1. Treaty of Versailles: The harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, imposed on Germany after World War 1, created resentment and a desire for revenge among the German population.
2. Economic Depression: The Great Depression of the 1930s led to widespread economic hardships, political instability, and the rise of extremist ideologies.
3. Rise of Fascism: The emergence of fascist regimes, particularly in Germany, Italy, and Japan, contributed to increased militarism and aggression.
4. Appeasement Policy: The policy of appeasement, adopted by Western powers such as Britain and France, allowed Germany to rearm and violate the terms of the Treaty of Versailles without significant consequences.
5. Failure of the League of Nations: The League of Nations, established after World War I to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts, proved ineffective in addressing the challenges of the interwar period.
6. Militarism: Germany, Italy, and Japan engaged in extensive rearmament programs, disregarding international treaties and agreements.
7. Expansionist Policies: Germany pursued an aggressive policy of territorial expansion, annexing Austria (Anschluss) and the Sudetenland (Munich Agreement) in the late 1930s.
8. Non-aggression Pact: The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact between Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939 effectively divided Eastern Europe between the two countries and paved the way for the invasion of Poland.
9. Invasion of Poland: The German invasion of Poland in September 1939 is considered the immediate trigger that led to the outbreak of World War II.