A. German Actions in Europe:
1. Treaty of Versailles: After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh conditions on Germany, including territorial losses, disarmament, and reparations. This resentment over the treaty fueled German nationalism and revanchism, setting the stage for future conflicts.
2. Rise of Nazism and Hitler: The rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany in the 1930s led to a radical shift in German foreign policy. Hitler's aggressive pursuit of Lebensraum ("living space") and his desire to undo the Treaty of Versailles led to a series of provocative actions that heightened tensions in Europe.
3. Rearmament and Expansion: Germany began rearming in violation of the Treaty of Versailles, building up its military strength and developing new weapons. Hitler also began pursuing territorial expansion, annexing Austria and the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia in 1938 and 1939, respectively.
4. Invasion of Poland: On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, which triggered the outbreak of World War II in Europe. Britain and France, who had pledged to defend Poland, declared war on Germany two days later.
B. Japanese Actions in Asia:
1. Militarism and Expansion: Japan's militarist leaders pursued an expansionist agenda aimed at creating a "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere," which involved the acquisition of territories and resources in Asia.
2. Invasion of Manchuria: In 1931, Japan invaded and occupied Manchuria, a region of China, establishing the puppet state of Manchukuo. This marked the beginning of Japan's aggression in the Asia-Pacific region.
3. Sino-Japanese War: In 1937, Japan launched a full-scale invasion of China, leading to the Second Sino-Japanese War. Japanese troops committed numerous atrocities and war crimes during their occupation of Chinese territory.
4. Attack on Pearl Harbor: On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, bringing the United States into World War II. This attack was a direct result of Japan's desire to expand its empire and to neutralize the American naval presence in the Pacific.
C. Interconnected factors:
1. Axis Powers: Germany, Italy, and Japan formed the Axis Powers, an alliance that aimed to challenge the dominance of Western powers and rearrange the global order in their favor. Their coordinated actions and mutual support further destabilized the international situation and contributed to the escalation of conflicts.
2. Unchecked Aggression: The failure of the international community to effectively address German and Japanese aggression and territorial expansion emboldened these countries to take increasingly risky actions, eventually leading to the outbreak of war.
In summary, the aggressive actions of Germany in Europe and Japan in Asia, coupled with the failure of international diplomacy and collective security, played a crucial role in the outbreak of World War II in both theaters.