8.6 Causes of World War II
7 min read•august 20, 2024
World War II emerged from a complex web of factors in the aftermath of World War I. The rise of , economic turmoil, and aggressive nationalism set the stage for conflict. Failed diplomacy and emboldened expansionist powers like Germany and Italy.
The immediate trigger came with Germany's in 1939. This act of aggression prompted Britain and France to declare war, marking the official start of World War II. The conflict would reshape global power structures and leave lasting impacts.
Rise of fascism
- Fascism emerged as a political ideology in the aftermath of World War I, gaining popularity in several European countries, particularly Italy and Germany
- Fascist movements were characterized by extreme nationalism, authoritarianism, and often racism, seeking to establish a strong, centralized state led by a dictatorial leader
Fascist ideology
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- Emphasized the superiority of the nation and the importance of national unity, often at the expense of individual rights and freedoms
- Promoted a corporatist economic system, in which the state, employers, and workers collaborate for the benefit of the nation
- Advocated for aggressive foreign policies, including expansionism and
- Scapegoated minority groups, such as Jews, for societal problems and economic hardships
Mussolini in Italy
- founded the Italian Fascist Party in 1919 and became the Prime Minister of Italy in 1922
- Established a totalitarian regime, known as the "Italian Social Republic," which suppressed political opposition and individual freedoms
- Implemented economic policies aimed at modernizing Italy and increasing its military strength
- Formed an alliance with Nazi Germany in the late 1930s ()
Hitler and the Nazi Party
- joined the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi Party) in 1919 and became its leader in 1921
- Exploited the economic and political instability of the Weimar Republic to gain popular support
- Appointed as Chancellor of Germany in 1933 and quickly consolidated power, establishing a totalitarian dictatorship
- Implemented racist policies, particularly targeting Jews, and pursued an aggressive foreign policy that ultimately led to World War II
Aftermath of World War I
- World War I (1914-1918) had a profound impact on Europe, leading to significant political, economic, and social changes that contributed to the rise of fascism and the eventual outbreak of World War II
- The war resulted in the collapse of empires, the redrawing of national boundaries, and the emergence of new states, creating a fragile and unstable political landscape
Treaty of Versailles
- The (1919) officially ended World War I and imposed harsh terms on Germany, including significant territorial losses, military restrictions, and substantial war
- Many Germans viewed the treaty as unfair and humiliating, fueling resentment and nationalism that would later be exploited by Hitler and the Nazi Party
- The treaty also created new nations and borders in Europe, often without considering ethnic and cultural divisions, leading to further instability
Economic devastation
- World War I had a severe economic impact on Europe, with many countries experiencing high levels of debt, inflation, and unemployment
- The , which began in 1929, exacerbated these economic problems, leading to widespread poverty and social unrest
- Economic hardship and uncertainty made fascist movements, which promised stability and national revival, more appealing to many Europeans
Resentment and nationalism
- The aftermath of World War I and the perceived injustices of the Treaty of Versailles fueled a sense of resentment and nationalism in many European countries, particularly Germany
- Nationalist movements, such as the Nazi Party in Germany, gained popularity by promising to restore national pride and rectify the perceived wrongs of the post-war settlements
- The rise of nationalism also contributed to increasing tensions between European states, as countries sought to assert their interests and expand their influence
Appeasement and diplomacy
- In the years leading up to World War II, European leaders pursued policies of appeasement and diplomacy in an attempt to maintain peace and prevent another devastating conflict
- However, these efforts ultimately failed to curb the aggressive ambitions of fascist states like Germany and Italy, and may have even emboldened them
Failure of the League of Nations
- The , established after World War I to promote international cooperation and prevent future wars, proved ineffective in dealing with aggressive states
- The League lacked a strong enforcement mechanism and was often undermined by the absence of major powers, such as the United States, and the reluctance of member states to take decisive action
- The League's failure to prevent the (1935) and the (1931) demonstrated its weakness and diminished its credibility
British and French policies
- Britain and France, the two major European powers, initially pursued policies of appeasement towards Germany and Italy, hoping to avoid another war
- British Prime Minister and French leaders believed that by making concessions to Hitler and Mussolini, they could satisfy their demands and maintain peace
- These policies, however, only served to encourage further aggression, as fascist leaders interpreted appeasement as a sign of weakness and an opportunity to expand their power
Munich Agreement
- The (1938) was a prime example of appeasement, in which Britain, France, Italy, and Germany agreed to the German annexation of the Sudetenland, a region of Czechoslovakia with a significant ethnic German population
- The agreement was hailed by Chamberlain as guaranteeing "peace for our time," but in reality, it only emboldened Hitler and paved the way for further German expansionism
- The Munich Agreement also undermined the security of Czechoslovakia and other Eastern European states, leaving them vulnerable to Nazi aggression
Expansionism and aggression
- Fascist states, particularly Germany, Italy, and Japan, pursued aggressive foreign policies aimed at expanding their territories and influence in the years leading up to World War II
- These policies were driven by a combination of ideological beliefs, economic interests, and a desire to revise the post-World War I international order
German rearmament
- In violation of the Treaty of Versailles, Germany began rearming in the 1930s under Hitler's leadership
- Hitler withdrew Germany from the League of Nations in 1933 and introduced conscription in 1935, rapidly expanding the German military
- The remilitarization of the Rhineland (1936) and the Anschluss (annexation) of Austria (1938) were early examples of German expansionism that went unchallenged by other European powers
Italian invasion of Ethiopia
- In 1935, Fascist Italy, led by Mussolini, invaded Ethiopia, one of the few remaining independent African states
- The League of Nations condemned the invasion but failed to take effective action, revealing its weakness and emboldening Mussolini
- The Italian conquest of Ethiopia (1936) demonstrated the growing aggression of fascist states and the ineffectiveness of international institutions in preventing conflict
Japanese invasion of Manchuria
- In 1931, Japan invaded and occupied Manchuria, a region of northeastern China, establishing the puppet state of Manchukuo
- The League of Nations condemned the invasion but did not take strong action against Japan, which withdrew from the League in 1933
- The Japanese invasion of Manchuria marked the beginning of Japanese expansionism in Asia and contributed to rising tensions in the region
Alliances and tensions
- In the years leading up to World War II, Europe became increasingly polarized as countries formed alliances and tensions between states escalated
- The formation of opposing alliances, combined with the aggressive foreign policies of fascist states, made the outbreak of a major conflict increasingly likely
Axis powers
- The were an alliance of fascist and militaristic states that emerged in the 1930s, primarily consisting of Germany, Italy, and Japan
- Germany and Italy formalized their alliance with the Pact of Steel (1939), while Japan and Germany signed the Anti-Comintern Pact (1936) to oppose the spread of communism
- The Axis powers shared a common goal of expanding their territories and influence, often through military aggression and conquest
Allied powers
- The , also known as the Allies, were a coalition of nations that opposed the Axis powers during World War II
- Initially, the Allies consisted primarily of Britain and France, but the alliance expanded to include the United States, the Soviet Union, and other countries as the war progressed
- The Allies sought to contain the expansion of fascist states and ultimately defeat the Axis powers to restore peace and stability to Europe and the world
Polarization of Europe
- The rise of fascism, the formation of opposing alliances, and the pursuit of aggressive foreign policies by states like Germany and Italy led to a growing polarization of Europe in the 1930s
- Countries increasingly viewed international relations as a zero-sum game, with the gains of one state coming at the expense of others
- This polarization, combined with the failure of appeasement and the weakness of international institutions, made the outbreak of a major conflict more likely
Immediate triggers
- While the underlying causes of World War II were complex and long-standing, a series of immediate events in 1939 directly triggered the outbreak of the conflict
- These events, particularly the German invasion of Poland and the subsequent declarations of war by Britain and France, marked the beginning of the war in Europe
German invasion of Poland
- On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, using a staged attack on a German radio station as a pretext for the invasion
- The German invasion, carried out in coordination with the Soviet Union as per the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (1939), quickly overwhelmed Polish defenses
- The invasion of Poland demonstrated Hitler's willingness to use military force to achieve his expansionist goals and marked the beginning of World War II in Europe
Declarations of war
- In response to the German invasion of Poland, Britain and France, honoring their commitments to Poland, declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939
- The declarations of war by Britain and France marked the official beginning of World War II, as the conflict expanded beyond a localized dispute
- Other countries, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, soon followed suit, declaring war on Germany in support of Britain and France
Key Terms to Review (26)
Adolf Hitler: Adolf Hitler was the leader of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi Party) and Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945. He rose to power during a time of economic instability and political chaos, promoting a fascist ideology that emphasized extreme nationalism, anti-Semitism, and the superiority of the Aryan race. His policies and aggressive expansionism played a central role in causing World War II and led to the horrific events of the Holocaust.
Allied Powers: The Allied Powers were a coalition of countries that opposed the Axis Powers during World War II, primarily including the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and China. This alliance was crucial in coordinating military efforts, strategies, and resources to combat the aggression of Axis nations like Germany, Italy, and Japan. The cooperation among these nations facilitated significant victories and laid the groundwork for post-war reconstruction and international relations.
Appeasement: Appeasement is a diplomatic policy aimed at avoiding conflict by making concessions to an aggressive power. This approach was notably used in the lead-up to World War II, as countries tried to maintain peace by satisfying the demands of totalitarian regimes, particularly Nazi Germany, which ultimately failed and led to the outbreak of war.
Axis Powers: The Axis Powers were a coalition of countries led primarily by Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II, formed with the aim of opposing the Allied Powers. This alliance sought to expand their territories and influence through military aggression, contributing significantly to the outbreak and course of the war.
Benito Mussolini: Benito Mussolini was an Italian politician and journalist who founded the National Fascist Party and became the Prime Minister of Italy from 1922 until 1943. He played a significant role in the rise of fascism, promoting authoritarian governance, nationalism, and militarism, which contributed to the complex dynamics leading to global conflict.
Blitzkrieg: Blitzkrieg, meaning 'lightning war' in German, refers to a military strategy employed by the Nazis during World War II that emphasized rapid and surprise attacks using coordinated forces of infantry, tanks, and air support. This tactic allowed for quick victories and the overwhelming of enemy defenses, significantly impacting the dynamics of warfare and contributing to the early successes of Germany in the conflict.
Communism vs. capitalism: Communism and capitalism are two contrasting economic and political ideologies that shape how societies organize their economies and distribute resources. Communism advocates for a classless society where all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs, aiming to eliminate social inequalities. In contrast, capitalism is based on private ownership of the means of production and operates on the principles of free markets, competition, and profit motive, often resulting in economic inequality but driving innovation and growth.
Fascism: Fascism is a far-right political ideology that emphasizes strong centralized power, dictatorial leadership, and often includes extreme nationalist sentiments. This ideology typically promotes the idea of the supremacy of the state over individual rights and often utilizes propaganda, militarism, and the suppression of opposition to maintain control. The rise of fascism in the early 20th century was closely linked to economic instability, social unrest, and a reaction against perceived threats from socialism and communism.
German Rearmament: German rearmament refers to the process by which Germany rebuilt its military capabilities after World War I, particularly during the 1930s under Adolf Hitler's regime. This initiative was characterized by violations of the Treaty of Versailles, which had imposed strict limits on Germany's military size and capabilities. Rearmament played a crucial role in the broader context of escalating tensions that contributed to the outbreak of World War II.
Great Depression: The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s, marked by a dramatic decline in economic activity, widespread unemployment, and significant financial instability. This period had profound effects on social and political structures globally, leading to major labor movements, influencing the course of wars, contributing to the rise of fascism, and setting the stage for World War II.
Invasion of Poland: The Invasion of Poland was the military campaign launched by Nazi Germany on September 1, 1939, marking the official start of World War II in Europe. This invasion utilized a strategy known as Blitzkrieg, combining rapid movement of troops and overwhelming air support, which quickly overwhelmed Polish defenses and led to the swift occupation of the country. The invasion also prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany, illustrating the international ramifications of aggressive expansionism.
Isolationism: Isolationism is a foreign policy approach where a nation avoids involvement in international alliances, conflicts, or affairs. This strategy emphasizes self-sufficiency and focuses on domestic issues rather than engaging in external politics or military actions. During the years leading up to global conflicts, especially World War II, isolationism influenced the actions and attitudes of various countries, particularly in how they responded to threats from aggressive regimes.
Italian Invasion of Ethiopia: The Italian Invasion of Ethiopia was a military campaign launched by Fascist Italy in 1935 aimed at expanding its colonial empire in Africa. This invasion marked the first aggressive act of expansion by a European power against an independent African nation after World War I, and it highlighted the failures of the League of Nations to prevent acts of aggression, thus contributing to the broader causes of World War II.
Japanese Invasion of Manchuria: The Japanese invasion of Manchuria began in 1931 when Japan launched a military campaign to occupy the northeastern region of China, driven by its imperial ambitions and the need for natural resources. This aggressive act marked a significant escalation in Japanese expansionism and was a precursor to larger conflicts that contributed to the outbreak of World War II.
League of Nations: The League of Nations was an intergovernmental organization established after World War I to promote peace and cooperation among countries. It aimed to prevent future conflicts through collective security, disarmament, and diplomatic negotiation, although it ultimately struggled to achieve its goals and faced significant challenges leading to its dissolution in 1946.
Militarism: Militarism is the belief or policy of placing a strong emphasis on military power and the readiness to use it to achieve national goals. This mindset often leads to an arms race and heightened tensions among nations, as countries build up their military forces and promote military values within society. It is a key factor in understanding the political climate leading to conflicts, particularly in the early 20th century and during the rise of authoritarian regimes.
Munich Agreement: The Munich Agreement was a settlement reached in September 1938 among Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, allowing Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia. This agreement is often cited as a significant example of the policy of appeasement, where European powers attempted to prevent war by conceding to some of Adolf Hitler's demands, ultimately failing to maintain peace and leading to the outbreak of World War II.
Nationalism vs. Imperialism: Nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often seeking independence or self-governance. In contrast, imperialism is a policy or practice by which a country extends its power and influence over other nations or territories, often through colonization or military force. These two concepts often clash, especially in the context of the global tensions leading up to significant conflicts like World War II.
Nazism: Nazism, or National Socialism, is a far-right political ideology that emerged in Germany during the early 20th century, characterized by authoritarianism, extreme nationalism, and the belief in the superiority of the Aryan race. This ideology was integral to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, leading to a totalitarian regime that implemented aggressive expansionist policies and perpetrated the Holocaust.
Neville Chamberlain: Neville Chamberlain was a British politician who served as Prime Minister from 1937 to 1940, known primarily for his policy of appeasement towards Nazi Germany. His leadership during the early stages of World War II, particularly his efforts to maintain peace through negotiations with Adolf Hitler, highlighted the challenges faced by European leaders in the face of aggressive expansionism. Chamberlain's approach ultimately failed to prevent war, and he has since become a symbol of the dangers of appeasement.
Pact of Steel: The Pact of Steel, formally known as the Pact of Friendship and Alliance between Germany and Italy, was a military and political alliance signed on May 22, 1939, solidifying cooperation between the two fascist nations. This agreement symbolized the close ties forged by Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini in the lead-up to World War II, marking a significant consolidation of fascist ideologies and ambitions for territorial expansion. The pact ultimately contributed to the alignment of Axis Powers against the Allies during the conflict.
Reparations: Reparations are compensatory payments made by a defeated nation to the victors after a conflict, intended to cover the costs of war damages and support post-war recovery. These payments often reflect a sense of justice for the suffering caused by war and can have significant political and economic implications. The imposition of reparations can lead to long-lasting resentment and instability, as seen in the aftermath of major conflicts.
Total war: Total war is a military strategy that involves the complete mobilization of a society's resources, including the economy, workforce, and civilian population, to achieve total victory. In this type of warfare, the distinctions between combatants and non-combatants are blurred, as entire nations engage in the conflict with no restrictions on the targets or methods used. This approach has significant implications for how wars are fought and the overall impact on societies involved.
Totalitarianism: Totalitarianism is a political system where the state holds absolute control over all aspects of public and private life, often led by a single party or leader. This system typically involves the suppression of dissent, control of the economy, censorship of media, and the use of propaganda to maintain power. In the context of the rise of fascism and the causes of World War II, totalitarian regimes emerged in response to social, economic, and political turmoil, establishing authoritarian rule that aimed to mobilize the masses and unify the nation under a singular ideology.
Treaty of Versailles: The Treaty of Versailles was a peace agreement signed in 1919 that officially ended World War I, placing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany. This treaty not only redrew the map of Europe but also sowed the seeds of discontent that would later contribute to the rise of nationalism and ultimately lead to World War II.
Winston Churchill: Winston Churchill was a British statesman, military leader, and Prime Minister who served during crucial periods of the 20th century, most notably during World War II. Known for his stirring speeches and unwavering resolve, Churchill's leadership was instrumental in rallying the British people during their darkest hours and shaping the post-war world.