Loading subject…
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.
Anti-Comintern Pact
An agreement signed in November 1936 between Germany and Japan (Italy joined in 1937) opposing the Communist International (Comintern). It signalled the formation of the future Axis alliance and the alignment of revisionist powers against the Soviet Union.
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.
Collective Security
A system in which a group of nations commits to respond collectively to threats or acts of aggression against any member state.
Conscription
A government policy that requires eligible citizens to serve in the military, often called a draft.
Corporate State
An economic system in fascist Italy where government-appointed boards of employers and workers managed each industry, eliminating competition and independent trade unions. The state directed production, set prices, and controlled wages to achieve national economic goals.
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.
Great Depression (1929)
A worldwide economic collapse that began with the U.S. stock market crash, leading to mass unemployment, bank failures, and a severe decline in global trade throughout the 1930s.
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.
League of Nations
The postwar international organization created to maintain peace and collective security; Brazil was an active early member before withdrawing in 1926.
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.
Lytton Commission
A League of Nations inquiry led by Lord Lytton (Britain), appointed in December 1931 to investigate the Manchurian Crisis and determine whether Japan's military actions were justified.
Manchukuo
Japanese-controlled puppet state established in Manchuria in 1932, ruled nominally by the last Qing emperor, Puyi.
Mare Nostrum
Latin for "Our Sea", referring to the Mediterranean. Mussolini used this term to express his ambition to turn the Mediterranean into an Italian-dominated lake, echoing the Roman Empire's control of the region.
Nazi-Soviet Pact
A non-aggression pact signed on 23 August 1939 between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. It included secret protocols dividing Poland and eastern Europe into spheres of influence, and freed Hitler to invade Poland without fear of a two-front war.
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.
Rome-Berlin Axis
A diplomatic agreement signed in October 1936 between Mussolini and Hitler, establishing closer cooperation between fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. It was not a binding military alliance but marked the end of Italy's alignment with Britain and France.
Self-determination
The right of a people to control their own political, cultural, and economic destiny.