The coming of war, 1935–1941 study guide

Study Guide for The Coming of War (1935-1941)

Key Themes to Explore

1. The Treaty of Versailles and Its Impact

• Investigate how the Treaty created resentment in Germany and set the stage for Hitler’s rise.
• Consider the broader implications for European stability.

1. Aggression and Response

• Analyze the responses of Britain, France, and other nations to the aggressive actions of Germany, Italy, and Japan.
• Reflect on the effectiveness of collective security and the League of Nations.

1. The Role of Ideology

• Examine how fascism and militarism influenced the policies of aggressor nations.
• Discuss the ideological battle between democracy and totalitarianism.

Suggested Study Activities

• Timeline Creation: Construct a timeline of key events from 1935 to 1941, noting the significance of each.
• Debate: Organize a debate on the effectiveness of appeasement versus confrontation in the lead-up to the war.
• Source Analysis: Review primary sources from the period, such as speeches by Hitler or documents from the Munich Conference, to understand contemporary perspectives.

Revision Tips

• Focus on cause and effect relationships between events.
• Practice writing essays that argue a specific viewpoint on the effectiveness of international responses to aggression.