A Complex Set Of Factors Led To 20th Century Europe's Biggest Conflict

World War II was the most significant conflict to plague 20th-century Europe. The war, which caused the deaths of 75 million people, will forever be remembered as one of the darkest periods of human history. The stage for such a conflict was set by a myriad of different factors, some seemingly unrelated. Here is every moment that led up to WWII.

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1. Treaty of Versailles

When the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, it effectively ended WWI but paved the way for a whole new global conflict. The treaty, which was supposed to be "peace without victory, " placed a lot of the onace for WWI on Germany, imposing harsh reparations that left the country in shambles.  

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2. Rise of Fascism in Italy

Benito Mussolini's rise to power in 1922 inspired Hitler's later movements. His successes demonstrated to the Nazis how accessible taking power and forming a fascist state was. Not only did he spread fascist rhetoric and encourage expansion, but Italy's later alliance with Germany greatly empowered the Axis nations. 

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3. Formation of the Soviet Union

The formation of the Soviet Union indicated a rising threat of communism which encouraged other nations to adopt authoritarian governments out of fear. The contrast in ideologies between communism and capitalist democracies led to the Soviet Union forming a pact with the Nazis which had a huge effect at the beginning of WWII. 

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4. The Great Depression

In 1923, as Germany was unable to make reparation payments, The US and European powers entered into the Dawes Plan which helped stabilize Germany's economy, but made it dependent on American loans. As such, when The Great Depression hit the US, it had a detrimental effect on Germany's economy, leaving the nation in a desperate state.

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5. Economic Crisis in Germany 

After the Wall Street crash, Germany's unemployment more than doubled and wages reduced 39 percent. In this landscape, the German people, fed up with the current government and fearful of a communist takeover, became increasingly receptive to Nazi propaganda.

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6. Hitler's Rise to Power

Hitler became the leader of the Nazi party in 1921. By 1932, the Nazis were the largest party and in 1933 Hitler was appointed chancellor. Hitler proceeded to pass laws limiting the power of the parliament and his opponents, slowly becoming an authoritarian leader. 

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7. Nazi Party's Rise to Power

At first, the Nazi party's rhetoric didn't speak to the German people. However, when the economic crisis hit in 1929, fear of communist rule and opposition to the current republic led the Nazis to become the largest party. 

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8. Japan Invades Manchuria

Japan's invasion of Manchuria in 1931 was an act of aggression that demonstrated their imperialist desires and drew them closer to an alliance with Germany. Their success showed the weakness of the League of Nations which was unable to stop them, inspiring the Nazis.

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9. Germany's Armament

In 1935, Germany began to re-arm which was in direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles. The League of Nations was again unable to stop this, allowing Germany to embark on its path of aggression.

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10. Italy Invades Ethiopia

Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1935, once again undermining the League of Nations, exposing its weakness. Italy's success emboldened Hitler to proceed with his ambitions.

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11. German Troops Invade Rhineland

Hitler sent troops to the demilitarized zone of Rhineland in 1936. The move was in direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles but when Britain and France failed to respond with military force, it served to stoke Hitler's confidence and pave the way to the start of WWII. 

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12. Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War pitted Spain's fascist forces against its democratic republic. Hitler and Mussolini both backed the fascist party, providing weapons and aid. The conflict saw a fascist victory, further empowering Hitler.

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13. Italy and Germany Form Alliance

In 1936, Italy and Germany officially formed an alliance known as the Rome-Berlin Axis, planting the seeds for the Axis Powers. The alliance strengthened and encouraged both nations towards expansionism.

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14. Germany and Japan Create Pact

Completing the force that would become the Axis Powers, Japan and Germany entered into a pact in 1936 against the Soviet Union. This further strengthened ties between Japan and Germany and further isolated the Soviet Union which would end up joining forces against the Nazis.

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15. Japan Invades China 

Strengthened by the pact with Germany, Japan entered into a full-scale invasion of China in 1937, drastically escalating tensions in Asia. The act further reinforced alliances between Allied and Axis Powers and set the stage major turning points in WWII including Pearl Harbor.

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16. Germany Annexes Austria

Germany took Austria in 1938 with no military opposition from Britain in France, making Hitler confident that the allied powers wanted to avoid confrontation. This emboldened his expansionist mindset and allowed him to inherit Austria's resources, making Germany more powerful.

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17. Munich Agreement

To avoid confrontation and keep th peace, Britain and France entered into the Munich Agreement with Germany and Italy. This allowed Germany to annex a region of Czechoslovakia.

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18. The Night of Broken Glass

The Night of Broken Glass marked a shift from quiet oppression to full-scale genocide of Jews that was to become the defining element of WWII. Dozens of Jews were killed, Jewish businesses, homes, and synagogues were targeted and destroyed by German citizens, and over 30,000 Jews were sent to concentration camps.

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19. Germany Invades Czechoslovakia

In 1939, Germany occupied the rest of Czechoslovakia in violation of the Munich Agreement. The act of aggression sent the message to allied forces that Germany was ready for war. 

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20. Germany Invades Poland

As a last straw before full-scale war was waged, Germany invaded Poland in 1939. This action showcased Hitler's expansionist intensions and once again demonstrated his disregard for non-aggression pacts. It directly triggered Britain and France to declare war.

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