Study Questions
Why did Italy turn to Fascism in the years following World War I?
Some historians claim that Europe's failure to rebound from the First World War
was caused by the extensive loss of lives, especially those of the intellectual
elites during the war. Evaluate this 'lost generation' theory?
How did the League of Nations demonstrate changing concepts of international
relations?
What were the causes of instability in Eastern Europe during the inter-war
years? How do they compare to the causes of instability in Eastern Europe at
the end of the twentieth century?
Why did attempts at disarmament between the wars fail?
What were the characteristics of totalitarianism as practiced between the wars?
How did totalitarianism differ from the authoritarian governments of past eras?
What arguments may be presented for and against the statement that the Spanish
Civil War was a dress rehearsal for World War Two?
Describe the political battle between the Conservative and Labour Parties in
Britain during the inter-war years. What evidence is there of Labour's impact
on the generally Conservative British government? What factors kept the Labour
Party from establishing and maintaining control over the government?
Which was more important for Adolf Hitler's rise to power: his policy goals
or the symbolism of the Nazi Party? Explain your answer.
Why were extremist political parties more successful during the inter-war years
than they had been before World War One?
