dentify the main causes that led to World War II. Resource Link for WWII Causes
Explain each cause with 1-2 sentences.(Provide key events)
1) Treaty of Versailles: The harsh terms imposed on Germany after World War I, including territorial losses and economic reparations, created resentment and economic instability, setting the stage for Hitler's rise to power.
Key events: Signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, German resentment and economic struggles in the 1920s.
2) Failure of Appeasement: The policy of appeasing Hitler's expansionist ambitions by European powers, such as the Munich Agreement, allowed Germany to grow in power and emboldened Hitler's aggressive actions.
Key events: Munich Agreement in 1938, German annexation of Czechoslovakia in 1939.
3) Failure of the League of Nations: The League's inability to prevent or effectively respond to acts of aggression, such as Italy's invasion of Abyssinia and Japan's invasion of Manchuria, undermined its credibility and weakened the foundation of collective security.
Key events: Invasion of Abyssinia by Italy in 1935, invasion of Manchuria by Japan in 1931.
4) Rise of Fascism and Nazism: The ideologies of fascism and Nazism, which emphasized the superiority of certain races and advocated for authoritarian governments, gained popularity in Italy and Germany, destabilizing the region and leading to aggressive actions.
Key events: Benito Mussolini's rise to power in Italy in 1922, Adolf Hitler's appointment as Chancellor of Germany in 1933.
5) Economic Depression: The worldwide economic downturn in the 1930s, specifically the Great Depression, contributed to social and political unrest, creating environments susceptible to the rise of extremist ideologies.
Key events: Wall Street Crash in 1929, global economic recession in the 1930s.
6) Imperialism and territorial disputes: The competition among nations for resources, markets, and colonies led to conflicts over territories and spheres of influence, escalating tensions and eventually triggering the war.
Key events: German rearmament and remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936, Italian invasion of Ethiopia in 1935.