Axis Powers’ Expansion and WWII Consequences
Axis Powers’ Expansionism
Italy’s Actions:
- Italy invaded Abyssinia (Ethiopia) to expand its territory.
- Western powers (Occ) opposed the League of Nations (SN) and Great Britain (GB).
- Italy broke the Stresa Front pact.
- Hitler, seeing an opportunity, occupied the Rhineland, while France (F) saw the danger.
- European democracies, believing Hitler’s claims, did not act decisively.
- Italy and Germany formed a closer relationship, and the USSR joined, creating a cohesive block.
- In 1936, the Rome-Berlin Axis was
European Alliances and the Outbreak of WWI
European Alliances and the Outbreak of World War I
From the end of the Franco-Prussian War, a system of secret alliances developed in Europe. This split the continent into two hostile sides. Many different powers were involved in mutual defense agreements. So, when the war happened, it involved many European countries. Because of the alliances, some powers were forced to support policies followed by their partners, which they didn’t really like. Moreover, the secret alliances led to suspicion and
Read MoreThe USSR: From Revolution to WWII
The New Economic Policy
Russia suffered human and material losses during the Russian Civil War. The New Economic Policy (NEP) was an attempt to rebuild the economy.
The USSR: A New State
The USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) was created in 1922 as a federation of republics. It was a multi-national and multi-ethnic state.
The first constitution of the USSR, formulated in 1924, established the new political system:
- Republics had autonomy in domestic policy, law, education, and health. They could
Napoleonic Empire and the Congress of Vienna
The Napoleonic Empire (1804-1815)
Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned Emperor in 1804. His reign was characterized by significant political actions, both domestically and internationally.
Domestic Affairs
The Civil Code was established, enshrining individual freedom, guaranteeing private property, and affirming the equality of all citizens before the law. Significant reforms in education were also implemented.
Foreign Policy
Napoleon expanded his empire across Europe, challenging various coalitions of European
Read MoreTotalitarianism and Economic Turmoil: Interwar Period
The Rise of Totalitarian Political Systems
The period between the two world wars saw parliamentary and democratic political systems in many European countries. However, many countries in central and southern Europe adopted authoritarian regimes (further developed in Italy and Germany).
Causes and Social Support of Totalitarianism
The causes which favored the establishment of totalitarian regimes varied. These included:
- The existence of poorly consolidated democratic systems.
- Severe economic crises.
- Social
Democratic Board Manifesto: A 1974 Call for Freedom
The Manifesto of the Democratic Board (1974)
The Manifesto of the Democratic Board, written on July 29, 1974 (one year before the death of Generalissimo Franco), was aimed at Spanish society in general. It proposed twelve key measures to dismantle the dictatorial system, restore freedom, and move beyond the legacy of the Second Republic. These measures encompassed:
A) Political Rights: Restoration of popular sovereignty, amnesty for political prisoners, and legalization of all political parties.
B)
Read More