1. Treaty of Versailles and Economic Depression: The harsh terms imposed on Germany after World War 1, such as the Treaty of Versailles, created widespread resentment among the German population. The economic hardships resulting from the Great Depression further fuelled the rise of nationalist and militaristic sentiments in Germany under Adolf Hitler.
2. Rise of Fascism and Militarism: The 1930s saw the rise of fascist regimes in Europe, most notably in Germany, Italy, and Spain. These regimes adopted aggressive foreign policies, aiming to expand their territories and achieve political dominance. The militarization of these nations, coupled with the ideology of conquest and racial supremacy, created a volatile atmosphere in Europe.
3. Appeasement: Some countries, particularly Britain and France, initially pursued a policy of appeasement in an attempt to avoid conflict with the aggressive actions of Nazi Germany. This policy allowed Germany to take control of the Rhineland, annex Austria, and later, occupy Czechoslovakia. However, appeasement ultimately failed, as Hitler's demands and territorial ambitions grew unchecked.
4. Failure of the League of Nations: The League of Nations, established after World War I to prevent future conflicts, proved ineffective in deterring aggressive actions by Germany and other fascist states. The League lacked enforcement mechanisms and the political will to challenge the growing threat of militarism in Europe.
5. Munich Agreement: The Munich Agreement of 1938, which allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia, further emboldened Hitler to continue his expansionist policies. The failure of collective security and appeasement became evident, leading to the realization that military confrontation was inevitable.
6. Invasion of Poland: The final trigger that led to World War II was Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939. Britain and France, bound by alliances with Poland, declared war on Germany, marking the beginning of the global conflict.
Regarding the most effective response to aggression, there are two primary approaches: appeasement and collective security.
1. Appeasement: Appeasement involves making concessions to an aggressor to avoid conflict or gain time for preparation. This approach can be risky, as it may embolden the aggressor and lead to further demands and aggressions. Appeasement was widely criticized for its failure to prevent World War II and is generally seen as an inadequate response to aggression.
2. Collective Security: Collective security is based on the principle of collective defense and cooperation among nations to deter or respond to aggression. This approach involves building international alliances, coordinating diplomatic efforts, and taking collective military action if necessary to protect member states and uphold international law. Collective security was the underlying principle of the League of Nations and is widely considered to be a more effective response to aggression, aiming to deter potential aggressors and maintain global peace.
In summary, World War II was triggered by a combination of factors, including the aftermath of World War I, the rise of fascism and militarism, the failure of appeasement, and the failure of the League of Nations. Collective security is generally seen as a more effective response to aggression compared to appeasement, as it aims to deter aggressors through cooperation and collective action among nations.