Causes of WW2 Flashcards

Study Notes

Key causes: Fascism, Appeasement, Treaty of Versailles, The Great Depression, Imperialism

Characterized by extreme nationalism, racism, militarism, and imperialism, increasing the likelihood of war.

Allies' concession to aggressors led to emboldened nations, resulting in increased aggression from Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Imposed harsh reparations on Germany, contributing to economic turmoil and resentment.
Failed to meet promises to Italy and Japan, fostering discontent.
Weakened the League of Nations, particularly with the absence of U.S. participation.

Heightened political extremism from economic hardships such as hunger and unemployment.
Countries remilitarized to stimulate economies during the depression.

Global tensions escalated due to established powers resisting expansion by emerging imperialistic nations.

Fascism & Appeasement: Allies saw fascism as a buffer against communism.
Fascism & Treaty of Versailles: Provided propaganda for Hitler and Mussolini to blame for issues.
Fascism & Imperialism: Promoted the idea that expansion was essential for national strength.
Fascism & Great Depression: Increased desire for strong leadership as democracies faltered.
Appeasement & Treaty of Versailles: Ignored German military build-up despite the treaty's restrictions.
Appeasement & Great Depression: League members preoccupied with internal issues became lenient towards aggression.
Imperialism & Treaty of Versailles: Germany's imperial ambitions fueled resentment and harsh treatment.
Imperialism & Great Depression: War was viewed as a means to revive struggling economies.
Treaty of Versailles & Great Depression: Reparations led to economic collapse in Germany.

Sent troops into the Rhineland, remilitarized beyond limits, and annexed Austria.

Leaders: Chamberlain (UK), Daladier (France), Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy).
Discussed settling disputes through negotiation and agreed to Hitler's territorial demands in Czechoslovakia.

Documented Hitler's meeting outlining future expansionist policies, intended for execution even after his potential death.

Mein Kampf and the Hossbach Memorandum indicate a long-term strategy to conquer Europe.
Supported by historian Hugh Trevor-Roper.

Historian AJP Taylor argues that Germany's military spending was comparable to other nations, and Lebensraum was a common ideology, suggesting opportunistic actions rather than a defined plan.