HIST103: World History in the Early Modern and Modern Eras (1600-Present)

8.1: The "Gathering Storm"

• World History:  "Causes and Course of the Second World War"

  Read this chapter.

• European History: "Europe: 1918-1945"

  Read this chapter.

• 8.1.1: Germany Prepares for War

  • Bethel University: Christopher Gehrz's "The Origins of World War II"

    In this episode from Bethel University's "Radio Modern Europe" series, Christopher Gehrz discusses the political, economic, and social factors that led to World War II. He focuses on Adolf Hitler's political and military objectives and his determination to rearm Germany and occupy surrounding states. He concludes by examining the pre-war political and economic actions of other combatants including Great Britain, France, Japan, and the United States.
    

• 8.1.2: Italian Imperialism

  • Ofcansky and Berry's "Ethiopia: A Country Study: Mussolini's Invasion and the Italian Occupation"

    This article discusses the cultural, social, economic, and political state of the government of Ethiopia under Italian occupation.
    

• 8.1.3: Japanese Imperialism

  • Research History: "World War II: Before the War"

    Read this article.

  • F. Tillman's "The Nanking Massacre, 1937"

    Read this article.

  • U.S. Army Area Handbook: "Chapter 1.04"

    Read from section entitled "Republican China" through section entitled "Return to Civil War" in chapter 1.04.
    

• 8.1.4: Responses

  • "Causes of World War 2"

    Read this article, focusing on the "Appeasement" topic.