Consequences of Authoritarian Aggression
In the 1930’s, before World War II, there was a noticeable increase in outward aggression toward other regions and countries by both Germany and Japan. These countries acted out for various reasons, such as militarism, imperialism, nationalism and the need for natural resources.


Thesis: While the reoccupation of the Rhineland by Germany in 1936 and the invasion of Manchuria by the Japanese in 1931 were both acts of aggression in the leadup to World War II, one can claim that the motivations for such actions have both similarities and differences. Furthermore, the response of other world powers varied between the two countries, ranging from appeasement to condemnation on the part of major Western countries.


Question 1
Explain the term aggression as it is used in this historical context.




Question 2
Summarize the reoccupation of the Rhineland by Germany.




Question 3
Summarize the invasion of Manchuria by Japan.




Question 4
How are these two similar? How are they different?