Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn about the rise of fascism in Europe and how this helped to bring about the Second World War. They examine key turning points in the conflict, including the Battle of Britain, the siege of Stalingrad, the D-Day landings and the use of atomic weapons in 1945.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain Hitler's rise to power.

Key Notes

• Many Germans felt betrayed by the Treaty of Versailles which had placed limits upon Germany and their military.
• Hitler's speeches became popular in a weakened Germany.
• The 1929 Wall Street Crash caused a global economic depression.
• Fascists throughout Europe, including Hitler and Mussolini, believed a dictatorship would resolve economic issues.
• Hitler came to power in Germany in 1933 and established the Third Reich.

Vocabulary To Learn

• Great Depression: the period after the 1929 Wall Street Crash which impacted trade, finance, production and employment
• fascist: supports a system based on a very powerful leader, state control and being extremely proud of country and race, and, in which, political opposition is not allowed
• Third Reich: the German Empire (1933 to 1945); there had been two empires previously: in the Middle Ages and just before the First World War

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Hitler was always an unpopular dictator.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• 1941-2, a pivotal period of the Second World War Study Guide
• America's entry into the war and the D-Day landings Study Guide
• Appeasement and the declaration of war Study Guide
• Blitzkrieg and the Battle of Britain Study Guide
• The last days of the Second World War Study Guide