The Treaty of Versailles, which officially ended World War I in 1919, placed the blame for the war solely on Germany and imposed harsh terms on the country, including significant territorial losses, reparations payments, and restrictions on its military. This perceived injustice fostered German resentment and anger towards the Allies, contributing to the rise of nationalism and militarism in Germany.
2. Rise of Adolf Hitler and Nazism:
Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party gained prominence in Germany during the 1920s and early 1930s. Hitler's aggressive rhetoric, anti-Semitic policies, and pursuit of territorial expansion created tensions within Europe. His desire to overturn the Treaty of Versailles and reclaim German lands lost after World War I played a significant role in initiating World War II.
3. Failure of Appeasement:
In an attempt to avoid another devastating war, European powers pursued a policy of appeasement towards Nazi Germany. This involved making concessions to Hitler's demands to prevent conflict. However, appeasement only emboldened Hitler and allowed him to gain more territory without significant resistance.
4. Anschluss and Sudetenland:
In 1938, Germany annexed Austria (Anschluss) without encountering any meaningful resistance from the international community. This encouraged Hitler to continue his territorial ambitions, leading to the annexation of the Sudetenland region in Czechoslovakia later the same year. The failure of appeasement in these instances showed the world Hitler's determination to expand Germany's power and territory.
5. Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact:
In August 1939, Germany and the Soviet Union signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression treaty. This agreement divided Poland between the two countries and provided Germany with a free hand to invade Poland without the risk of Soviet intervention. The pact also gave the Soviet Union control over parts of Eastern Europe, including the Baltic States and eastern Poland.
6. Invasion of Poland:
On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, prompting Britain and France, who had pledged to protect Poland's independence, to declare war on Germany. This marked the official start of World War II.
In summary, the factors contributing to the beginning of World War II include the resentment caused by the Treaty of Versailles, the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, the failure of appeasement, the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland, the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, and the invasion of Poland.