Lessons on Case Study 2: German and Italian expansion (1933–1940)

The Cunning History Teacher’s lesson plans on IB History Paper 1 Case Study 2: German and Italian expansion (1933-1940) provide students with an in-depth examination of the key events, policies and personalities that shaped German and Italian expansion during this period. The lesson plans cover a wide range of topics, including the Tripartite Pact, challenges to the post-war agreements, the international response to Hitler’s foreign policies, Nazi economic policies, Nazi personalities, the impact of Nazism on German foreign policy, what is fascism, the international response to Italian aggression, Fascist Italy’s foreign policies, Fascist Italy’s economic policies, Fascist Italy’s changing diplomatic alignments in Europe after 1933, and the Abyssinian crisis.

The Tripartite Pact, signed in 1940 by Germany, Italy, and Japan, was a key event in the lead up to the Second World War. The lesson plans examine the reasons behind the pact and its significance in terms of international relations.

The lesson plans also examine the challenges to the post-war agreements, including the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations, and how these challenges contributed to the rise of fascist regimes in Germany and Italy. The international response to Hitler’s foreign policies is also examined, including the appeasement policies of the United Kingdom and France, and the role of the United States in the lead up to the war.

The Nazi economic policies, including the Four Year Plan and the autarky policy, are also covered in the lesson plans, as well as the role of key Nazi personalities such as Hitler, Göring and Goebbels in shaping German foreign policy. The impact of Nazism on German foreign policy is also examined, including the role of the Nazi Party in shaping government policy and the role of the military in the decision-making process.

Fascism is defined and explained in the lesson plans and its impact on international relations is examined. The international response to Italian aggression, including the League of Nations’ sanctions against Italy after the invasion of Abyssinia, is also covered. The Fascist Italy’s foreign policies and economic policies are examined, including the role of the Fascist Party and the Italian military in shaping government policy.

The lesson plans also examine Fascist Italy’s changing diplomatic alignments in Europe after 1933, including the formation of the Rome-Berlin Axis and the role of the Axis powers in the lead up to the Second World War. The Abyssinian crisis is also examined, including the reasons for the Italian invasion, the League of Nations’ response, and its impact on international relations.

Overall, The Cunning History Teacher’s lesson plans on IB History Paper 1 Case Study 2: German and Italian expansion (1933-1940) provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the key events, policies and personalities that shaped the period. The lessons are designed to be engaging and interactive, and encourage students to think critically about the past and its relevance to the present. With a focus on key concepts, skills and practice, these lesson plans are an effective tool for preparing students for the IB History Paper 1 examination.