Here are some of the key factors that played a role in the Second World War:
1. The Treaty of Versailles: After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany, including the loss of territory and reparations payments. These conditions created resentment and economic hardship in Germany, fueling nationalism and revanchist sentiments.
2. The Rise of Fascism and Nazism: The rise of fascist regimes in Europe, most notably Nazi Germany led by Adolf Hitler, played a crucial role in the war. The Nazi ideology of Aryan supremacy, militarism, and expansionism drove their aggressive policies, including the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland, which challenged the existing European order.
3. Appeasement Policy: The appeasement policy pursued by several European countries, including Britain and France, aimed to avoid conflicts and preserve peace by making concessions to Nazi Germany. This strategy, however, emboldened Hitler and allowed Germany to gain strength and territory without facing significant resistance.
4. The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact: The non-aggression pact signed between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939 (also known as the Hitler-Stalin Pact) allowed both countries to pursue their expansionist ambitions. This agreement paved the way for the invasion of Poland, which is widely considered the starting point of World War II.
5. Lack of Collective Security: The failure of the League of Nations, established after World War I to promote international cooperation and prevent conflicts, to effectively address the aggressive actions of Germany and other nations contributed to the outbreak of the war.
Therefore, it is important to recognize that World War II resulted from a confluence of factors involving multiple countries and leaders, rather than placing the sole responsibility on Germany alone.