World War II: Origins, Global Impact, and Lasting Consequences
World War II: Origins and Global Expansion
On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland. This time, Britain and France did not yield, declaring war on Germany two days later, thus initiating the Second World War.
Affected by the economic crisis, Japan embarked on an expansionist policy towards neighboring China. It militarily occupied Manchuria in 1931 and, in 1932, announced the formation of a puppet state. Between 1932 and 1937, Japan sought to conquer China and expand throughout Southeast Asia.
Read MoreSpain’s Democratic Transformation: From Dictatorship to Freedom
Spain’s Democratic Transformation
The Franco Regime’s Final Years
Franco ruled Spain as a dictator until his death, presiding over a country that was slowly recovering until an economic development surge in the 1960s. Without altering its authoritarian regime, Spain attempted to adapt to international developments to gain recognition from other nations and ensure its internal stability. During the so-called “economic miracle,” popular mobilization demanding freedoms grew, while the regime offered
Read MoreKey Terms in Modern History and Global Affairs
Key Terms: Post-War Spain & Transition
- Nacionalcatolicismo: The alliance between the Francoist regime and the Catholic Church, which granted legitimacy to the regime while restoring the Church’s privileges.
- Hendaye Meeting: A meeting between Francisco Franco and Adolf Hitler in October 1940, which discussed the possibility of Spain’s direct involvement in World War II.
- Referendum: A direct vote by the electorate on a proposal, law, or political issue, often used to ratify a state decision.
- Development
Interwar Period: Rise of Totalitarian Regimes & Global Crises
The Interwar Period: Totalitarianism & Global Crises
The Roaring Twenties & Economic Recovery
- League of Nations: Established for international cooperation.
- International Relations: Remained tense despite efforts.
- Pact of Locarno: Aimed to normalize post-WWI relations.
- Economic Recovery: Significant growth in many nations.
- Industrial Development: Rapid expansion of industries.
The Abrupt End to Prosperity: 1929 Crisis
The global economy experienced rapid growth, fueled by financial speculation. People
Read MoreSpain Under Primo de Rivera: A Historical Analysis
The Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera (1923-1930)
After a coup, Alfonso XIII commissioned Primo de Rivera to form a new government. Primo de Rivera dismantled the Cánovas system (dissolving the courts, annulling the 1876 Constitution, and outlawing political parties) and introduced a one-party authoritarian regime, the Patriotic Union, following the model of Italian fascism under Benito Mussolini. The social groups supporting the new regime were the bourgeoisie, landowners, industrialists, the Church,
Read MoreEconomic Downturns & Political Shifts: 1920s-1930s History
The Great Depression and the New Deal Era
Causes of the Great Depression
- Poverty: More than half the population was too poor to share in the prosperity of the 1920s, living “below the poverty line.”
- Overproduction: Due to mass production, more goods were produced than could be sold, leading to market saturation.
- Tariff Policy: When the USA placed tariffs on foreign imports in the early 1920s, foreign governments retaliated by placing tariffs on US goods.
- Speculation: Americans bought shares on credit