The Treaty of Versailles: The harsh treaties imposed on Germany after the First World War, particularly the Treaty of Versailles, left the country feeling humiliated and resentful. They were forced to give up territory, pay reparations, and were blamed for the war, causing widespread anger among the German population.
The rise of nationalism: The aftermath of the First World War saw a rise in nationalism in Europe, with countries becoming more focused on their own interests and less willing to compromise. This contributed to a climate of tension and rivalry between nations.
The Great Depression: The economic downturn that began in the United States in 1929 had a devastating impact on Europe, leading to widespread unemployment and poverty. This created political instability and gave rise to extremist movements, such as Nazism in Germany, which capitalized on people's fears and frustrations.
The failure of appeasement: In an attempt to avoid war, the Western powers (Britain, France, and Italy) pursued a policy of appeasement, which involved conceding to Germany's demands in the hopes of preventing conflict. This policy ultimately failed, as it only emboldened Hitler and made him more aggressive.
The Munich Agreement: In September 1938, the Munich Agreement was signed between Germany, Britain, France, and Italy, allowing Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia. This agreement further weakened the Western powers' position and showed Hitler that he could achieve his goals through aggression without significant consequences.
The invasion of Poland: On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, marking the start of World War 2. This invasion finally pushed Britain and France to declare war on Germany.**