The Rise of Nationalism: The aftermath of World War I saw a rise in nationalism and militarism in Europe, particularly in Germany. This was fueled by the perception of injustice and the desire to reclaim national pride.
The Great Depression (1929-1939): The global economic crisis that began in the United States in 1929 had devastating effects on Europe, including Germany. The economic downturn led to high unemployment, political instability, and the rise of extremist movements.
The Failure of the League of Nations: The League of Nations was an international organization established after World War I to promote peace and prevent future conflicts. However, it was unable to effectively address the challenges of the interwar period, including the rise of Fascism and the territorial disputes between European nations.
The rise of Fascism and Nazism: The interwar period saw the rise of authoritarian regimes, such as Fascism in Italy under Benito Mussolini and Nazism in Germany under Adolf Hitler. These regimes were characterized by extreme nationalism, militarism, and a disregard for human rights.
The German Rearmament: In violation of the Treaty of Versailles, Germany began to rearm its military in the 1930s. This included the expansion of the German army, the air force (Luftwaffe), and the navy (Kriegsmarine).
The Munich Agreement (1938): In September 1938, Germany, Italy, Britain, and France signed the Munich Agreement, allowing Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia. This was seen as a major appeasement of Hitler and further emboldened his expansionist ambitions.
The Invasion of Poland (1939): On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, which marked the beginning of World War II. The invasion was a direct result of Hitler's aggressive foreign policy and his desire to expand German territory.