Top 5 Causes of World War II

The top five causes of World War II:

1. The Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I started a new war. The treaty caused anger and a deep mistrust of Germany’s new government, the Weimar Republic. The need to pay war reparations was added to the instability of the government, and destroyed the German economy. In addition, Germany was required to demilitarize the Rhineland and limit the size of its military, especially its air force. Germany’s colonies were taken away and the country of Poland was formed. Finally the treaty made invasion of Austria, Poland, and Czechoslovakia nearly impossible. In conclusion the Treaty of Versailles angered Germany.

2. Rise of Fascism and the Nazi Party
The rise of Fascism in Italy and the Nazi Party in Germany contributed to the start of World War II. In Italy, Benito Mussolini and the Fascist Party rose to power during 1922. The Fascists believed in a strong central government, strong offensive military, and a strict control of its industry and people. By 1935, Mussolini became the dictator of Italy and transformed the country into a police state. In Germany, Fascists became known as Nazis. The Nazis and their leader, Adolf Hitler, practiced Fascism while also showing support for the racial purity of the German people. The economic distress in Weimar Germany, along with their "Brown Shirts" militia enabled the Nazis to become a political force. On January 30, 1933, President Paul von Hindenburg granted Hitler power to take over.

3. Europe’s Slow Reaction
When The Treaty of Versailles was made Hitler felt he could ignore it. The problem was; he was right. Europe’s failure to react was shown when Austria and the Sudentenland were occupied. The powers of Europe only reacted when it became obvious that Hitler was determined to expand east. In conclusion Europe’s slow response to Hitler could have been the war exploded to the size it was.

4. America and Isolation
When war broke out many Americans were strongly against getting involved. The results of World War I had given the United States reason to stay isolated. This feeling of isolation was shown through the passage of Neutrality Acts and other hands off approaches. When the League of Nations was denied the United States and any other nation was unable to have a say in Germany’s choices. In conclusion the lack of the League of Nations contributed to start of WWII.
5. The Changing American Attitude
The United States bailed on its isolation theory in 1941. The Lend Lease Act allowed America to “sell, transfer title to, exchange, lease, lend, or otherwise dispose of, to any such government....any defense article." Next the Atlantic Charter was created to discuss Great Britain and the United States war against fascism. Finally the attack on Pearl Harbor officially pushed America into war. In conclusion 1941 turned the United States position in World War II.