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Europe at the End of the First World War

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Europe and nations, 1918-1942

Europe and nations, 1918-1942

The First World War marked the decline of European domination in the world. Once the war was over, democracy and collective security seemed to triumph, but this hope was short-lived. The dissatisfaction created by the redrawing of frontiers, the fragility of new democratic regimes and the Great Depression plunged the continent back into war.

History of Europe between 1918 and 1942: Treaty of Versailles – creation of new States – authoritarian and totalitarian regimes – Munich Agreement – Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact – outbreak of the Second World War…

Europe at the End of the First World War

Europe at the End of the First World War

Complete video


Respect for the principle of nationalities and the maintenance of their power influenced the victors in redrawing European frontiers, confirmed by the various treaties signed from 1919-1920.


Germany and the Treaty of Versailles

Germany and the Treaty of Versailles

Video extract


Seen as the instigator of the war, Germany lost a number of territories and had to pay the victors substantial reparations.


The Fate of Austria and Hungary

The Fate of Austria and Hungary

Video extract


Austria and Hungary were established as two separate states and lost much of their territory.


The Fate of Bulgaria

The Fate of Bulgaria

Video extract


Defeated, Bulgaria lost its access to the Mediterranean.


Independence for Finland

Independence for Finland

Video extract


Finland became independent after the collapse of the Russian Empire.


Independence for the Baltic Countries

Independence for the Baltic Countries

Video extract


Previously part of the Russian Empire, the Baltic countries became independent at the end of the First World War.


Europe in the 1920s

Europe in the 1920s

Video extract


The devastation of war, economic difficulties and resentments created by the treaties threatened the democratic regimes and collective security of Europe.


The Irish Question

The Irish Question

Video extract


The Irish nationalists fought for their independence and succeeded in creating the free State of Ireland in 1921.


Greek-Turkish Relations between 1920 and 1923

Greek-Turkish Relations between 1920 and 1923

Video extract


Territorial conflicts in the regions of Smyrna and East Thrace ended with large numbers of Greek and Turkish settlers leaving their home.


A wave of authoritarian regimes in the 20s

A wave of authoritarian regimes in the 20s

Video extract


During the 1920s, far right parties came to power in a number of European countries.


Reconstituted Poland

Reconstituted Poland

Video extract


Reconstituted by the treaties, Poland remained under threat from its two powerful neighbours: Russia and Germany.


Czechoslovakia: A Multinational State

Czechoslovakia: A Multinational State

Video extract


Created from pieces of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, Czechoslovakia brought together several nationalities to form a single state.


Yugoslavia: A Multinational State

Yugoslavia: A Multinational State

Video extract


A common language and ethnic ties influenced the decision to give the Southern Slavs their own state.


New Crises 1929-1942

New Crises 1929-1942

Video extract


The Great Depression reinforced the authoritarian regimes in Europe. In the mid-1930s, dictators dominate international relations.


Spain: Republicanism and Civil War, 1931-1939

Spain: Republicanism and Civil War, 1931-1939

Video extract


Franco’s military uprising and three years of civil war put an end to Spain’s democratic republic.


France: From the Third Republic to the Vichy Regime

France: From the Third Republic to the Vichy Regime

Video extract


In France, the military debacle in May and June of 1940 brought down the Third Republic.


Dismantlement of Czechoslovakia (1938-1939)

Dismantlement of Czechoslovakia (1938-1939)

Video extract


Abandoned by France and England at the Munich Conference, Czechoslovakia was soon torn apart.


Poland Conquered and Dismantled (1939-1941)

Poland Conquered and Dismantled (1939-1941)

Video extract


By signing the Molotov-Rippentrop Pact, Germany and the USSR sealed Poland’s fate.


Italy in the 1930s

Italy in the 1930s

Video extract


Italy’s annexation of Ethiopia ended its alliance with France and England and pushed Mussolini closer to Germany.