The Causes of WWII

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What led to the rise of fascism in Italy after WWI?

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Economic turmoil in Italy led to conflict between pro-labor socialists and pro-fascist former veterans called the Blackshirts, led by Mussolini.

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What significant event happened in Italy in 1922?

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The Blackshirts marched on Rome, and Mussolini was appointed Prime Minister to avoid bloodshed.

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How did Mussolini change Italy's government?

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He transformed Italy from a constitutional monarchy to a dictatorship.

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What territories did Mussolini's army expand into between 1935-1937?

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Italian territory expanded into North Africa and Ethiopia.

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What happened in Spain between 1931-1936?

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Spain abolished the monarchy and attempted a Republic, but the government's failures opened the door for General Franco to lead a coup.

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What was the outcome of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)?

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Franco consolidated power with aid from Germany and Italy, and remained in power until 1975.

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What term did Mussolini coin in 1936?

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Mussolini coined the term 'axis' to describe the power and relationship of Italy and Germany.

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When did Japan join the Axis powers?

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Japan joined in 1940.

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The philosophy that Hitler called 'Germany's Manifest Destiny', involving expansion into German-speaking regions of Europe.

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What is 'Lebensraum'?

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What actions did Germany take in March 1936?

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Nazis annexed the Rhineland on the French-German border.