Reasons For Outbreak of WW2

Reasons For Outbreak of WW2

1. (W)ithdrawal from LON and General Disarmament Conference

   • 1. At GDC, Hitler proposed France disarm (like Germany) or Germany allowed to rearm (to level France)
   • 2. France objected -> Hitler used as excuse to withdraw from GDC and LON
   • 3. Now able to take more actions to improve army
   • 4. Attacked other European countries -> WW2

2. Remilitarised (R)hineland

   • 1. Hitler used excuse of Franco - Soviet alliance
   • 2. Remilitarised Rhineland for "self-defence" purposes
   • 3. France did not intervene + LON only condemned his actions
   • 4. Hitler emboldened by success -> grew aggressive -> WW2

3. German unification with (A)ustria

   • 1. Hitler felt Germany and Austria belonged together + support from many
   • 2. Hitler encouraged Austrian Nazis to make trouble and push for Austria + pressure Austrian chancellor
   • 3. Plebiscite passed in favour
   • 4. Austria gave lots of resources
   • 5. Allowed Germany to invade other European countries -> WW2

4. (C)onscription and Rearmament

   • 1. TOV meant to keep Germany weak
   • 2. Hitler brought back conscription, built aeroplanes, tanks etc.
   • 3. Germany militarily strong now
   • 4. Attacked other countries -> WW2

5. German involvement in (S)panish Civil War

   • 1. Hitler sent troops to support Spanish Nationalist forces + portray himself as defender against communism
   • 2. LON took no actions
   • 3. Hitler emboldened -> more aggressive -> WW2

6. (C)echslovakia

   • 1. C ready to fight Hitler, but assurance from Britain and France -> let Britain and France negotiate
   • 2. Britain and France sign Sunderland to Germany
   • 3. C not invited to Munich Conference
   • 4. Emboldened Hitler to take Czech
   • 5. Hitler invaded C

7. Nazi- (S)oviet Non Aggression pact

   • 1. Hitler did want fight 2 front war + Stalin did not want Hitler to invade Russia
   • 2. Signed the pact -> gave Hitler confidence to invade Russia
   • 3. Led to WW2