#AP European History: WWII - The Night Before 🚀

Hey! Let's get you prepped for the exam. This guide is designed to be your last-minute resource, focusing on key concepts, high-impact information, and memory aids to help you ace the test. Let's do this!

#1. Causes of WWII: Seeds of Conflict 🌍

This section is super important! Understanding the causes is crucial for both multiple-choice and essay questions. Focus on the long-term and immediate triggers.

#1.1. Treaty of Versailles (1919): A Flawed Peace 📜

Economic Hardship: The treaty imposed harsh reparations on Germany, crippling its economy and creating widespread resentment. 📉
Territorial Losses: Germany lost significant territory, fueling nationalistic anger and a desire for revenge. 😠
Weak League of Nations: The League lacked real power to enforce its decisions, making it ineffective in preventing aggression. 🏛️

#1.2. The Weimar Republic: Democracy in Crisis 🇩🇪

Fragile Democracy: The Weimar Republic struggled with political instability and lacked popular support. 🏛️
Economic Woes: Hyperinflation and the Great Depression further weakened the government and fueled extremism. 💸
Rise of Extremism: Authoritarian leaders like Hitler promised solutions, capitalizing on public dissatisfaction. 🗣️

#1.3. Violations of the Treaty of Versailles: Aggression Unchecked ⚔️

Remilitarization: Hitler remilitarized the Rhineland in 1936, a clear violation of the treaty. 🛡️
Anschluss: Annexation of Austria in 1938 further emboldened Hitler. 🇦🇹
Appeasement: Britain and France's policy of appeasement allowed Hitler to expand without facing serious consequences. 🕊️
Invasion of Poland: The immediate cause of WWII, triggering declarations of war from Britain and France. 🇵🇱

Key Concept

Remember: The Treaty of Versailles created the conditions for WWII, but it was the aggressive actions of Hitler and the policy of appeasement that ignited the conflict.

#1.4. The Role of the Soviet Union 🇷🇺

Non-Aggression Pact: The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact between Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939 shocked the world and paved the way for the invasion of Poland. 🤝
Territorial Ambitions: Stalin also had territorial goals, seeking to regain lands lost after WWI.

Memory Aid

TREATY (Tre...

World War II