Major Causes of The War

Detailed Analysis of the Main Causes of World War II

The economic, political, and social causes behind the Second World War (1939–1945) were complex. The war was not the result of a single incident but the outcome of long-standing international conflicts and imbalances that had developed over decades.

1. Treaties of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles (1919)

After World War I (1914–1918), the defeated nations—especially Germany—were punished through extremely harsh treaties.

Harsh Provisions of the Treaty of Versailles

• Heavy Fine: Germany had to pay £6.6 billion, crippling its economy.
• Military Restrictions: The German army was limited to 100,000 soldiers.
• Territorial Losses: Germany lost Alsace-Lorraine to France and eastern regions to Poland.
• National Humiliation: Germany was blamed solely for starting the war.

Result

• Resentment and nationalism increased among Germans.
• Leaders like Hitler rose by exploiting public anger.
• Germany began military expansion seeking revenge.

2. Rise of Dictatorial Leaders and Expansionist Policies

(i) Germany – Adolf Hitler and Nazism

• Hitler rose to power in 1933, defying the Treaty of Versailles.
• Adopted the policy of Lebensraum (living space) to expand into Eastern Europe.

(ii) Italy – Benito Mussolini and Fascism

• Mussolini wanted to revive the Roman Empire.
• Invaded Ethiopia in 1935 and expanded military forces.

(iii) Japan – Militaristic Government and Expansion

• Occupied Manchuria in 1931.
• Launched full-scale war on China in 1937.
• Aimed to build a vast Asian empire.

3. Economic Depression and Global Crisis (Great Depression, 1929)

• The 1929 stock market crash collapsed the global economy.
• Unemployment and poverty rose across Europe and America.
• People began trusting aggressive leaders like Hitler and Mussolini.
• Germany pursued economic recovery through militarization.

4. Failure of the League of Nations

• The League failed to stop aggressive nations such as Germany, Italy, and Japan.
• No strong action was taken against Japan’s invasion of Manchuria (1931).
• No effective response to Italy’s attack on Ethiopia (1935).
• This emboldened dictators to continue expansion.

5. Military Alliances and Polarization

During the 1930s, the world was divided into two blocs:

Allied Powers

Britain, France, Soviet Union (later joined by the United States).

Axis Powers

Germany, Italy, Japan.

Hitler and Mussolini formed the Rome-Berlin Axis (1936), followed by the Tripartite Pact with Japan (1940), increasing global instability.

6. Appeasement Policy and Weak Responses

• Britain and France tried to appease Hitler instead of resisting him.
• Munich Agreement (1938) allowed Hitler to annex the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia.
• This convinced Hitler he could expand without facing war.

7. Germany’s Attack on Poland (1 September 1939)

Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact (23 August 1939)

Germany and the Soviet Union secretly agreed to divide Poland and Eastern Europe.

Invasion

• Germany invaded Poland on 1 September 1939.
• Britain and France declared war on 3 September 1939.

Conclusion

World War II had both long-term and immediate causes. The harsh treaties after WWI, rising nationalism, aggressive dictators, global economic depression, weak international institutions, and appeasement collectively led to conflict. Germany’s invasion of Poland finally triggered the global war. World War II deeply transformed international politics, the economy, and relations between nations.

Treaties of World War I

A detailed explanation of the treaties that shaped post–World War I Europe and contributed to World War II.

1. Treaty of Versailles – 28 June 1919

This treaty was signed between Germany and the Allied powers: Britain, France, and the United States.

Key Terms

(i) Territorial Losses

• Alsace-Lorraine returned to France.
• Parts of western Poland granted to Poland.
• Rhineland declared demilitarized.
• Germany lost all overseas colonies.

(ii) Economic Penalties

• £6.6 billion compensation.
• Saar Basin placed under League control for 15 years.

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(iii) Military Restrictions

• Army limited to 100,000 soldiers.
• No submarines or air force allowed.
• Ban on production of heavy weapons.

(iv) War Guilt Clause

Germany was held responsible for starting World War I.

2. Treaty of Saint-Germain – 10 September 1919

Signed with Austria.

• The Austro-Hungarian Empire was dissolved.
• Austria’s army was limited to 30,000 soldiers.
• Austria was forbidden to unite with Germany.

3. Treaty of Trianon – 4 June 1920

Signed with Hungary.

• Hungary lost two-thirds of its territory.
• Army reduced to 35,000 soldiers.

4. Treaty of Neuilly – 27 November 1919

Signed with Bulgaria.

• Bulgaria lost parts of Thrace, Yugoslavia, and Romania.
• Army limited to 20,000 soldiers.

5. Treaty of Sèvres – 10 August 1920

Signed with the Ottoman Empire (Turkey).

• Partition of the empire among Britain, France, Greece, and Italy.
• Middle Eastern territories divided between Britain and France.
• Turkish army severely restricted.

Result

The harsh terms of these treaties caused political instability, economic suffering, and widespread resentment—creating conditions that fueled World War II.

The Rise of Dictatorship

Reasons Behind the Rise

• Post-war political instability.
• Great Depression (1929).
• Harsh treaties imposed after WWI.
• Rise of nationalism and militarism.
• Weak democratic governments.

Major Dictators

Adolf Hitler – Germany

• Rose to power in 1933.
• Aimed to expand German territory.

Benito Mussolini – Italy

• Established Fascist rule in 1922.
• Promoted imperial expansion.

Joseph Stalin – Soviet Union

• Strengthened communism.
• Implemented Five-Year Plans.

Francisco Franco – Spain

Rose to power in the Spanish Civil War (1936).

Japan – Military Rule

• Occupied Manchuria in 1931.
• Attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941.

Effects of Dictatorship

• Led to World War II.
• Decline of democracy in many nations.
• Mass killings under Hitler and Stalin.
• Post-war creation of the UN.

Colonial Competition

Introduction

Colonial competition refers to the rivalry between European powers to control colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This rivalry increased tensions and contributed to both World War I and World War II.

Major Reasons

(i) Industrial Revolution

European nations needed raw materials and new markets.

(ii) Control of Trade Routes

Countries competed for control of strategic sea routes such as the Suez Canal.

(iii) Nationalism and Imperial Ambitions

European powers wanted to expand their empires.

(iv) Military Importance

Colonies served as military bases and strategic points.

(v) Population Pressure

Growing European populations required new lands for settlement.

Effects of Colonial Rivalry

• Contributed to the outbreak of World War I.
• Led to nationalist movements in colonies.
• Caused exploitation and racial discrimination.
• Played a role in World War II, especially in Asia.

Unbalanced Global Politics

Introduction

Unbalanced global politics occur when power is distributed unequally among nations, causing conflicts, instability, and competition.

Major Reasons

• Unequal distribution of power.
• Colonial legacy.
• Influence of international organisations.
• Economic inequality.
• Nuclear weapons imbalance.
• Regional conflicts.
• Inequality of natural resources.

Effects

• Powerful countries dominate weaker ones.
• Increased military alliances and conflicts.
• Rise of terrorism.
• Environmental challenges.

Solutions

• Strengthening global balance of power.
• Reforming the UN and international institutions.
• Reducing global economic inequality.
• Limiting nuclear and military expansion.
• Cooperation to protect the environment.

German Invasion of Poland (1939)

Introduction

On 1 September 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland, initiating the Second World War. This attack marked the first major use of the Blitzkrieg strategy (“lightning war”).

Main Reasons for the Invasion

(i) Treaty of Versailles

Germany wanted to reclaim territories lost after WWI.

(ii) Lebensraum Policy

Hitler aimed to expand eastward for “living space”.

(iii) German-Soviet Pact (23 August 1939)

Germany and the Soviet Union secretly agreed to divide Poland.

(iv) Hitler’s Demands

Control of Danzig port and the Polish Corridor.

(v) Failed British–French Policies

Hitler’s earlier expansions were tolerated, encouraging further aggression.

The Invasion – 1 September 1939

Blitzkrieg Strategy

Germany used fast air attacks, tanks, and infantry to overwhelm Poland.

Initial Attack

• Luftwaffe bombed major Polish cities.
• Soviet Union invaded eastern Poland on 17 September.
• Warsaw surrendered on 27 September 1939.

Consequences

• Britain and France declared war on Germany.
• Poland was divided between Germany and the Soviet Union.
• Widespread persecution of Jews and Polish civilians.
• Temporary Germany–Soviet friendship ended with Operation Barbarossa (1941).

Conclusion

The invasion of Poland laid the foundation for the Second World War. Hitler’s expansionism and failed diplomatic efforts by Britain and France pushed the world into a devastating conflict.