Resumé of some of the major factors in economic and political situation facing Europe.
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University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
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Historical background for present situation; led by Prussia, Germany unified after Franco-Prussian War and became world power; political ambition to dominate Europe and desire for expansion led to World War; crushed by defeat, humiliated, burdened by debt, Germany was unready for Republican form of government imposed on her at the end of the war; many political parties, none of which could command a majority; resentment of people increased with increased economic pressure and the feeling that the rest of the world was responsible for all of Germany's troubles; growth of National Socialist Party slow at first; group of industrialists, fearing Communism and Social Democrats began to finance National Socialist' movement, thinking to use it as a counter balance; when Party came into power, industrialists found they could not control it; Hitler has only two convictions - his hatred of Jews and his determination to annex Austria; Austro-Hungarian Empire broken up by Versailles Treaty and Austria's boundaries defined; cannot maintain herself without trade, nor defend herself against Germany without aid of other European countries; Italy has promised support and France and England have made public declaration that Austria's independence should be maintained; only hope for peace in Europe is a change of government in Germany.