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Anschluss
The political union of Austria and Germany, forbidden by the Treaty of Versailles. Hitler achieved the Anschluss in March 1938 when German troops marched into Austria unopposed, absorbing it into the Third Reich.
Appeasement
A diplomatic policy of making political or material concessions to an aggressive power in order to avoid conflict, most associated with British policy towards Nazi Germany in the 1930s.
Autarky
Economic self-sufficiency, where a state aims to produce all goods and resources domestically rather than relying on international trade. Pursued by fascist Italy, Nazi Germany, and the USSR.
Collective security
Collective security is the idea that nations work together to maintain peace by deterring or punishing aggression.
Collective security
System in which states cooperate to respond to threats.
Enabling Act (1933)
The law passed on 23 March 1933 that allowed Hitler's government to enact laws without Reichstag approval for four years. It effectively ended democratic governance in Germany and provided the legal foundation for Nazi dictatorship.
Fascism
A far-right, authoritarian political ideology characterised by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy.
Great Depression
A severe worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929 with the Wall Street Crash and lasted through the 1930s. It caused mass unemployment, collapsed international trade, and destabilised democratic governments, contributing to the rise of extremist movements in Europe.
Isolationism
A foreign policy stance of avoiding involvement in international affairs, alliances, and conflicts. In the 1930s, the United States pursued isolationism through the Neutrality Acts, refusing to intervene in European and Asian crises.
Lebensraum
A German concept meaning 'living space,' used by Hitler to argue that Germany needed to expand eastward to acquire territory for its growing population. It became a central justification for Nazi foreign policy and territorial aggression.
Rearmament
The process of rebuilding a country's military forces and weapons stockpiles. In the 1930s, both Germany and Italy pursued large-scale rearmament programmes that stimulated their economies, reduced unemployment, and prepared them for aggressive foreign policies.
Revisionism
Term used by Mao to describe policies that weakened revolutionary ideology.
Treaty of Versailles (1919)
Peace treaty ending World War I that imposed territorial losses, military restrictions, war guilt, and financial reparations on the defeated Central Powers. Its terms reshaped the post-war political map and generated lasting resentment, particularly in Germany.
Weimar Republic
The democratic government of Germany from 1919 to 1933, established after the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Named after the city of Weimar where its constitution was drafted, it was marked by political instability, economic crises, and ultimately replaced by the Nazi dictatorship.