10th ICSE History Project World War 2

World War II (1939 – 45)
World War 2 was a global military conflict that lasted for nearly 6 years
and resulted in heavy losses for all that were involved all over the
world. World War II thus far, has been the deadliest and bloodiest war
to date. More than 38 million people died by the end of the war, many
of them innocent civilians. It was also the most destructive war in our
current history. The fighting raged on in many parts of the world, with
the brunt of it being in Europe and Japan. More than 50 nations took
part in this war, which changed the world forever. For Americans, World
War II had a clear-cut purpose; they were fighting to defeat tyranny.
Most of Europe had been conquered by Nazi Germany, which was under
the evil control of Adolf Hitler. The war in Europe began with Germany’s
unprecedented invasion of Poland in 1939. It seemed that wherever the
Nazi army went, they came down with a vengeance on the Jews of that
area. They also went after anyone that didn’t fit in to their idea of the
“Master Race”, Aryans.
In Asia and the Pacific, the Japanese armies invaded countries and
islands. On December 7, 1941, The Japanese planes bombed Pearl
Harbour, Hawaii. Within hours the U.S. Congress declared war against
Japan, plunging the U.S. headfirst into World War II.
There were many events throughout the world that led to the beginning
of World War 2. In many ways, World War 2 was a direct result of the
turmoil left behind by World War 1. Below are some of the main causes
of World War 2.
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles ended World War I between Germany and the
Allied Powers. Because Germany had lost the war, the treaty was very
harsh against Germany. Germany was forced to "accept the
responsibility" of the war damages suffered by the Allies. The treaty
required that Germany pay a huge sum of money called reparations.
The problem with the treaty is that it left the German economy in
ruins. People were starving and the government was in chaos.
Japanese Expansion
In the period before World War II, Japan was growing rapidly.
However, as an island nation they did not have the land or the natural
resources to sustain their growth. Japan began to look to grow their
empire in order to gain new resources. They invaded Manchuria in 1931
and China in 1937.
Fascism
With the economic turmoil left behind by World War 1, some countries
were taken over by dictators who formed powerful fascist
governments. These dictators wanted to expand their empires and
were looking for new lands to conquer. The first fascist government
was Italy which was ruled by the dictator Mussolini. Italy invaded and
took over Ethiopia in 1935. Adolf Hitler would later emulate Mussolini
in his takeover of Germany. Another Fascist government was Spain
ruled by the dictator Franco.
Hitler and the Nazi Party
In Germany, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party rose to power. The
Germans were desperate for someone to turn around their economy
and restore their national pride. Hitler offered them hope. In 1934,
Hitler was proclaimed the "Fuhrer" (leader) and became dictator of
Germany.
Hitler resented the restrictions put on Germany by the Treaty of

Versailles. While talking about peace, Hitler began to rearm Germany.
He allied Germany with Mussolini and Italy. Then Hitler looked to
restore Germany to power by expanding his empire. He first took over
Austria in 1938. When the League of Nations did nothing to stop him,
Hitler became bolder and took over Czechoslovakia in 1939.
Appeasement
After World War 1, the nations of Europe were weary and did not want
another war. When countries such as Italy and Germany became
aggressive and began to take over their neighbours and build up their
armies, countries such as Britain and France hoped to keep peace
through "appeasement." This meant that they tried to make Germany
and Hitler happy rather than try to stop him. They hoped that by
meeting his demands he would be satisfied and there wouldn't be any
war.
Unfortunately, the policy of appeasement backfired. It only made

Hitler bolder. It also gave him time to build up his army.
Great Depression
The period before World War II was a time of great economic suffering
throughout the world called the Great Depression. Many people were
out of work and struggling to survive. This created unstable
governments and worldwide turmoil that helped lead to World War II.
Interesting Facts about the Causes of World War 2
 Because of the Great Depression, many countries were

experiencing strong fascist and communist movements including
France and Great Britain prior to the war.
 Prior to World War 2, the United States attempted to stay out of
world issues with a policy of isolationism. They were not
members of the League of Nations.
 As part of their appeasement policy, Britain and France agreed to
let Hitler have part of Czechoslovakia in the Munich Agreement.
Czechoslovakia had no say in the deal. The Czechoslovakians
called the agreement the "Munich Betrayal."
 Japan had taken over Korea, Manchuria, and a significant part of
China before World War 2 began.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, war began when Germany attacked Poland. Little were

known about the time Russia as well moved into Poland on September
1939. Poland was presently isolated between these two war-time
associates.
It is intriguing to see what the reactions of the major partnered
countries were to these two periods. At the point when Germany invaded
the western segment of Poland, Britain and France announced war on
Germany. When Russia moved onto eastern Poland, no war was declared
by either country.
https://www.ducksters.com/history/world_war_ii/causes_of_ww2.php
https://www.ukessays.com/essays/history/the-causes-of-world-war-2-history-essay.php
https://www.seeithistory.com/worldwar2/causes-of-ww2/

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World War II (1939 – 45)

Hitler resented the restrictions put on Germany by the Treaty of

Unfortunately, the policy of appeasement backfired. It only made

Interesting Facts about the Causes of World War 2

 Because of the Great Depression, many countries were

In conclusion, war began when Germany attacked Poland. Little were

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