Causes of World War II What Caused World

Causes of World War II

What Caused World War II? UNDERLYING CAUSES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Treaty of Versailles The Depression Rise of Dictators Failure of the League of Nations Appeasement

Treaty of Versailles ends World War I (1919) Germany had to: - pay reparations - accept responsibility for WWI - decrease military force - abandon empire

Depression economy is the priority in the West countries were distracted with their own problems Hitler creates a military economy and reduces unemployment

Dictators search for economic solutions want to expand countries Axis: Germany, Italy, Japan Nazi-Soviet Pact (1939) expansion of country avoid a two-front war divide up Poland

League of Nations created after WWI; USA never joins purpose make decisions to settle disputes peacefully threats of trade boycott and force would deter aggressive countries must have the courage to act on this

Appeasement giving into the demands of dictators Why? avoid another war focus on economy afraid of Communism feel sorry for Germany

FAIL!!!! Hitler militarized Rhineland (1936) Hitler invades Austria (1938) - Britain & France do nothing Munich Conference (1938) Hitler wants Czechoslovakia Hitler won’t invade anymore countries British PM gives in to Hitler

Immediate Cause of WWII Hitler invades Poland (Sept. 1, 1939)

WWII – The Players Axis Germany Japan Italy Allies Great Britain France Canada