German soldiers being greeted with the Nazi salute, 1938.

World War Two was the deadliest conflict in world history. In this learning pathway we will examine the rise of Nazi Germany and Japan prior to the outbreak of the war. Hitler took power in Germany in 1933, consolidating his dictatorial rule over the following years. Nazi ideology held that the ‘Aryan’ race was superior, while ‘inferior’ races such as the Jews and Roma should be destroyed. Meanwhile, the Empire of Japan sought domination in Asia and the Pacific, justifying its stance through imperialism and militarism.

During this learning pathway you will watch one video lecture and complete several readings.


objectives

Objectives

  • Learn about the rise of Nazi Germany
  • Examine imperialism and militarism in Japan prior to World War Two