler aimed to reverse the military restrictions placed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles starting with reintroducing conscription 10 Year Non - Agression Pact Germany agreed to guarantee the borders of Poland Anglo - German Naval Agreement Agreement with the British to limit the German navy to 35% the size of the British navy The Saar A plebiscite was held and the Saar coalfields were returned to Germany Rhineland Hitler remilitarised this area despite the Treaty of Versailles ruling that it should remain a demilitarised zone How accurate is this cartoon in describing the remilitarisation of the Rhineland? Refer to the purpose and content of the cartoon as well as using your own REASONS for the Cold War THE USA AND USSR DID NOT TRUST EACH OTHER 1. They had completely different political beliefs. USSR = communist (few rights and little freedom, state-controlled economy.) USA = capitalist (democracy with elections and greater freedom.) 2. Each side was convinced the other wanted to spread its beliefs. 3. The USSR thought that the dropping of the atomic bomb by the USA was a warning to them. 4. The USSR set up a buffer zone of communist countries on its western border. They said it was a barrier but the Americans saw it as a step towards communist domination. Truman was suspicious of communism and wanted to stop it spreading. The Iron Curtain Stalin felt threatened by Germany and wanted it totally destroyed. The Soviet Union had been attacked twice in the last thirty years by Germany and they wanted to remove this threat completely, or at least make them pay for all the damage they had caused. However, the Western countries, Britain and the USA, were aware of how the economic problems in Germany in the 1920 ’ s were one of the reasons for the growth of extremism in Germany and were anxious to avoid this again. Stalin was in control of eastern Europe and the west couldn ’ t really tell Stalin to do anything other than what he wanted. This caused relations to break down and Winston Churchill described this as an Iron Curtain descending and splitting Europe in half. Churchill ’ s major worry was that all the countries under Stalin ’ s control would become Communist and would not be allowed to hold free elections. Indeed this happened and by 1948 Europe had been split into the Capitalist west and the Communist east. knowledge. ( 6 marks ) Topic 3: The Origins of the Cold War, 1944-55 Anschluss Why did the USA and the USSR become rivals in the period 1945 to 1949? You will need to know: The origins and reasons for the Cold War and the decisions made at Yalta and Potsdam. A knowledge of the Soviet expansion into Eastern Europe 1945 and 1949, the ‘Iron Curtain.’ Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan • Events in Berlin 1945-49, especially the Berlin Blockade and airlift. The Early Years: 1945-46 WW2 The USSR and the USA were allies in WW2 as they had fought on the same side. However before the end of the war it was obvious that there were going to be disagreements between the Soviet and US ‘sides.’ Yalta Conference – Feb 1945 Attended by: Churchill – Britain Roosevelt – USA Stalin – USSR It was agreed that Germany would be split into 4 zones. These would be run by the USA, USSR, GB and France. Berlin was in the Soviet zone so would also be split into 4 zones. Potsdam Conference – July 1945 Attended by: Atlee – Britain Truman – USA Stalin – USSR It was here that there were areas of tension: Stalin wanted to take reparations (money) from Germany but this was opposed by Britain and the USA who did not want to cripple Germany. President Truman did not tell Stalin about the atomic bomb before the USA used it in August 1945 Stalin had set up a communist government in Poland despite promising free elections. The political union of Germany and Austria Appeasement: this was the policy that the leaders of France and Britain followed. They believed that if they gave Hitler what he wanted then he would be happy and not take over any more land. This policy ended when Hitler invaded Poland and 2 days later Britain and France declared war. The Czech Crisis, 1938 Hitler wanted to expand into the area of Czechoslovakia known as the Sudetenland. 3 million German-speaking people lived there. Hitler ordered the leader of the Sudeten Germans to stir up trouble in the Sudetenland and demand self-government and union with Germany. Hitler threatened to invade Czechoslovakia unless these demands were met. The British PM, Chamberlain, believed a peaceful solution could be worked out. At first he persuaded the Czech President, to agree to self-government for the Sudetenland. 29-30 September 1938 – Hitler met Chamberlain, Mussolini and the French PM at Munich. The Czechs were not invited and were forced to hand over the Sudetenland to Germany. In this meeting at Munich both men promised that Britain and Germany would not go to war. Hitler promised that he did not want the rest of Czechoslovakia. Chamberlain returned to Britain a hero. He had prevented war – ‘Peace for our time.’ The results of the MUNICH AGREEMENT were serious for Czechoslovakia and Europe as a whole: The Czech government was completely humiliated. Czechoslovakia was now defenceless against Germany. Britain and France had shown their weakness by giving into Germany. The Events of 1939 Question: March 1939 – Hitler invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia. Britain and France now abandoned their policy of appeasement realising that Hitler’s promises made at Munich were worthless. They were rapidly rearming and were determined to stand up to Hitler’s demands. Which was a greater threat to European peace in the 1930 ’ s : POLAND was Hitler’s next target. April 1939 – Hitler demanded the return of the port of Danzig and the Polish Corridor. Poland refused Hitler’s demands. The future of Poland now depended on the attitude of the USSR. Britain and France opened talks with Stalin but were very surprised when the NAZI-SOVIET NON-AGGRESSION PACT was signed on 23 August 1939. You must refer to BOTH reasons when explaining your answer 1st September 1939 – Hitler invaded Poland. 3rd September 1939 – Britain and France declared war on Germany. APPEASEMENT Britain and France followed this policy in the mid- and late 1930s. It meant giving Hitler what he wanted on condition that he did not try to expand further. The 2 countries did not want war as they did not think they were strong enough. In 1938 this policy appeared to be working, but by the end of 1939 it had been unsuccessful. Was the policy followed by Chamberlain justified? AGAINST APPEASEMENT Appeasement was morally wrong. Britain should have opposed Hitler’s bullying tactics. By following appeasement Britain betrayed the Austrians and Czechs. Appeasement made Britain look weak and gave Hitler confidence. Appeasement did not work because Hitler could not be trusted to keep his word. FOR APPEASEMENT Britain was not ready to go to war and had to buy time. Germany was mistreated at Versailles and most of Hitler’s demands were reasonable. War had to be avoided at all costs. Hitler was anti-communist and was restoring Germany. By following this policy Hitler was shown to be clearly in the wrong and a man not to be trusted, so the British people would not hesitate to go to war. Remilitarisation of the Rhineland 1936 Nazi - Soviet Pact 1938 The focus is to explain why the remilitarisation of the Rhineland and the NaziSoviet Pact was a threat to European peace and to reach a balanced judge- ment. The remilitarisation of the Rhineland was a threat to European peace because Hitler had taken a gamble by ordering the occupation. Hitler had given his generals a secret order to withdraw if they faced any resistance from Britain or France. But there was no resistance, this gave Hitler the confidence to go further and regain more land taken by the Treaty of Vesailles. It also made Germany militarily stronger. The Nazi—Soviet Pact was a threat to world peace because the Soviets and Nazis agreed to split Poland between them. It allowed Hitler to attack Poland without the threat of a war on two fronts which had brought about the downfall of the Germans in WW1. It also allowed the USSR time to mobilise. Britain had guaranteed Poland’s independence so when Poland was attacked Britain declared war on Germany. I think that the biggest threat to European peace was the remilitarisation of the Rhineland. War was inevitable by the time the Nazi—Soviet Pact was signed. The remilitarisation of the Rhineland was the first time Hitler had tested Britain and France by defying the Treaty of Versailles and had got away with it. Hitler was confident that he could do what he wanted without opposition. Remember: revise the importance of all the major steps to WW2 as this 10 mark question could include different events.