Hitler’s invasion of Poland in September 1939 drove Great Britain and France to declare war on Germany, marking the beginning of World War II.

What are the main causes of World War 2?

The main causes of World War II include:

  • The Treaty of Versailles following WWI.
  • Economic depression across the world.
  • Rise of Nazism.
  • Failure of the League of Nations.


How did WW1 spark WW2?





World War II: World War I did not directly cause World War II. However, WW1 created several consequences which led to a second World War: New states in Eastern Europe who were weak and ripe for the taking by Hitler. A devastated Germany and France appeased Hitler to prevent another war.
Apr 10, 2017

What events led to the spark of World War II in the Pacific?

On December 7, 1941, Japan staged a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, severely damaging the US Pacific Fleet. When Germany and Italy declared war on the United States days later, America found itself in a global war.

Why did Germany start ww2?

Hitler had an overriding ambition for territorial expansion, which was largely driven by his desire to reunify the German peoples and his pursuit of Lebensraum, “living space” that would enable Germans to become economically self-sufficient and militarily secure.

What was the spark that finally triggered World War 1?



The spark that ignited World War I was struck in Sarajevo, Bosnia, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand—heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire—was shot to death along with his wife, Sophie, by the Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip on June 28, 1914.

What two factors led to the beginning of World War II in Europe?

5 Major Causes of World War Two in Europe



  • The Treaty of Versailles and the German desire for revenge.
  • Economic downturns.
  • Nazi ideology and Lebensraum.
  • The rise of extremism and the forging of alliances.
  • The failure of appeasement.


What was the spark that touched ww1?

On June 28, 1914, a 19-year-old Bosnian student named Gavrilo Princip stepped up to an open car on a Sarajevo street and fired two shots. The bullets from Princip’s gun killed Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, and his wife, Sophie.

Who won WW2 USA or Russia?

the Soviet Union



While Westerners tend to see the war through the lens of events such as D-Day or the Battle of Britain, it was a conflict largely won by the Soviet Union. An incredible eight out of 10 German war casualties occurred on the Eastern Front.

Why was Japan so successful in WW2?

Japan had the best army, navy, and air force in the Far East. In addition to trained manpower and modern weapons, Japan had in the mandated islands a string of naval and air bases ideally located for an advance to the south.

Why is WW2 so interesting?

World War II has been the costliest conflict ever to occur on earth. It’s also one of the most varied and complex, with nations changing sides, citizens of one country fighting each other more fiercely than they fought outsiders, and a myriad of new and sometimes bizarre weapons.
Mar 10, 2016

What are the 7 basic causes of World War II?

Ultimate causes

  • Legacies of World War I.
  • Failure of League of Nations.
  • Expansionism and militarism.
  • Germans vs. Slavs.
  • Japan’s seizure of resources and markets.
  • Mason-Overy debate: “Flight into War” theory.



What were five causes of ww2?

5 Major Causes of World War Two in Europe

  • The Treaty of Versailles and the German desire for revenge.
  • Economic downturns.
  • Nazi ideology and Lebensraum.
  • The rise of extremism and the forging of alliances.
  • The failure of appeasement.


Why did Japan bomb Pearl Harbor?

Japan intended the attack as a preventive action. Its aim was to prevent the United States Pacific Fleet from interfering with its planned military actions in Southeast Asia against overseas territories of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and those of the United States.