International Relations, 1919–39

International Relations, 1919–39

Aftermath of World War I

  • Treaty of Versailles (1919): This marked the official end of the First World War. Germany was blamed for causing the war and was made to pay reparations, disarm and give up some territories.
  • League of Nations: Established in 1920, it aimed to foster international cooperation and prevent future conflicts. However, its ineffectiveness became evident in the 1930s.
  • New Countries: Several new nations were created in Eastern Europe, including Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia.

Inter-War Period

  • German Hyperinflation (1923): Resulted from the Treaty of Versailles’ reparation payments, causing widespread social and political instability.
  • Locarno Treaties (1925): In these, Germany recognised its borders with France and Belgium, leading to improved international relations and Germany’s admission to the League of Nations.
  • Great Depression (1929): An economic crisis that had devastating effects worldwide and led to rise of extremist political movements, notably in Germany.

Rise of Dictatorships

  • Benito Mussolini in Italy (1922): Mussolini established a Fascist regime, suppressing political dissidents and pursuing aggressive foreign policies.
  • Adolf Hitler in Germany (1933): Hitler and the Nazi Party’s rise was marked by increasing militarisation, violation of Treaty of Versailles, and radical racial policies.

Policy of Appeasement

  • Anschluss with Austria (1938): Germany’s annexation of Austria was permitted due to appeasement despite being a clear violation of the Treaty of Versailles.
  • Munich Agreement (1938): The United Kingdom and France allowed Germany to annex Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia, another instance of appeasement.

Outbreak of World War II

  • Invasion of Poland (1939): Germany’s aggression against Poland was the trigger that led to the United Kingdom and France declaring war.
  • Non-aggression Pact between Germany and Soviet Union (1939): This pact involved a secret protocol for territorial division of Eastern Europe.

Remember to draw linkages between the aftermath of WWI, events of the Inter-War period, emergence of dictatorships, policy of appeasement and the outbreak of WWII for a holistic understanding of international relations during 1919-1939.