World War II Origins: Unresolved Issues and Key Factors
Unresolved Issues After World War I
Unresolved issues after World War I, with the Versailles Treaty being the main one, fueled resentment. German resentment of the terms imposed by the French predated Hitler’s rise to power but was an issue he exploited. Additionally, territorial disputes arose from the redrawing of national boundaries after WWI, such as the creation of Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia, and the significant reduction in Hungary’s size.
Russo-German Conflict
Both World Wars were primarily conflicts between Germany and Russia. While World War II had ideological (Nazism vs. Communism) and racial (Aryan vs. Slav) dimensions, the central theme of both wars was the Russo-German conflict. The outcome of WWI was unsatisfactory for both Russia (revolution, political withdrawal) and Germany (defeat, internal turmoil), leading to a rematch.
Failure of the League of Nations
The League of Nations failed, particularly regarding Italian aggression in Ethiopia in the mid-1930s and the Spanish Civil War. This inaction signaled to Italy and Germany that they could act with impunity, a lesson not lost on Russia and Japan.
Appeasement Policy
The short-term failure of British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s appeasement policy in the late 1930s, especially after Hitler’s invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1938/39, was a contributing factor. However, Chamberlain reflected popular sentiment in Britain. As Churchill said, ‘to jaw, jaw is always better than war, war.’
The Rise of Hitler and National Socialism
Arguably, the most significant cause of WWII was Adolf Hitler and National Socialism. The dire state of the German economy after WWI and disillusionment with democracy in Central Europe created conditions that Hitler exploited. The stock market crash of 1929 amplified these issues, as extreme right-wing parties tend to thrive during economic depressions. This was a key factor in Hitler’s rise to power.
It’s important to distinguish between the causes of World War II in Europe and in the rest of the world. American isolationism and Japanese militarism were significant factors outside of Europe. However, the focus here is on the war that began in Europe in September 1939.
Key Factors Leading to World War II
- The Treaty of Versailles forced Germany to pay for the destruction of Europe.
- Adolf Hitler seized power in 1932, gradually achieving absolute power by gaining the favor of the German people.
- The economic depression in Germany, caused by the Treaty, left Germany with limited options. Rearming the military and reclaiming lost territory offered a path to increased employment and economic power.
- The German people harbored animosity due to the humiliation inflicted by the Allies and sought someone to blame.
- Nazi Germany and its allies wreaked havoc throughout Europe for years before the Allies intervened. The League of Nations stood by as Italy invaded Africa, and most countries avoided war, remembering the devastation of World War I.
Lessons Learned
One crucial lesson learned is the importance of addressing problems before they escalate into national crises. A critical mistake before World War II was the failure to enforce the rules set against Germany after World War I. Had Hitler been prevented from building his army (in direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles), the massive Nazi army might have been avoided.