1919:
- Treaty of Versailles: The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, placed significant restrictions on Germany and was widely perceived as harsh and unfair. It fueled resentment among Germans and contributed to the rise of nationalist movements.
1920s:
- Economic instability: The global economy faced various challenges after World War I, leading to economic instability in several countries. The Great Depression, which began in 1929, had a devastating impact worldwide, causing widespread unemployment and economic hardship.
- Rise of nationalist and fascist ideologies: In response to the economic and political crises of the time, nationalist and fascist movements gained popularity in various countries. Fascist regimes, such as Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler, sought to create strong, authoritarian nation-states and often used aggressive rhetoric and policies.
1930s:
- Arms buildup and militarism: Germany began to rearm and expand its military in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. Other countries also engaged in arms buildup, creating a sense of mutual suspicion and insecurity.
- Appeasement policies: Some Western powers, including Britain and France, pursued a policy of appeasement towards aggressive actions by Germany and Italy, hoping to avoid war. This led to concessions that emboldened the Axis powers and ultimately failed to prevent the outbreak of war.
- Spanish Civil War (1936-1939): The Spanish Civil War, which involved foreign intervention from several countries, served as a testing ground for military tactics and strategies that would later be used in World War II.
1938:
- Anschluss and Sudetenland Crisis: Germany annexed Austria in March 1938 (the Anschluss) and then turned its attention to the Sudetenland, a region of Czechoslovakia with a predominantly German population. The Munich Agreement, signed in September 1938, allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland without war.
1939:
- Invasion of Poland: On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, prompting Britain and France to declare war on Germany, marking the official start of World War II.
These are some of the major events and developments that preceded World War II, but it's important to note that the causes of the war are multifaceted and involve a complex web of political, economic, and ideological factors.