Moving towards WWII.

Hitler began his takeover quite cautiously. October 1933 – Germany withdrew from League of Nations after Britain and France refused to disarm German land; Germany began to rearm with tanks and airplanes.

1934 – Non-aggression pact with Poland was signed. Hitler made it clear to his generals that he had no intention of respecting the treaty. Poland didn't trust Hitler, but Polish leader (Beck) thought he could control Hitler and they could profit from being a buffer between Germany & Russia. This interfered with France's plan to leave Germany isolated (they'd been making treaties with Czech, Romania, Yugoslavia – Kellogg-Briand) and sent Russia searching for security.

Russian minister Litvinov was one of the few who had read Mein Kampf. Joined League of Nations in 1934, signed a defense treaty with France in 1935, signed with Czechoslovakia promising defense of that country in the event of a German attack – but only if France fulfilled their treaty obligations.

Germany tried too soon to overtake Austria. The Austrian Chancellor said no, was assassinated, but takeover bid was still rejected. Mussolini was against it – causing German – Italian friction. Italy signed alliance with France.

March 1935 – Hitler publicly announced rearmament of 600,000 (Treaty of Versailles stated they were to only have 100,000 men), introduced universal military service, announced existence of airforce. Western reaction was muted. . . there were German sympathizers in many countries as many felt Germany had been too harshly punished after WWI.

Italy decided to invade Ethiopia. (Mussolini wanted Italian control over N. Africa), League of Nations began embargoes against Italy. In May of 1936, Italy completed invasion of Ethiopia, but destroyed most of the ties with France & Great Britain. Mussolini changed his mind about Austria. Re-established the Rome-Berlin Axis.

Watch the following Crash Course video to find out more:

Find out more. Click here to read The History Guide " Hitler and World War II."

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