The Hinge Years: 1938 | The Winds of War

In this podcast, they explore the significant events of the year 1938 that set the stage for World War II, including Hitler's annexation of Austria, escalating persecution of Jewish communities, Japan's war on China, and the collapse of democracy in both the East and West. They also delve into tragic events like the Japanese invasion of Nanjing, Kristallnacht, and the rise of extremism in Germany and Italy. The podcast discusses the missed opportunities to prevent atrocities, examines Italy's ambitions for a colonial empire in East Africa, and explores the use of language and rhetoric by key figures during the 1930s. They also touch on the failure of the 1938 international conference to address the refugee crisis caused by Nazi Germany, and the major shift in global order after World War II.