ICSE Solutions and Questions Answers for Rise of Dictatorship and the Second World War Class 10 History
We are going to learn the ICSE Solutions of thirteen chapter of the History textbook of Class 10. The name of the chapter is Rise of Dictatorship and the Second World War. All types of questions including very short answer type, short answer type, structured questions and questions based on picture perception has been provided. This ICSE solutions for Rise of Dictatorship and the Second World War will help the students in learning the chapter outcome.
| Name of the chapter | Rise of Dictatorship and the Second World War |
| Subject | History and Civics |
| Topics covered |
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| Related Readings |
Very Short Questions
Answer
The First World War came to an end on November 11th, 1918.
Answer
Nazism in Germany and Fascism in Italy.
Answer
A type of government under which means of production are controlled by the State or government for example, USSR.
Answer
A type of government under which means of production are controlled by private individual.
Answer
One of the main causes for the rise of fascism in Italy is the dissatisfaction surrounding the Treaty of Versailles.
Answer
Benito Mussolini led the Fascist Movement in Italy.
Answer
Mussolini formed squads of street fighters who wore black uniform and therefore they came to be known as Black Shirts.
Answer
The abbreviation Nazi stands for 'National Socialist German Workers'.
Answer
The name of the book written by Adolf Hitler is "Mein Kampf".
Answer
Adolf Hitler preached extreme hatred against the German Jews because they were blamed not only for the defeat of Germany in the First World War but for all the ills of Germany.
Answer
Fascism is often referred to as the 'older brother' of Nazism.
12. On which side did Italy fight in the First World War? When did she enter the War?
Answer
Italy fought the War on the side of the Allies (Britain and France) in 1915.
13. How was Germany's experience with democracy before Hitler?
Answer
Between 1919 - 1933, there were 21 ministries, headed by 12 chancellors that failed to solve the problems faced by Germany.
14. Who formed the Fascist Party in Italy and when?
Answer
Benito Mussolini formed the Fascist Party in Italy in March 1919.
15. Name the four main countries included in the Allied Power.
Answer
The four countries included in the Allied Power were Britain, France, America and Soviet Russia.
16. Name the incident which brought the USA in the Second World War.
Answer
On December 7, 1941, the US fleet based at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii was attacked by Japan. So, America declared war on Japan, Germany and Italy.
17. Name the two Japanese cities on which the Americans dropped the atom bombs and the dates of doing so.
Answer
The Americans dropped atom bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6, 1945 and August 9, 1945 respectively.
18. Which group lost World War II?
Answer
Axis powers comprising of Germany, Italy and Japan were defeated by Allies (Britain, France, USSR, USA)
Short Answer Questions
1. State the condition of common man in Italy post World War I?
Answer
The common man was expecting political and economic power would come into his hands that was in the possession of aristocracies, traditionally, before First World War, but he was not rewarded and his economic needs were not addressed after the war. Promises were ignored and he felt bitter.
2. How did the growing fear of communism help in the growth of Nazism?
Answer
German communists captured many seats in Reichstag. Hitler warned Germans that if communists will come to power then Russian interference in Germany would increase. He persuaded Germans that Nazism alone can check the growing influence of communism.
3. With reference to the principles of Fascism, discuss the attitude towards democracy.
Answer
Anti-democratic.
- All other parties except for the Fascist party were outlawed.
- Opposition was brutally crushed and criticism was not tolerated.
- Legislature was controlled and electoral system was manipulated.
4. Explain Anti individualism as feature of Fascism.
Answer
Anti individualism
- They suppressed popular rights and liberties.
- Freedom of speech was curbed and press was censored, organising meetings was forbidden.
- Trade unions were banned. Unionist were arrested and executed.
- State was more important than the individual.
5. Explain the tactics of Nazi propaganda.
Answer
- Failure of democracy combined with economic crisis worked in the favour of Nazi party's propaganda against Weimar Republic.
- He used education, press and radio for propagation of his ideas.
- He made use of war planes and popularised 'Swastika' during elections.
6. How did the Treaty of Versailles lead to rise of Nazism?
Answer
The Treaty of Versailles imposed very humiliating terms on Germany, like paying huge war penalties to the victors, ceding chunks of German territory to them including her overseas colonies and disbanding German armies. The Treaty of Versailles was signed by the officers of the Weimar Republic in Paris in 1919.
7. State two similarities between Nazism and Fascism.
Answer
The two main principles of Nazism and Fascism were:
- Both ideologies were anti-communistic, anti-democratic and intensely nationalistic.
- Both advocated rule of single party and a single leader with full authority.
8. What is meant by Mussolini's famous 'March on Rome' in 1922?
Answer
Seeing the disorder caused by the communists in 1922, Mussolini organised his 'March on Rome'. Thousands of the Fascist armed men, called as Black-shirts, attacked Rome on October 27, 1922. They took over police stations, municipalities and factories in their way. King Victor Emmanuel III was forced to invite Mussolini to become Prime Minister. The King gradually became the nominal head, while Mussolini the real ruler of Italy.
9. How did Mussolini become the Prime Minister of Italy and when?
Answer
Italy suffered from political instability after WW I. Between 1919 to 1922, six coalition governments had collapsed. Since democracy weakened, this situation was fully exploited by the Fascists. They attacked Rome and pressurised the Government to quit. King Victor Emmanuel III was forced to invite Mussolini to form the Government. The then Prime Minister Luigi Factor resigned. Thus Mussolini captured power in October 1922.
10. What name or title did Mussolini give to himself after he became the party leader?
Answer
Mussolini gave himself the title of 'Duce' which means the leader of the country. He bound the nation with his charismatic personality, wild assurances and determination.
11. How did the Fascists look upon the rights and liberties of the people?
Answer
The Fascists suppressed the freedom of speech and laid severe censorship on press. Strikes were banned and other political parties were outlawed. Thus the rights and liberties of the people were crushed.
12. What did Mussolini do to restore law and order in Italy?
Answer
Mussolini presented himself as a bulwark against communist revolution that threatened Italy. He used the Fascios (volunteer groups who used violence) as strike-breakers to control chaos and anarchy.
13. What did the Fascist regime in Italy do to solve the unemployment problem?
Answer
- Factories and mills were nationalised to improve the lot of workers.
- Public works programmes like building roads, bridges, railways, canals, hospitals were promoted.
- Syndicates were established to improve relations between capitalists and workers.
14. Define dictatorship.
Answer
Dictatorship is military rule forced over a country without popular consent. It is an anti-thesis of democracy. It envisages one party rule controlled by one leader with complete authority. Dictatorship denies rights and freedom to the people and tolerates neither opposition nor criticism.
15. Name the countries where dictatorship rose after the First World War.
Answer
The two countries where dictatorship rose after the First World War were Italy and Germany. Even Russia came under Communist dictatorship after the Revolution of 1917. Both Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy aided dictatorship of General Franco in Spain.
16. What kind of totalitarian behaviour did the dictator nations exhibit?
Answer
The totalitarian countries were quite similar in their outlook as they ‘dictated' the total behaviour of their citizens. Everywhere these countries threatened their neighbouring countries. They refused to work with the League of Nations except on their own terms. In brief, they scarified the individual for the sake of the State.
17. Why were the Italians dissatisfied with Treaty of Versailles?
Answer
Italy had joined the First World War on the side of Britain and France in 1915 as she hoped to get large territories such as Trentino, Trieste, Istria, Fiume, coastal regions of Dalmatia, Albania and some parts of Germany and Turkey after their victory. But the Paris Peace Treaties gave her nothing from the defeated German and Turkish empires. So, Italians developed a feeling of dissatisfaction.
18. What were the two main complaints of the people about the working of the democratic government in Italy?
Answer
- The democratic government in Italy failed to check economic crisis pertaining to war debts and budget deficits. Unemployment and inflation hit the nation badly.
- The masses resorted to strikes and agrarian riots. The workers broke the machinery and captured the factories. The Italian democratic government proved incapable to handle the labour unrest.
19. How was the Treaty of Versailles responsible for the Second World War?
Answer
- The terms and conditions of the Treaty were very harsh and humiliating.
- It imposed heavy war penalties and stripped off Germany's military power and colonial possessions. Now it was Germany's turn to take revenge.
20. What prompted the armament race before the Second World War broke out.
Answer
- In order to achieve territorial gains, Germany, Italy and Japan began producing fire arms, guns, war-ships, air-crafts and other weapons.
- The Disarmament Conferences and the League of Nations were unable to stop the armament race.
21. Mention two reasons to show the weakness of the League of Nations to prevent the Second World War.
Answer
- The League of Nations had no military power of its own, the only weapon that was available with the League were the economic sanctions.
- The USA did not become its member, because the Senate of the United States did not ratify the Covenant of the League of Nations.
22. What is meant by the term 'appeasement'? Who adopted it towards whom?
Answer
The policy of appeasement means a policy of conciliating with an aggressive power at the cost of some other weak country. It meant accepting the hostile demands of an aggressive nation to gain peace. Britain, America, and France followed the policy of appeasement towards Germany under Hitler.
23. Mention the immediate cause of the outbreak of the Second World War.
Answer
The immediate cause of the outbreak of the Second World War was the German aggression on Poland on 1st September, 1939. On September 3, 1939, Britain and France declared a war against Germany and thus began the Second World War.
24. What do you know about the Munich Pact?
Answer
Hitler claimed a part of Czechoslovakia called Sudetenland. Instead of meeting the threat posed by Germany, the Prime Ministers of Britain and France met Hitler and Mussolini at Munich in Germany on 29th and 30th September, 1938, and agreed to Germany's terms without the consent of Czechoslovakia.
25. Mention any two causes that led to the Second World War.
Answer
The two causes that led to the Second World War were:
(i) Unjust and Humiliating Treaty of Versailles: It imposed heavy war penalties and stripped off Germany's military power and colonial possessions. Now it was Germany's turn to take revenge.
(ii) The Weakness of the League of Nations: The League of Nations failed in its objective to maintain peace in the world and stop the dictators from acts of aggression.
25. What was the issue between Germany and Poland that was a cause of World War II?
OR
Why did Hitler demand the Danzig Corridor from Poland?
Answer
- By the Treaty of Versailles, Germany was divided into two parts in order to give a land-route to Poland upto the sea and the Port of Danzing was also given to Poland. Germany wanted to regain her lost territories.
- By occupying the Danzig Corridor, he could connect East Prussia with Germany.
- City of Danzig was inhabited mainly by the Germans and Poland was accused of committing atrocities against Germans living there.
26. State two reasons why Britain and France followed a policy of appeasement towards Germany in the 1930's.
Answer
- They felt that dictators had real grievances due to humiliating terms of Treaty of Versailles and if their grievances were removed, World War II can be avoided.
- The Western powers wanted to check the rising tides of communism.
- They allowed Germany to rearm so that anticommunist Hitler would divert his might to destroy communist Russia.
27. Mention two consequences of the Second World War.
Answer
- The Axis powers Germany, Italy and Japan were defeated at the end of the Second World War.
- The Soviet Union and the USA emerged as the super powers.
28. When and why was the United Nations Organisation established?
Answer
The United Nations Organisations was established on October 24, 1945 with headquarters at New York (USA) to save the coming generation from the scourge of war.
29. Mention any four consequences of World War II?
Answer
Emergence of the U.S.A. and the Soviet Union as Super Powers, resurgence of Nationalism in Asia and Africa, birth of the United Nations organizations, Cold War and bipolarisation of the world were some important consequences of WW II.
30. Why did Britain and France follow a policy of appeasement towards Japan?
Answer
Britain and France followed the policy of appeasement, thinking that the Japanese could be used to weaken China's communism. Thus, a war was inevitable under these circumstances.
31. Who attacked the Pearl Harbour and when?
Answer
The only military force that Japan had to fear was the US Pacific Fleet based at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii. On December 7, 1941, Japan under the Premiership of General Tojo, ordered a surprise aerial attack on the Pearl Harbour. The battleships were sunk and the important killed.
Answer
(i) The terms and conditions for the Treaty were very harsh and humiliating.
(ii) Germany was burdened with huge war indemnity. The huge war indemnity brought political instability which gave birth to Nazism.
Answer
The word 'Fascism', originated in Italy, is the name given to all those political movements which arose after the First World War in Europe, with a view to suppress democracy and socialism on one hand and to establish the dictatorship on the other hand.
Answer
- Fascism was the supporter of one party and one leader.
- The leader was above law. None could challenge his authority.
Answer
(i) The Treaty of Versailles which was signed by the representatives of the Weimar government had imposed very harsh terms on Germany.
(ii) After the war, the whole atmosphere was surcharged with militant nationalism on account of the feelings of German superiority.
OR
Give any two similarities between the ideologies of Nazism and Fascism.
Answer
Like Mussolini, Hitler also believed in 'Nationalism' as a driving force for the people of their country. Both theories propagated the belief that nations became great only by defeating other nations in war.
OR
Two similarities between Nazism and Fascism were:
- Both propagated totalitarian ideologies that regulated all aspects of private and public spheres.
- Both pursue collectivism (ownership of the land and the means of production by the state) as a part of an economy led by the state, the establishment of a dictatorship led by a leader who literally has all the power and glorify violence, imperialism, and militarism.
Answer
Two similarities in the foreign policies of Mussolini and Hitler were:
(i) Both used diplomacy and force as well as aggression to get what they wanted.
(ii) Both wanted to increase the prestige and glory of their country in international spheres.
Answer
- In order to achieve territorial aims, Germany, Italy and Japan began producing fire arms, guns, war-ships, aircrafts and other weapons.
- The Disarmament Conferences and the League of Nations were unable to stop the armament race.
Answer
Hitler was demanding Danzing corridor from Poland as it was inhabited mainly by the Germans. Realizing the danger, Britain and France pledged assistance to Poland against Germany. Germany accused Poland for committing atrocities against Germans living there and it became a cause of World War Second.
Answer
Fear of communism in the West: All those countries who had weak Governments and were facing various economic problems turned towards communism. There was a fear in the mind of the governments of Western Capitalist Countries (Britain, France and USA) that Communism would spread in their territories. Germany, Italy and Japan took full advantages of this fear and claimed that they were fighting communism. These western powers adopted policy of appeasement which strengthened the Fascist Powers and resulted in the Second World War.
Answer
The Peace Settlement at Paris was made in a spirit of revenge. The Germans felt that too much injustice had been done to them. The victorious powers had deprived Germany of huge tracts of its territory. She was burdened with an immense War Indemnity. It was impossible for a proud German race to forget the consequences of the War, which they had lost so humiliatingly. This fuelled the rise of Nazism in Germany and entered upon a career of aggression.
Answer
The treaty of Versailles was biased and partial to Germany. Through following ways the treaty blamed Germany for creating the war and was punished:
- The victorious powers deprived Germany of huge tracts of its territory and its colonies in Africa.
- Germany's military strength was completely crushed.
- Germany was burdened with an immense war indemnity.
- Germany had to give up to the allies her merchant ships as compensation.
Answer
Under domestic policy Mussolini tried to put Italy on a strong economic footing by his theory of a corporate state. He formed 22 national corporations in which both workers and employers had equal representation. Each corporation had its managing body-council. These councils sitting together constituted the national council of corporations which included fascist ministers. The National corporations made rules regarding wages, hours and conditions of work.
Answer
Hitler followed expansionist policy under Lebensraum which means living space i.e., living space for Germans living in different countries. He wanted to unite Germans under one state. Under the pretext of Lebensraum and pan German unity Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia, Austria and Poland.
Answer
Following are the two causes for the rise of totalitarianism in Germany and Italy:
(i) Dissatisfaction with the peace treaty: Italy was dissatisfied with the peace treaty because it did not get the spoils of the war in spite of so much contribution to the success of the Allies in the war. The treaty of Versailles put all the blame on Germany for causing the war. Germany was forced to pay war indemnity and cede large chunk of her territories to Allied countries mainly France.
(ii) Economic factors: Economic conditions in Italy and Germany after the war were very poor. Both the countries suffered with war debt and government deficit budget. Germany had to pay a huge sum as war indemnity. There was a high rate of inflation with a high level of unemployment in Germany. Q. 8. Which class or classes supported the Nazis and Fascists? Answer Many believe that the Fascist and Nazi parties were being supported mainly by industrialists and big businessmen. As agitation and protest grew among the labour class, industrialists became alarmed with the growing strength of labour union. They feared communist revolution. Wealthy class is viewed to have supported fascism in Italy to suppress the workers.
Answer
Following are the two common features:
(i) Negation of democracy and one man rule or one party rule: Both Fascism and Nazism were the sworn enemy of liberalism, democracy and personal liberty. In Italy, Mussolini ruled as a dictator under his party and in Germany, Hitler became dictator under Nazi party.
(ii) Aggressive nationalism and imperialistic policies: Fascists and Nazis glorified extreme nationalism. Both Hitler and Mussolini pursued an expansionist policy abroad to establish their country's imperial power. Mussolini invaded Ethiopia and made it a part of imperial Italy. Hitler invaded country after country under expansionist policy.
Answer
The ideologies of Fascism and Nazism were based on one party system and one man rule. The Nazis and the Fascists believed in Totalitarian Government, Aggressive Nationalism (Jingoism), Militarism and Anti-Communism. As such, both Hitler and Mussolini did not allow any other party to operate. The State was supreme and the common people's interests came next to the state. The Fascists and Nazis aimed to gain control of other territories in different degrees to accelerate their economy.
OR
Why did Hitler attack Poland that became a cause for World War?
Answer
Rome, Berlin and Tokyo are the capital cities of Italy, Germany and Japan respectively. Thus, the military alliance among these countries during the Second World War is known as the Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis. These three countries together were called the Axis Powers.
Hitler demanded Danzig for two reasons:
- The city of Danzig was inhabited mainly by the Germans.
- By occupying the Danzig Corridor, he could connect East Prussia with Germany.
Hitler accused Poland for committing atrocities against Germans living there and attacked Poland on 1st September 1939.
Answer
Effects of World War Second on Japan:
(i) Unlike Germany, it was not divided into zones to be governed by conquering forces.
(ii) The American Army was to administer Japan until 1952, by that time the Japanese would resume sole control over their affairs.
(iii) Emperor Hirohito was left on the throne as a Constitutional monarch and the Japanese parliament retained some of its law making powers.
Answer
Important leaders prioritized internal cooperation over war and sought to end the war. They were also determined to prevent another such war taking place in future. When Second World War was still going on, political leaders of twenty six countries including Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill signed a declaration that discouraged entry into any alliances and that once the war ceased, a formal peace keeping organization would be established. This organization would be called United Nations and will take measures to prevent hostilities between member countries.
Answer
Cold war is a state of extreme political unfriendliness between two or more countries, although they do not fight with each other. The era of cold war started immediately after the Second World War. USA and USSR emerged as two superpowers following opposite political ideologies. USA followed capitalist democracy and USSR followed communism. The entire world got divided between these two opposing power blocs. This led to the emergence of cold war between the western powers led by USA and communist Bloc led by USSR.
Answer
The Invasion of Poland (Immediate cause): On 1st September, 1939 German Armies marched into Poland. On 3rd September Britain and France declared war on Germany. Thus, the invasion of Poland marked the beginning of the Second World War. The German Armies conquered of Poland in less than three weeks as no aid reached Poland. Inspite of the declaration of war however, there was little actual fighting for many months.
Answer
After the fall of France in 1940, the Nazi forces turned towards Britain. German forces intensively bombarded the British ports, factories including the city of London. This brought down the morale of the British people. At this point, the new Prime Minister Winston Churchill's magical words inspired the British people. As a result, the tide turned against the Germans and on 11 September Hitler postponed his operations against Britain.
Answer
On 14th August Japan accepted the surrender to the allies. On 15th August 1945, the Second World War officially ended. With the war came to end, Japan was occupied by the allied forces under General Mac Arthur.
Structured Questions
1. With reference to Fascism, discuss the following:
(a) Meaning of Fascism.
(b) Principles of Fascism.
(c) Fascist Propaganda.
Answer
(a)
- Fascism was an intensely nationalistic, anti-communistic and anti-democratic movement. The Fascists believed in having a powerful dictator holding power both total in character and unlimited in time.
- The word, Fascism is derived from the Italian word, 'Fasces', meaning a bundle of wooden rods with an axe in the middle, signifying strength, unity and authority to punish the wrong doers.
(b) The Principles of Fascism:
- Opposition to democracy and communism.
- Total stress on duties and obedience to the 'State Authority'.
- Extreme patriotism and militarisation.
- Imperialism is eternal law of life.
- State was more important than the individual.
- Suppression of individual rights and liberties.
Thus, Mussolini advocated War-worship, Leader-worship and State-worship.
(c) Mussolini emphasized that a strong state was necessary to take Italian nation forward. He supported aggressive nationalism. He believed that a nation emerges stronger through war and by conquering weaker nations. He attracted people from all strata, e.g., ex-soldiers, farmers, workers etc. They formed violent groups called Fascios. Moreover, the industrialists and capitalists were willing to give him financial help if he fought against the Communists.
2. With reference to rise of Nazism, answer the following questions:
(a) Resurgence of militant nationalism
(b) Absence of strong opposition
(c) Establishment of Volunteer Corps.
Answer
(a) Resurgence of militant nationalism:
- The Germans could not reconcile with the democratic parliamentary system prevailing in their country.
- They preferred prestige and glory to liberty and freedom. They felt that only a strong man could restore the past prestige of Germany and check the rising popularity of Communism.
- When Hitler promised them all glory, they welcomed him with open arms.
(b) Absence of strong opposition: The rise of the Nazi Party in Germany was facilitated by the absence of any strong opposition party. As a result, the Nazi Party did not encounter any effective resistance and its popularity achieved great heights.
(c) Establishment of Volunteer Corps:
- Under the Treaty of Versailles, Germany's military force was considerably reduced and a large number of German soldiers were thrown out of employment.
- Hitler roped in all these soldiers and organised them into Volunteer Corps that served as the party army.
- The members of this Volunteer Corps propagated the programme of the Nazi Party and worked for safeguarding its interests.
3. In the light of principle of Nazism and aims of Hitler, discuss:
(a) Nazi attitude towards State and opponents.
(b) Attitude towards Jews and their treatment by Hitler.
(c) Attitude towards civilian liberties.
Answer
(a)
- Hitler believed in a Totalitarian State. He emphasised that only a centralised dictatorial rule can save the nation.
- He demanded the people to make sacrifices for the nation and render an unquestioned loyalty towards the State.
- The other political parties were either outlawed or forced to dissolve since he opposed multiparty system.
- Opponents were targetted and executed by the Gestapo.
(b) Hitler believed that Germans had to face defeat in the First World War because of the Jewish conspiracy.
- The Jews were deprived of German citizenship.
- They were removed from government services.
- Jews were also prohibited to practise medicine, law etc.
- Jewish families were banished from their homes and systematically slaughtered in concentration camps.
- Jewish shops were looted and properties were confiscated.
- Synagogues were set to fire.
(c) Attitude towards Civilian liberties.
- Hitler put an end to civil liberties. Those who were suspected of opposing him were treated harshly.
- Strict censor was imposed on books, the press and the cinema. All anti-Nazi books and magazines were consigned to fire.
4. With reference to the causes of the Second World War, discuss:
(a) Rise of dictatorships in Europe.
(b) Armament race and rival group formation.
(c) The immediate cause.
Answer
(a) The rulers of Germany, Italy, Japan believed in aggressive nationalism. They wanted to acquire colonies for their countries to satisfy their nationalist urges and for their economic interests. Italy annexed Ethiopia (Abyssinia) and Albania. Japan annexed Manchuria; Germany annexed its neighbouring states like Austria and Czechoslovakia ; Soviet Russia too pounced upon the weak countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Again there was a war between China and Japan in 1937, and many Chinese cities fell into Japanese hands. The League of Nations failed to check their aggressive policies of territorial annexation.
(b) In order to achieve the territorial gains, Italy, Germany and Japan began producing firearms, tanks, warships, aircraft and other weapons of destruction at large scale. The Disarmament Conferences failed to stop the stock piling of arms and ammunition. Also, the League Nations failed in this regard. The European nations began to doubt Hitler's motives. They formed power blocs for their securities. So, before the outbreak of the Second World War. Europe was divided into rival camps. On one side, there was England, France and Russia and, on the other, there was Italy, Germany and Japan.
(c) The immediate cause of the outbreak of the Second World War was Germany's aggressive attack on Poland on September 1, 1939. On September 3, 1939, Britain and France declared a war against Germany and there began the Second World War. In August, 1939 Germany signed a non-aggression Pact with Russia.
5. With reference to the following factors that led to WW II, Explain:
(a) Japanese invasion of China.
(b) Hitler's invasion on Poland.
(c) Failure of League of Nations.
Answer
(a) She was determined to dominate the Far East. In 1931, Japan intervened in Manchuria and, in spite of the League's opposition, she occupied it and set up a government there. Japan also started an undeclared war against China in 1931. Japan joined the Berlin-Rome Axis to form the Berlin-Rome-Tokyo Axis to further its policy of expansion and conquest. In 1933, Japan left the League of Nations and started occupying the British and American properties in China.
(b) Hitller invaded Poland in September 1939 for the following reasons:
- By the Treaty of Versailles, Germany was divided into two parts in order to give a land-route to Poland upto the sea and the Port of Danzing was also given to Poland. Germany wanted to regain her lost territories.
- The city of Danzing was inhabited mainly by the Germans and by occupying Danzing Corridor, Germany could connect with East Prussia.
- Germany signed a Non-Aggression Pact with Russia in August 1939. Poland was accused of committing atrocities against Germans living there. On September 1, 1939, the German armies marched into Poland. France and Britain gave an ultimatum to Germany. In reply, Germany attacked France. On September 3, Britain and France declared war on Germany. Thus the invasion of Poland marked the beginning of the Second World War.
(c) The League was either defied or ignored. The authority of the League was flouted by Japan when it seized Manchuria in 1931; and by Italy when it conquered Ethiopia in 1936. The economic sanctions were of no use against a determined aggressor. Moreover, the member states were not willing to apply economic sanctions as it affected their economy as well. The League failed to maintain international peace and the countries of Europe lost faith in its usefulness.
6. In context of consequences of World War II explain:
(a) Defeat of Germany and Italy.
(b) Recapture of Territories from Japan
(c) Conference of World representatives post World War II.
Answer
(a) Defeat of Germany and Italy:
- Up to the middle of 1942, the Axis powers (Germany, Italy and Japan) met with remarkable success and captured large territories in Europe, Africa and Asia. But by the end of 1942, the tide began to turn against the Axis Powers.
- In November 1942, the Allied forces (Britain, France, the Soviet Union and the USA) recaptured African territories lost by France. This was followed by their victory over Italy. The Allied Powers forced Italy to make an unconditional surrender and sign an armistice.
- In March 1945, the Allied forces moved across the Rhine and dealt a death-blow to the German forces. Hitler was so disappointed with the defeat of Germany that the he committed suicide.
(b) Recapture of Territories from Japan:
- After the defeat of Germany, the Allied Powers turned their attention towards Japan. In South East Asia, Japan had won victories over a number of countries and had occupied Hong Kong, Philippines, Malaya, Singapore, Myanmar, parts of New Guinea and Indonesia.
- The British forces liberated Myanmar, Malaya, Philippines and Singapore. In the Potsdam Conference held on July 26, 1945, the Allied Powers asked Japan to surrender, but Japan turned a deaf ear.
- Consequently, America dropped the first atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6, 1945 and August 9, 1945 respectively. Japan offered to surrender on the terms of Potsdam declaration and the war came to an end.
(c) Conference of World representatives post World War II:
The horrors of the two World Wars and the failure of the League of Nations led to a meeting of the Big Three- Roosevelt (President of the US, Churchill (Prime Minister of Britain) and Stalin (Premier of the USSR) at Yalta in February 1945. They resolved to convene a conference of the representatives of all nations at San Francisco to draw up the `Charter of the United Nations'. This led to the establishment of the United Nations Organisation on October 24, 1945.
Answer
Consequences of the Second World War with reference to Cold War: During the Second World War, the USA and the Soviet Union fought together in cooperation with each other. Though both the countries did not engage in actual fight against each other, there was a state of extreme political tension between the two. This state of tension between countries, in which each side adopted policies designed to strengthen itself and weaken the other without armed conflict, is known as the 'Cold War'. Thus, the USA and the USSR continued to maintain diplomatic relations and did not resort to overt clashes, but treated each other with hostility. This led to the division of the world into two power blocs. One bloc was led by the USA and the other by the erstwhile USSR.
(i) The Democratic and Capitalist Bloc: The bloc led by the USA, called the Western bloc or the American bloc, believed in liberal democracy based on Capitalism. This bloc comprised Britain, France, Belgium, Italy, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Greece, Pakistan, Turkey, etc.
(ii) The Communist Bloc: The bloc led by the USSR, called the Eastern bloc or the Soviet bloc believed in Communism based on Marxist theory The Soviet bloc countries considered the Western style democracy as a farce, meant only for the rich and upper middle class.
Answer
The Foreign Policy of Hitler were responsible for the outbreak of World War Second in the following ways:
- (i) The main aim was to increase the prestige and glory of their country in international sphere so they followed an aggressive policy of imperialism.
- Their opposition to Britain, France and the League of Nations.
Their help to General France to seize power in Spain.
After strengthening the armed forces, Hitler defiantly violated one after another the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. In 1938, he annexed Austria by force.
The Munich Pact signed between Germany, Britain and France.
9. Why did Hitler invade Poland? State two similarities between Fascism and Nazism.
Answer
The immediate cause was refusal of Hitler's demand for annexation of the port of Danzing to Germany, by Britain followed by France. While this was used as an excuse by Hitler to attack Poland. It was nearly a small initial step to avenge the defeat and unjust treaties which were imposed on Germany in the aftermath of the world war. It was a prelude to the large territorial ambitions nurtured by Hitler, this was soon to unfold before the entire world.
The main reasons, why Germany invaded Poland are listed as follows:
- To negate any military alliance between Poland and other European nations against Germany.
- To gain a foothold in the territory surrounding Russia.
- To make known to the world his aversion to the Treaty of Versailles.
- Hitler despised Chamberlain's guarantee to support Poland in case of an attack by Germany. He attacked Poland to teach chamberlain a lesson.
- Hitler entered into a pact with Stalin which included a secret clause to divide Poland between them. It was disagreement also which worked as a shield and prompted him to attack Poland.
10. In the post World War I scenario, Italy and Germany experienced the rise of dictatorships. In this context, explain any three circumstances that led to the rise of Fascism in Italy.
Answer
(i) Discontentment after the Treaty of Versailles: Italy joined the Allies in the First World War to gain territories of Turkey and Germany. But, by the Treaty of Versailles she could get only Southern Tyrol and Trentino and the coastal regions of Dalmatia. She could not get part of the German and Turkish colonial empire.
(ii) Political instability: Democracy was introduced in Italy for the first time in 1919. Elections failed to give a clear majority to a single party. As a result, Italy was governed by a series of coalition Governments. The different political parties had different policies and programmes and there was no continuity in their places. They were unable to deal effectively with the problems of unemployment, strikes and riots in 1921-22.
(iii) Rise of charismatic men: Leaders like Mussolini in Italy were influential. His speeches praised the past glories of his country and won the faith of their countrymen. Mussolini was called 'Duce' which means the leader.