Causes of WW2 Flashcards
How did American Isolationism affect Hitler?
It allowed him to do what he wanted without their interference.
What is sonerweg?
The idea that Germans are naturally aggressive.
What is lebensraum?
Belief that German expansion should be into eastern Europe
What is the Stufenplan?
Hitler’s secret second book, indicating that a war between the USA and Germany is inevitable.
What are intentionalists?
Believe that Hitler had a and wanted the war that happened, when it happened
What are functionalists?
Believe Hitler lacked planning and used opportunity to take what he wanted
What is social Darwinism?
Idea that weaker humans should be excluded
Int - Hitler wanted the holocaust
Fun - It wasn’t Hitler’s idea
How did France cause WW2?
Angry at Germany for failing to meet the ToV and occupying the Ruhr which angered Germans
Feared a German invasion so created the Maginot Line
Made a variety of alliances (Czechoslovakia and USSR)
Had strong communist and fascist parties
Government changed 11 times from 1932-1935
Colonies wanted independence and economic problems meant France couldn’t face Germany alone so had to go along with Britain’s appeasement policy
How did Britain cause WW2?
Appeasement policy allowed nations to expand
Sympathy with Germany over the harshness of ToV
Thought communism was a greater threat
Little support from the colonies to enter a war
Some politicians opposed appeasement (Churchill & Lloyd George)
Anglo-German naval agreement - allowed Germany to develop a navy and break the ToV
How did USA cause WW2?
Isolationism meant Europe was left to itself allowing Germany to expand
Demilitarisation - smaller army than Belgium
1937 Neutrality Act - Never have a war in Europe
Supplied armaments to Germany and Italy which they used in the Spanish Civil War (said they were neutral)
How did Italy cause WW2?
Wanted to avoid a European war - thought the economy would collapse
Alliance with Germany was weak - wasn’t told about the Polish invasion.
How did the USSR cause WW2?
Isolated due to communism
Wanted to be sel-sufficient
Supported republican Spain
Fighting with Japan over the Easter border
Not invited to the Munich conference
How did Japan cause WW2?
At war with China in 1931 and invaded in 1937
Allied with Germany and Italy
Pearl Harbour.
