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The Causes of World War II

The Causes of World War II. Long Term Causes : 1) Discontent about the Treaty of Versailles 2) Worldwide economic depression 3) Rise of totalitarian governments A. Axis Totalitarianism – desire to destroy democracy

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The Causes of World War II

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  1. The Causes of World War II • Long Term Causes: • 1) Discontent about the Treaty of Versailles • 2) Worldwide economic depression • 3) Rise of totalitarian governments • A. Axis Totalitarianism– desire to destroy democracy • B. Axis Militarism- vast sums spent on war preparations; war a glorious adventure; death for the Fatherland the highest honor • C. Axis Nationalism- Japan, Italy, and Germany destined to rule over “lesser peoples” • D. Axis Imperialism- lacked land and resources; were “have-not” nations

  2. The Causes of World War II (cont’d) • Subsidiary Causes of World War II • A. Failure of Appeasement Neville Chamberlain • Final application  Munich Conference • B. Failure of Collective Security - democratic nations shrank from any military action; US neutral; UK & FR delay a firm alliance until 1939 • Note:USSR urged collective security (fear of Nazi Germany); democratic nations reluctant: • C. American Neutrality Legislation - no help to “ill- equipped” victims of Axis; no US intervention to check Axis

  3. AJP Taylor & WWII • 1961: Argued Hitler should not shoulder sole or major responsibility for the war • Claimed Hitler was a typical German statesman pursuing typical German ends; simply took advantage of situations (not evil) • Hitler did not want war in 1939 (accidental) • Functionalists: Hitler NOT in control of all • Intentionalists: Hitler in CONTROL; (Most historians) German FP a refelction of his goals

  4. AJP Taylor & WWII • WWI had neither satisfied nor crushed Germany’s expansionist ambitions • Taylor blamed the Versailles peacemakers; claimed WWII was “implicit” since the settlement left Germany embittered but failed to reduce its latent power

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