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The road to war

ICSE · Class 12 · History

Quick revision notes for The road to war — ICSE Class 12 History. Key concepts, formulas, and definitions for last-minute revision.

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Key Topics to Revise

1

The Impact of the Great Depression on International Affairs (1929–1933)

  • The Wall Street Crash of October 1929 triggered the Great Depression, causing a catastrophic collapse of the global economy.
  • American lending dried up, credit collapsed, investment fell, consumption dropped, and mass unemployment spread worldwide.
  • The economic crisis created a political malaise — democratic governments appeared weak and unable to solve economic problems.
2

Japan's Aggression and the Dark Valley (1931–1937)

  • Japanese historians refer to the period 1931–1941 as 'the dark valley' — a time of militarism, authoritarianism, and aggressive foreign policy.
  • In 1930, the Cherry Blossom Society was founded by militarists and army officers advocating authoritarianism at home and aggression abroad, especially towards China.
  • Japan had substantial economic interests in Manchuria — coalmines, iron ore, and the Kwantung Army stationed there to protect these.
3

Germany Under Hitler: Ideology and the Revision of Versailles (1933–1935)

  • Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in January 1933. Opponents believed they could control him — they were gravely mistaken.
  • Hitler moved with astonishing speed to dismantle democracy and destroy all opposition within Germany.
  • Key elements of Hitler's worldview: Social Darwinism (survival of the fittest), race as the primary factor in history, hatred of Marxism/communism, anti-Semitism, and the need for Lebensraum (living s
4

Italy, Mussolini, and the Invasion of Abyssinia (1934–1936)

  • Benito Mussolini had ruled Italy under a Fascist regime since October 1922.
  • Italy's relationship with Germany was initially hostile: when Austrian Nazis murdered Chancellor Dollfuss in July 1934 and it appeared Germany might invade Austria, Mussolini mobilized troops at the B
  • This demonstrated that in 1934, Italy was a genuine bulwark against German expansion — Hitler's rearmament was not yet complete.

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Full Notes

Key Concepts

A severe worldwide economic crisisJapan's first major act of aggressionAdolf Hitler's foreign policy was drivenUpon becoming Chancellor in January 1933Without consulting France or Italy

Frequently Asked Questions

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Start by understanding all key concepts. Practise previous year questions from this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly. Use flashcards for quick revision before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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