Axis Powers’ Expansion and WWII Consequences

Posted on Mar 17, 2025 in History

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 formed, and Germany signed the Anti-Comintern Pact with Japan, later joined by Italy.
  • Western powers feared Hitler’s growing power.
  • Hitler signed the Hossbach Protocol, outlining his expansionist plans.
  • Austria was occupied in March 1938 and incorporated into Germany.
  • Germany then occupied the Sudetenland, using the excuse of protecting German speakers.
  • At the Munich Conference, Great Britain and France agreed to the occupation, hoping to avoid further aggression.
  • In March 1939, Germany occupied Bohemia, declaring the independence of Slovakia.
  • Germany also occupied Memel and Albania.
  • Italy and Germany signed the Pact of Steel.
  • Great Britain and France stated that they would protect threatened countries.
  • In August 1939, Hitler demanded the Danzig Corridor from Poland.
  • Germany and the USSR signed a non-aggression pact, secretly agreeing to divide Poland.
  • Finland and the Baltic states were recognized as being in the Soviet sphere of influence.
  • Germany invaded Poland, triggering declarations of war from France and Great Britain.

Japan’s Actions:

  • Japan had long-standing expansionist ambitions.
  • The 1920s economic crisis fueled militarism.
  • The Tanaka Plan outlined Japan’s expansionist goals in Asia.
  • The “Imperial Way” gave more power to the Emperor.
  • In 1931, Japan invaded Manchuria and created the puppet state of Manchukuo.
  • The League of Nations condemned the action, but Japan ignored it and built a large naval force.
  • In 1937, Japan began the invasion of northern China.
  • In 1938, Japan declared its intention to create a “New Order in East Asia.”
  • The United States and Great Britain protested.
  • At the beginning of the war, Japan occupied Indochina and much of the Pacific.
  • Japan’s goal was to conquer the region, with the United States being the only power capable of stopping it.

Consequences of World War II

Human Cost

  • The war resulted in massive loss of life.
  • Civilians suffered greatly due to ethnic genocide, displacement, and bombing raids.
  • Bombing campaigns targeted civilian populations to demoralize the enemy.
  • An estimated 55 million people died, more than half of whom were civilians.
  • Many people died after the war due to malnutrition and injuries.
  • Germany and Japan forcibly relocated large numbers of people from occupied countries.
  • Border changes after the war left an estimated 40 million people displaced.

Moral Consequences

  • The idea of Western civilization collapsed.
  • A constitutional court was established, consisting of judges from the four victorious powers.
  • A new legal concept, “crimes against humanity,” was introduced.
  • The Nuremberg Trials were held, where 21 Nazi leaders were tried; 12 were condemned to death. Some had fled.

Economic Impact

  • The war had a significant economic impact.
  • Military industry grew rapidly, creating jobs.
  • Women’s participation in the workforce increased significantly.
  • Western Europe was devastated, particularly its infrastructure.
  • Europe was divided, and Japan was nearly destroyed.
  • Canada, Australia, and Sweden remained intact and increased their wealth.
  • Reconstruction was difficult due to destruction and labor shortages.
  • The United States benefited greatly, becoming a major arms producer and taking a leading role in Europe’s recovery.
  • The US government intervened in the economy, establishing the basis for the welfare state.
  • The USSR also emerged as a major power, having industrialized its eastern regions.

Political Consequences

  • Fascist dictatorships were defeated (almost all of them).
  • Europe was divided into Western Europe, led by the US and UK, with democracies and capitalism, and Eastern Europe, under the influence of the USSR, with communism.
  • Communist groups gained influence in France and Italy.