events leading up to WW2
Category: Other
Updated: 10 Nov 2017
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Created byJet UppEr
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Events
January 1934 (Italy)
Non-Aggression Pact with Poland
Causes: The pact was created to put an end to Germany and Poland's problems via bilateral negotiations.
They also agreed to forego their armed conflicts for ten years. As a result, this action had stabilized relations between Germany and Poland.
Effects: The pact suited Hitler by allowing him to secure his eastern frontier.
The pact also weakened France's security system in eastern Europe, and presented itself as an act of statesmanship which took the wFebruary 1936 (Italy)
Rome-Berlin Axis
Causes: The result of the Spanish Civil War improved relations between Hitler and Mussolini.
Mussolini committed himself to a formal alliance with Germany by signing the Rome-Berlin Axis.
Effects: The new atmosphere of cooperation between Italy and Germany culminated during the signing of the Rome-Berlin Axis.
The Rome-Berlin Axis consisted of a series of secret protocols to set out their mutual interests.July 1936 (Italy)
Intervention with the Spanish Civil War
Causes: Mussolini's success in Abyssinia caused him to seek further into achieving military greatness.
When war broke out in Spain, Mussolini decided to intervene, hoping to gain naval bases in the Balearic Islands in return for his assistance.
Effects: One third of Italy's arms stocks were consumed.
Italy's submarine attacks on supply ships lead to increased tension between Italy, France, and Britain.November 1937 (Italy)
Anti-Comintern Pact
Causes: Italy joins the Anti-Comintern Pact a year later in 1937, with Germany and Japan.
The 3 members formed a group called the Axis Powers.
Effects: After the formation of the Axis Powers, Italy left the League of Nations in December of 1937.
Italy implies that it will no longer protect Austria if Germany were to ever invade it.April 1939 (Italy)
Invasion of Albania
Causes: King Zog of Albania wanted to be independent from Italy. When Zog refused to be apart
of Italy, Mussolini threatened him by sending warships to the region
The result was an ultimatum sent by Mussolini to the capital, demanding occupation of Albania.
Effects: The Germans supported Mussolini's actions towards Albania.
As a result, Mussolini found the need of Hitler's support given the hostile reactions of Britain and France.May 1939 (Italy)
Pact of Steel
Causes: International tensions began to rise after the invasion of Albania. This action was caused by Mussolini to show his independence of Hitler, and to increase his importance as a leader.
Mussolini agreed to sign the Pact of Steel because of the bitter reactions made by Britain and France.
Effects: Mussolini was concerned of getting involved into a conflict, and stated to Hitler that he
wouldn't be ready for a war in another 4 years.
Hitler however, wanted to start a waSeptember-October 1939 (Italy)
Invasion of Egypt and Greece
Causes: Mussolini wanted to impress Hitler by mimicking his actions, by invading Greece.
Mussolini expanded the war in Europe into the Mediterranean and North Africa, eventually invading Egypt.
Effects: Both Italian offensives failed due to the British's response to the invasions.
Both defeats meant that Hitler's forces were to be drawn into the Balkans and North Africa.October 1935 (Italy)
Invasion of Abyssinia
Causes: Mussolini believed that invading Abyssinia will aid in building his empire.
Since the Fascists supported violence, the invasion will benefit Mussolini's regime, rallying in more Fascist support.
Effects: The result of the invasion ignited a widespread outrage from the League of Nations.
President Roosevelt invokes the Neutrality Act, preventing the supply of arms to both Italy and Germany.January 1935 (Germany)
Saar Plebiscite
Causes: Saar, a small coal-rich territory was given an opportunity to reunite with Germany after being under French control since 1919.
Saar held a plebiscite (poll) in 1935, in hopes to return back to Germany.
Effects: The result of the plebiscite was an overwhelming agreement (90.9% of the vote), which was a triumph for Hitler.
Saar was eventually returned to Germany, which reinforced Germany's growing power.March 1936 (Germany)
Remilitarization of Rhineland
Causes: The demilitarization of Rhineland caused Hitler to turn his attention to the territory.
Remilitarizing Rhineland will be an important step to strengthening Germany.
Effects: Hitler was able to remilitarize Rhineland, due to other nations being distracted by the Abyssinian Crisis
No action was taken by Britain and France to stop the remilitarization.
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