Causes of the Second World War

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Causes of the Second World War

War was declared by Britain and France on Germany, September 1939. World War II lasted for six years killing millions; injuring and traumatising many more. Two decades earlier, World War I had taken place also killing, injuring and traumatising millions.

How was it that even with the creation of the Treaty of Versailles aiming to limit Germany's power and prevent another war; twenty years later Europe was once again plunged into chaos.

Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party with their aggressive policies and actions, in my opinion, are to blame for the war. However, many others are responsible for allowing Hitler and Germany to be in this position and infact, the Treaty of Versailles, aiming to prevent another war, had a huge effect on Hitler coming to power in Germany and achieving a position of power from which a war could take place.

Adolf Hitler was born in Austria in 1889. In 1919 he joined and took over the party later to be known as the 'Nazi' party. By 1933, due to several reasons, Hitler was able to make his party the largest in Germany and also very cleverly change the German constitution so that he could become dictator of Germany. Hitler was fiercely patriotic and believed the German race to be far superior to any others especially those to the East. Like many others, Hitler was outraged with the Treaty of Versailles which he felt was extremely unfair and unjust. He aimed to completely overturn the Treaty which would restore German pride and make Germany strong once again; it would also unite all German people together in the then split up country of Germany. As a fascist Hitler despised the communism of Russia in the East and furthermore intended to 'smash' it and take land to the East for 'lebensraum'(living space).

Hitler was a very aggressive leader who would turn to violence if he did not get what he wanted. He once said:

"Our motto shall be 'if you will not be a German, I will bash your skull in'"!

His whole foreign policy from coming to power seems to be focused on preparing for a war. In October 1933, soon after coming to be dictator of Germany, Hitler showed his contempt for the Treaty of Versailles by withdrawing from the League of nations which also showed his lack of desire for peace. At the same time he also withdrew from the disarmament conference again showing peace was not a big...

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... the failure of the League of Nations and weakened many countries as they limited their military spending. Perhaps it was the responsibility of Britain and France for following such a loose policy of appeasement. It was definitely blind of them for not accepting Russia's offer of alliance as that would surely have stopped Hitler; at this point they should have realised how much of a threat Hitler was and combined with Russia to stop him.

Little has been said about America whos presence in the League may well have saved it; however they followed an isolationist policy and preferred not to get involved in important world affairs. Their added support may well have prevented the war. So concluding although Hitler was to blame for the war, there are many others responsible for allowing him to become strong. Luckily for Hitler the Depression happened, without which he would never have got into power and become so much stronger militarily in comparison to other countries. I believe those responsible helped to cause the war as they should not have allowed Hitler to be in such a strong position and the whole international naivity in not being prepared to react, was a cause for the war.

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