CAUSES of World War II [AP Euro Review—Unit 8 Topic 7]

Summary

This video delves into the factors that led from the end of World War I to the start of World War II. It highlights the policy of appeasement, where Britain and France allowed Hitler to rearm Germany and expand its territory without significant opposition. It covers key events such as Germany's reoccupation of the Rhineland, the annexation of Austria, and the expansion into Czechoslovakia. The video also touches on Italy's invasion of Ethiopia and the signing of the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact. Ultimately, it shows how these actions, unchecked by the global powers, set the stage for the outbreak of World War II.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh restrictions on Germany after World War I, including demilitarization and territorial loss.
• 😀 The policy of appeasement allowed Hitler to break the Treaty of Versailles without facing significant consequences from Britain and France.
• 😀 Hitler's rearmament of Germany began in 1935, setting the stage for his territorial expansions throughout Europe.
• 😀 Italy, under Benito Mussolini, also sought territorial expansion, invading Ethiopia in 1935, despite minimal international repercussions.
• 😀 Hitler's militarization of the Rhineland in 1936 was a test of Britain's and France's willingness to confront German aggression.
• 😀 The Anschluss of Austria in 1938, where 99% of Austrians 'voted' to join Germany, was a clear violation of international norms but was allowed to occur.
• 😀 The Munich Agreement in 1938 allowed Hitler to annex the Sudetenland in exchange for a promise to stop further territorial expansion.
• 😀 The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact, signed in 1939, ensured that Hitler could invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention.
• 😀 The invasion of Poland in 1939 marked the point of no return, prompting Britain and France to declare war on Germany.
• 😀 The combination of appeasement, territorial expansion, and failure to enforce treaties led directly to the outbreak of World War II.

Q & A

What was World War I originally known as, and why?

World War I was originally known as 'The Great War' or 'The War to End All Wars' because people at the time hoped it would be the last major conflict, due to the massive devastation it caused.

Why is World War I referred to as 'World War I' today?

It is called World War I because, after the occurrence of World War II, it became clear that there was more than one world war, hence the need for a 'World War I' designation.

What role did appeasement play in the events leading to World War II?

Appeasement was the policy of allowing Hitler to expand Germany's territory and rearm without facing consequences. Britain and France were reluctant to go to war after the devastation of World War I, so they allowed Hitler to break the Treaty of Versailles.

How did the Treaty of Versailles impact Germany after World War I?

The Treaty of Versailles imposed heavy restrictions on Germany, including demilitarization and territorial shrinkage. However, these terms were violated by Hitler as he rearmed Germany and expanded its territory.

What was the significance of the Soviet Union's relationship with Western Europe and the U.S. during the interwar period?

The Soviet Union's antagonism with Western Europe and the U.S. prevented a united front against fascist states. Their deep ideological differences (communism vs. capitalist democracy) made cooperation difficult.

What happened when Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1935, and why was it significant?

When Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1935, it was significant because Ethiopia was one of the few African countries not colonized by European powers. Italy's success raised concerns in Britain due to its proximity to the Suez Canal, but the League of Nations imposed only weak sanctions, which had little effect.

How did Hitler test the willingness of Britain and France to enforce the Treaty of Versailles?

Hitler tested their resolve by sending troops into the Rhineland in 1936, a region specifically demilitarized by the Treaty of Versailles. Britain and France did nothing to stop him, confirming to Hitler that there would be no strong opposition to his actions.

What was the Anschluss, and how did it demonstrate the failure of appeasement?

The Anschluss was the annexation of Austria by Germany in 1938. Despite the fact that this violated the Treaty of Versailles, Britain and France did nothing to stop it, showing that their policy of appeasement allowed Hitler to expand without consequences.

What was the Munich Agreement, and how did it contribute to the escalation of World War II?

The Munich Agreement was a meeting where Britain and France agreed to Hitler's territorial demands, including the annexation of the Sudetenland, in exchange for a promise that he would seek no further expansion. This agreement ultimately failed to prevent further aggression and emboldened Hitler.

What was the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact, and why was it significant?

The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact, signed in 1939, was an agreement between Hitler and Stalin in which neither side would attack the other. It was significant because it allowed Hitler to invade Poland without fear of Soviet interference, setting off World War II.