University:
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Course:
HIST 1160 | U.S. History to 1865
Academic year:

2024
Views:

13

Pages:

3
Author:

Harsh P.

Lecture Notes: What Started World War II I. Introduction ● Definition of World War II: World War II, also known as the Second World War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It was the deadliest and most widespread war in history, involving many nations and regions. ● Objective of the Lecture: In this lecture, we will explore the complex factors and events that led to the outbreak of World War II, including political, economic, and social causes. II. The Treaty of Versailles ● Background: The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, officially ended World War I. It imposed severe penalties on Germany, including territorial losses, disarmament, and heavy reparations. ● Impact on Germany: The harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles deeply wounded Germany's pride, economy, and national identity. Many Germans felt humiliated and resented the treaty. ● Nationalism and Expansionism: The treaty fueled German nationalism and a desire to regain lost territories, such as the Sudetenland and the Polish Corridor. III. Expansionism and Aggression ● Rise of Adolf Hitler: Hitler's ascent to power in Germany in 1933 marked a critical turning point. He pursued an aggressive expansionist policy, aimed at overturning the Treaty of Versailles. ● Reoccupation of the Rhineland: In 1936, Germany reoccupied the demilitarized Rhineland, violating the Treaty of Versailles. This action went largely unopposed by other European powers. ● Annexation of Austria (Anschluss): In 1938, Germany annexed Austria, further demonstrating Hitler's expansionist ambitions. ● Munich Agreement: The Munich Agreement of 1938 allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland, a German-speaking region of Czechoslovakia, without facing military intervention from Western powers. IV. The Invasion of Poland ● German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact: In 1939, Germany and the Soviet Union signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression treaty that secretly divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. ● Invasion of Poland: On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, leading to the outbreak of World War II. This invasion prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany on September 3, 1939. V. Other Contributing Factors ● Economic Factors: The Great Depression had severely impacted economies worldwide, leading to political instability and creating an environment ripe for aggression. ● Appeasement Policy: The policy of appeasement, pursued by Western powers, particularly Britain and France, in the 1930s, allowed Hitler to expand his influence without significant resistance. ● Failure of the League of Nations: The League of Nations, established after World War I to promote peace, was ineffective in preventing the aggressive actions of Axis powers. VI. Conclusion ● Summary: World War II was triggered by a combination of factors, including the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, Hitler's expansionist policies, the failure of appeasement, and the invasion of Poland. ● Global Impact: The war had profound consequences, leading to the loss of millions of lives, the reshaping of national boundaries, and the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers. ● Lesson Learned: Understanding the causes of World War II reminds us of the importance of diplomacy, cooperation, and conflict prevention in the modern world.