2da guerra mundial

Understanding the Consequences of the War with Chile

Introduction to Historical Context

• The speaker introduces the topic, focusing on the consequences of World War I and its implications for Peru, particularly regarding historical events related to Chile.

The Failure of Chilenization

• The concept of "Chilenization" is discussed as a failed policy; regions like Tacna and Arica showed resistance to leaving Peru.

• Key figures in Chilean history, such as Presidents Santamaría and Balmaceda, are mentioned in relation to their ambitions concerning these territories.

Consequences of the War with Chile

• Major losses for Peru include:

• Loss of Tarapacá's wealth and resources.

• Destruction of production systems (factories and workshops).

• A significant decline in national morale and state capacity.

Economic Impact Post-War

• Following the war, there was a severe devaluation of currency alongside cultural asset looting.

Debt Issues After the Conflict

• The discussion shifts towards Peru's external debt post-war, highlighting it as a critical issue that emerged after conflicts with Chile.

• The speaker emphasizes that external debt became a major problem for Peru after the war ended.

Addressing External Debt: Miguel Grace's Role

Solutions Proposed by Miguel Grace

• During Cáceres' governance, Miguel Grace proposed signing a treaty to manage Peru’s external debt issues effectively.

Conclusion on Historical Agreements

• This agreement is referred to as the "Grace Contract," which aimed at stabilizing financial obligations while addressing economic challenges faced by Peru.

Transitioning to World War II Discussion

Overview of Upcoming Topics

• The speaker prepares to transition into discussing World War II, indicating an upcoming detailed exploration of this global conflict.

Understanding the Antecedents of World War II

Introduction to World War II

• The discussion begins with a focus on the timeline from 1939 to 1945, marking the period of World War II and emphasizing the importance of understanding its background.

Historical Context

• The speaker introduces the concept of historical antecedents that led to World War II, indicating that these factors are crucial for comprehension.

• A call for volunteers is made to engage students in discussing these antecedents, highlighting an interactive teaching approach.

Aftermath of World War I

• The end of World War I is revisited, specifically mentioning the Treaty of Versailles as a significant event that concluded the war on November 11, 1918.

• The Treaty of Versailles is described as placing blame primarily on Germany for the war's consequences, which set a precedent for future conflicts.

Consequences Imposed on Germany

• Germany was held responsible for the war under the Treaty of Versailles, leading to territorial losses and reparations that weakened its position in Europe.

• Specific territories were taken from Germany and given back to France (Alsace-Lorraine), Denmark (Schleswig), and Belgium, illustrating how punitive measures were enacted.

Economic Implications and Political Landscape

• The economic repercussions left Germany vulnerable; this weakness posed a threat not only to itself but also to capitalist nations like the United States, France, and England.

• With Germany stripped of its colonies and resources post-war, there was concern about its potential shift towards communism influenced by Soviet expansionist policies.

U.S. Involvement and Support for Germany

• The speaker discusses how U.S. support aimed at preventing German communism involved financial aid through loans intended to stabilize Germany economically.

• This financial backing was seen as essential by the U.S. government to ensure that Germany did not fall into communist ideologies following its defeat in WWI.

Conclusion: Shifting Dynamics in Europe

• By providing loans and support, America sought to maintain stability in Europe while countering any rise in socialist movements within Germany.

• The narrative concludes with reflections on how post-WWI conditions transformed Germany from an empire into a republic amidst rising tensions leading up to WWII.

The Aftermath of World War I and the Rise of Hitler

The Weimar Republic and Economic Challenges

• Following World War I, Germany transitioned into a republic known as the Weimar Republic, with General Hindenburg serving as president.

• Hindenburg was notable for defeating Russian forces in battle but faced challenges due to economic instability and reliance on U.S. loans to prevent communism's spread in Germany.

The Impact of the Great Depression

• The 1929 stock market crash marked a severe economic crisis in the U.S., leading to widespread financial turmoil described as the worst in American history.

• As the U.S. struggled with its own economic issues, it could no longer provide financial support to Germany, leaving it vulnerable during this critical period.

• This lack of support from the U.S. meant that Europe had to fend for itself amidst rising tensions and economic despair.

Global Capitalism Affected by Crisis

• The 1929 crash impacted all capitalist nations, including France and England, marking a significant downturn for global capitalism.

• Interestingly, the Soviet Union remained unaffected by this crisis due to its socialist structure, allowing it to potentially expand its influence while other nations faltered.

The Threat of Communism

• With Germany facing severe economic hardship without U.S. aid, there was a growing fear that it might turn towards socialism or communism.

• This fear prompted capitalists to worry about communist expansion within Europe as they sought ways to counteract this potential shift.

Hitler's Ascendancy

• Amidst these fears, Hitler emerged as a figure who opposed communism vehemently; he aimed at restoring German pride and territory lost after WWI.

• His ideology centered around Aryan supremacy and reclaiming what he termed "Lebensraum" (living space), which resonated with many Germans disillusioned by their current state.

Conclusion: Preventing Communism through Support for Hitler

• In response to fears regarding communism's rise in Germany, Western powers considered supporting Hitler’s regime as a bulwark against socialist ideologies.

• Thus began a complex relationship where capitalist nations would inadvertently bolster an authoritarian regime out of fear rather than ideological alignment.

Understanding Antisemitism and the Rise of Hitler

The Roots of Antisemitism

• The concept of antisemitism is introduced, highlighting its brutal and racist nature, particularly against Jews. This ideology is linked to the idea of "Aryan supremacy."

• Antisemitism is further connected to anti-communist sentiments, with references to how capitalist countries like France and England viewed communism negatively.

Political Dynamics in Europe

• Discussion on how countries like France and England perceived Hitler as a potential ally against communism, despite his extremist views.

• The Treaty of Versailles is mentioned as a significant factor that shaped Germany's post-WWI landscape, leading to resentment among Germans.

Hitler's Ascendancy

• Hitler’s disregard for the Treaty of Versailles is noted; he capitalizes on shared hatred towards communism with other nations.

• France and England's strategic decisions are discussed, suggesting they inadvertently supported Hitler’s rise by allowing him more power.

Ideological Foundations: Nazism and Fascism

• Nazism is defined as a form of fascism, which originated from Benito Mussolini's political ideology characterized by totalitarian rule.

• Emphasis on the similarities between Nazism and fascism; both promote dictatorial governance.

Consolidation of Power

• After Hindenburg’s death in 1934, Hitler skillfully manipulates the military to pledge allegiance to him as Führer.

• The transition from Chancellor to Führer marks a pivotal moment in German history where Hitler consolidates absolute power.

Expansionist Policies

• Discussion on how Hitler aimed to create an "empire" through territorial expansion justified by the notion of "Lebensraum" (living space).

• Germany’s military buildup defies previous treaties; this rearmament leads to significant advancements in their military capabilities.

International Response and Consequences

• Despite Germany violating disarmament agreements from the Treaty of Versailles, other nations remain passive due to their focus on preventing communism.

• The League of Nations struggles with enforcing peace as Germany disregards international norms, leading to increased tensions across Europe.

Desprestigio y la Sociedad de Naciones

Contexto del Desprestigio en la Sociedad

• Se menciona el desprestigio que enfrenta Alemania en la sociedad de naciones, destacando su creciente fortaleza y audacia al organizar eventos como las Olimpiadas.

• La invasión de Austria por parte de Hitler, un austriaco, genera preocupación entre las naciones europeas, que permanecen calladas ante estas acciones.

Reacción Internacional

• Alemania decide salir de la Sociedad de Naciones tras invadir Austria, mostrando una falta de respeto hacia las organizaciones internacionales.

• Se introduce el tema del expansionismo alemán hacia los Sudetes, donde se argumenta que la mayoría de la población es alemana.

El Ascenso del Fascismo en Italia

Mussolini y el Fascismo

• Benito Mussolini llega al poder en Italia con un enfoque carismático y autoritario.

• Mussolini es identificado como el creador del fascismo, una dictadura totalitaria que busca restaurar el poder italiano similar al Imperio Romano.

Ambiciones Expansionistas

• El fascismo se caracteriza por su militarismo y deseo de expansión territorial; Mussolini sueña con revivir los días del Imperio Romano.

• La invasión proyectada por Mussolini incluye Etiopía, buscando consolidar el poder italiano a través de conquistas territoriales.

Reacciones a las Invasiones

Respuesta Internacional a Italia

• La invasión italiana a Etiopía provoca reacciones en Europa; se pregunta sobre quién responde ante esta agresión.

• La Sociedad de Naciones expulsa a Italia debido a violaciones de tratados internacionales tras sus acciones beligerantes.

Alianzas Emergentes

• Con Alemania fuera de la Sociedad de Naciones e Italia expulsada, surge una posible alianza entre ambos países.

• Se anticipa una unión entre Alemania e Italia conocida como el Pacto de Acero, fortaleciendo sus posiciones militares y políticas.

Invasions and Tensions in Europe

Italy's Invasion of Albania

• The discussion begins with Italy's invasion of Albania, highlighting its geographical significance during World War I as part of the Balkans.

• The professor emphasizes that this invasion follows the Pact of Steel, indicating a strategic alliance between Italy and Germany.

Spanish Civil War Context

• The Spanish Civil War is introduced as a critical antecedent to World War II, showcasing the conflict between Republican Spain and Fascist forces led by Franco.

• It is noted that fascism in Spain is referred to as "falangismo," drawing parallels to Mussolini’s fascism in Italy.

Non-Intervention Policy

• A significant point made is the declaration of non-intervention during the Spanish Civil War, where European powers agreed not to interfere.

• Despite this agreement, major powers like France and England began testing their military capabilities amidst rising tensions.

Impact on European Tensions

• The Spanish Civil War served as a precursor for World War II by escalating tensions among European nations due to indirect interventions despite declared non-intervention policies.

Rise of Soviet Communism

• Discussion shifts to the Soviet Union, established as the first Marxist state under Lenin, which did not suffer from the 1929 economic crash.

• This lack of suffering allowed the USSR to expand its communist influence globally.

Economic Changes in the United States

Response to Economic Crisis

• The U.S. faced severe economic challenges due to the Great Depression but adapted its capitalist system significantly.

Introduction of Keynesian Economics

• The New Deal is introduced as a pivotal plan where government intervention was employed to stabilize and revitalize the economy post-crash.

Consolidation of Power Post-Crisis

• Through these measures, America emerged stronger economically after overcoming the Great Depression, solidifying its status as a global power.

Democratic Responses: France and England

Democratic Structures Under Strain

• France and England are identified as democracies facing internal pressures while navigating international conflicts leading up to WWII.

The Weakness of Democratic Capitalist Nations

The Perception of Weakness in France and England

• France and England are depicted as weak capitalist democracies, struggling to maintain security amidst rising threats.

• Concerns arise over Germany's growing power, prompting France and England to seek allies due to their perceived vulnerabilities.

Seeking Support from the Soviet Union

• In light of Hitler's rise, France and England consider seeking support from the Soviet Union, led by Joseph Stalin.

• Stalin is characterized as a significant figure ("man of steel") who may be reluctant to assist due to fears of empowering Germany.

Historical Context and Alliances

• The historical context recalls World War I alliances where Germany posed a threat to countries like France and Belgium.

• As they fail to secure support from Stalin, France and England look for alternative alliances with nations like Turkey and Poland.

The Pact of Non-Aggression

• A pivotal moment arises with the signing of the non-aggression pact between the Soviet Union and Germany, known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.

• This agreement signifies that neither country would attack each other, creating a temporary alliance despite mutual distrust.

Implications of the Pact

• The non-aggression pact is distinct from intervention agreements; it highlights strategic maneuvering in international relations during this period.

• Understanding this pact is crucial for comprehending the geopolitical landscape leading up to World War II.

The Munich Agreement and Its Implications

Prelude to the Munich Agreement

• Discussion of Hitler's aggressive demands for the Sudetenland, highlighting the fear and weakness perceived by France and England.

• France's response to Germany's demands, indicating a willingness to negotiate over Czechoslovakia’s territory due to their own vulnerabilities.

• Hitler's manipulative tactics, suggesting that if he received the Sudetenland, he would refrain from further aggression towards France and England.

The Munich Conference

• Key figures at the Munich Conference included French Prime Minister Daladier and British Prime Minister Chamberlain, who sought to appease Hitler.

• The meeting in Munich was characterized as a disgraceful act of appeasement by France and England towards Germany.

• The agreement involved giving up the Sudetenland under the condition that Hitler would not attack other nations, which they naively believed.

Aftermath of the Agreement

• Celebrations in Britain and France following the signing of what they thought was a peace treaty; however, it was seen as an embarrassing capitulation.

• Mussolini’s reaction during this period indicated that even he found humor in how easily Europe conceded to Hitler’s demands.

Escalation Towards War

• Following these events, Hitler began making further territorial claims on Poland, specifically regarding Danzig.

• Introduction of alliances leading up to World War II; comparison with alliances formed during World War I.

Formation of Axis Powers

• Explanation of how Germany, Italy (under Mussolini), and Japan formed an alliance known as the Axis Powers through various pacts including the Tripartite Pact.

• Notable mention that both Japan and Germany withdrew from international organizations like the League of Nations prior to forming these alliances.

Allied Response

• Overview of key Allied nations: France, England, Turkey, Poland; highlighting their initial weaknesses against Axis powers.

• Anticipation of U.S. involvement post-Pearl Harbor attack alongside Soviet Union entry into WWII due to escalating tensions initiated by Axis actions.