the_causes_of_the_second_world_war
战争爆发的原因英语作文
战争爆发的原因英语作文The Causes of WarThe outbreak of war is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has plagued humanity throughout history. While the specific causes of war can vary greatly depending on the context and the parties involved, there are several underlying factors that often contribute to the eruption of armed conflict.One of the primary drivers of war is the struggle for power and resources. Throughout history, nations, states, and groups have competed for control over land, natural resources, and strategic positions that can provide economic and political advantages. This competition can lead to tensions, disputes, and ultimately, the use of military force to assert dominance and secure these resources.Another significant factor is the presence of unresolved conflicts and grievances. Longstanding disputes over territorial boundaries, ethnic or religious differences, and historical animosities can create an environment of mistrust and resentment, making it increasingly difficult to find peaceful resolutions. When these conflicts remain unaddressed, they can escalate into open warfare as each side seeksto assert its own interests and protect its perceived rights.Ideology and nationalism also play a crucial role in the outbreak of war. Conflicting ideologies, such as competing political, economic, or religious beliefs, can create deep divisions and a sense of "us versus them" mentality. Nationalism, the strong emotional attachment to one's own nation or ethnic group, can also lead to a desire to defend or expand the perceived interests of one's own group, even at the expense of others.The influence of external actors, such as foreign powers, can also contribute to the outbreak of war. These actors may have their own strategic interests or geopolitical agendas, and they may provide financial, military, or diplomatic support to one side of a conflict, exacerbating tensions and making it more difficult to find peaceful resolutions.Additionally, the proliferation of weapons, particularly advanced military technology, can increase the risk of war. The availability of powerful weapons, including nuclear, chemical, and biological agents, can lower the threshold for conflict and make the consequences of war more devastating.It is important to note that the causes of war are often complex and intertwined, with multiple factors contributing to the outbreak ofarmed conflict. Addressing these underlying causes requires a multifaceted approach that includes diplomatic efforts, conflict resolution mechanisms, economic and social development, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence and cooperation among nations and groups.Ultimately, the prevention and resolution of war remain crucial challenges for humanity, as the devastating consequences of armed conflict continue to impact individuals, communities, and the global community as a whole. By understanding the root causes of war and working towards sustainable solutions, we can strive to create a more peaceful and stable world for future generations.。
一战的起因【英文】 The Causes of WW1
Alliances
• By 1914 all the major powers were linked by a system of alliances. • The alliances made it more likely that a war would start. • Once started, the alliances made it more likely to spread.
Seal of the Black Hand group
The Crisis 2.
• “Black Hand” terrorists attack the Arch Duke • Bomb attempt fails in morning • Gavrilo Princip shoots Archduke and wife in the afternoon. • Austrians blame Serbia for supporting terrorists.
Serbia’s national flag
Significant Individuals 1.
• Kaiser Wilhelm II • Built up German army and navy • Aggressive foreign policy • Determined to make Germany a top nation. • Distrusted by other powers
Militarism 2.
• Germany was competing with Russia and France to expand their armies
1880 1914
• Germany 1.3m 5.0m • France 0.73m 4.0m • Russia 0.40m 1.2m
第二次世界大战英语作文
第二次世界大战英语作文Title: The Shadow of the Second World War.The Second World War, often referred to simply as WWII, was the most devastating conflict in human history. It ravaged the globe, leaving in its wake millions of dead, displaced, and traumatized individuals. This cataclysmic event began in Europe with the German invasion of Poland in 1939 and ended in 1945 with the surrender of Japan, marking a turning point in global politics and the beginning of a new era.The roots of the conflict lay in the political and economic upheavals of the interwar period. The Treaty of Versailles, which ended the First World War, had left Germany in a state of economic and political instability. This, coupled with the rise of extremist ideologies like Nazism, led to the dictatorship of Adolf Hitler and his ambitions for territorial expansion. Similarly, the Far East was gripped by the aggressive expansionism of Japan,leading to conflicts with its neighbors.The outbreak of war in Europe was marked by a series of Blitzkrieg attacks by Germany, who quickly overran much of Western Europe. The Battle of Britain, however, marked a turning point, as the Royal Air Force successfully defended the island nation from a potential German invasion. The war in the Pacific saw the brutal conflict between the Allied forces and Japan, including the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent Pacific Theater campaigns.The war reached its climax with the invasion of the Soviet Union by Germany in 1941, which marked the beginning of the longest and bloodiest front of the war. The Eastern Front saw millions of soldiers and civilians die in the brutal cold and relentless fighting. The Allies, led by the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union, mounted a counteroffensive that eventually led to the liberation of Europe and the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.The Pacific War ended with the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States, which forcedJapan's surrender. These bombings, while ending the war, also marked a new era of nuclear terrorism and the Cold War that followed.The impact of the Second World War was felt across the globe. It destroyed cities, infrastructure, and lives, leaving in its wake a legacy of pain and suffering. The war also reshaped the political landscape, leading to the collapse of empires, the emergence of new nations, and the creation of the United Nations to prevent future conflicts.The war also had a profound impact on culture and society. Itspawned a new era of artistic expression and literary works that dealt with the horrors of war and the search for meaning in a post-war world. The war also saw the emergence of new technologies, such as radar and the atomic bomb, that would shape the future of warfare and international relations.In conclusion, the Second World War was a cataclysmic event that changed the course of human history. It was a reminder of the cost of conflict and the need for globalcooperation to prevent future wars. As we look back on this tragic chapter in our history, it is important to remember the lessons learned and strive to create a more peaceful and prosperous world.。
第二次世界大战造成的损失英语作文
第二次世界大战造成的损失英语作文The Devastating Toll of the Second World War.The Second World War, often referred to simply as World War II or WWII, was the most destructive and widespread conflict in human history. Spanning from 1939 to 1945, it involved over 30 countries and resulted in the deaths of millions of people, both military personnel and civilians. The war was fought on two fronts: the European Theater, where the Allies faced the Axis powers of Germany, Italy, and later, Japan; and the Pacific Theater, where the Allies battled Japan. The war's impact was felt not just in terms of the loss of life but also in the economic, cultural, and technological upheaval it caused.Casualties and Loss of Life.The human cost of World War II was staggering. Over 55 million people died during the conflict, with millions more injured or disabled. This included over 26 million militarydeaths and an estimated 29 million civilian deaths. The death toll included not just those killed in direct combat but also those who died from diseases, hunger, and exposure due to the war's disruption of normal life. The loss oflife was particularly devastating in countries that were directly involved in the conflict, with entire generations wiped out.Economic Impact.The economic impact of the war was profound. Countries were devastated by years of war, with infrastructure, factories, and resources destroyed. Entire economies were rebuilt in the post-war period, and it took years for many countries to recover. The war also led to significant changes in global economic power structures, with the emergence of the United States as a superpower and the decline of some European powers.Cultural and Technological Impact.The war also had a profound impact on culture andtechnology. It saw the development of new weapons and technologies, such as radar, jet engines, and nuclear weapons. The war also had a significant impact on art, music, and literature, with many works reflecting the themes of conflict, loss, and hope. The war also accelerated the decolonization process, as many colonized countries gained their independence in the post-war period.Long-Term Consequences.The consequences of World War II are still felt today. The division of Europe into East and West, the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, and the emergence of the United Nations can all be traced back to the aftermath of the war. The war also had a profound impact on global politics, with the rise of superpowers and the establishment of new alliances and power structures.In conclusion, the Second World War was a devastating conflict that caused millions of deaths and destroyed countless lives. Its impact was felt not just during the war but also in the decades that followed, shaping theworld we live in today. The lessons of World War II are important to remember, not just for their historical significance but also for the insights they provide into the causes and consequences of conflict and the importance of peace and cooperation.。
第二次世界大战造成的损失英语作文
第二次世界大战造成的损失英语作文英文回答：Losses of World War II.World War II, the most devastating conflict in human history, resulted in unprecedented human and material losses. The war claimed the lives of an estimated 60-80 million people, including both military personnel and civilians. Millions more were injured, displaced, or traumatized. The war also caused immense destruction of infrastructure, cities, and cultural heritage.Human Losses:The human toll of World War II was staggering. Military losses alone are estimated to have reached 20-25 million, with the Soviet Union, Germany, and China suffering the highest casualties. Civilian deaths are estimated at 40-55 million, with many victims perishing due to bombings,massacres, and starvation.Material Losses:The war inflicted widespread destruction on infrastructure and cities. Bombings and artillery bombardments leveled entire cities, including Berlin, London, and Dresden. Industrial centers, transportation networks, and agricultural land were severely damaged. The destruction of cities and infrastructure caused massive displacement and economic hardship.Economic Impact:The war had a profound economic impact on both belligerents and neutrals. The United States emerged from the war as the world's leading economic power, while Europe lay in ruins. The war stimulated industrial production in the United States, but it also led to inflation and shortages.Environmental Impact:The war also had significant environmental consequences. The relentless bombing and shelling of cities andindustrial areas released vast amounts of pollutants into the atmosphere. The war also disrupted food production and distribution, leading to famine and malnutrition in many areas.Long-Term Consequences:The losses of World War II had a profound and long-lasting impact on the world. The war led to the rise of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers and ushered in the era of the Cold War. The war also fueledanti-colonial movements in Asia and Africa, contributing to the decolonization of European empires.中文回答：第二次世界大战的损失。
英语国家概况(课后问答题)
英语国家概况（课后问答题）第一部分英国概况1 What are the differences between Britain and the British Isles, Great Britain, England, the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth?Britain is the shortened form of the United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland while the British Isles is a geographical name.2 What are the three political divisions on the island of Great Britain?They are England, Scotland and Wales 3. What is the official name of Great Britain？The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland4. Where did the King Harold defeat Tostig and Harold Hardrada?( At Stanford Bridge)5.What did William do after he suppressed镇压the Saxon risings in the north?(He built a string of defense防卫castles to ensure his military control of the whole country.)6. How long was Britain under the Roman occupation?( For nearly 400 years)7 What was the peculiar features of the feudal system of England?(All landowners, whether the tenants-in-chief or subtenants, took the oath of allegiance for the land they held, not only to their immediate lord, but also to the king.)8 What did Willliam I leave to his sons after he died?( He left Normandy to his eldest son, Robert, and England to his second son William, and a large sum of money to his third son, Henry.) 9 What was William I’s policytowards the church?(He wanted to keep it completely underhis control, but at the same time toupload its power.)10 When was the Domesday Bookcompleted?( In 1086)11 What was the consequence of theHundred Years’ War?(The French drove the English out oftheir land. By 1453, Calais was theonly part of France that was still in thehands of English)12 What did the Lollards preach?(The Lollards preached the equality ofmen before God)13 What were the two countriesElizabeth I successfully played offagainst each other for nearly 30years?( France and Spain were the twocountries that Elizabeth I successfullyplayed off against each other for nearly30 years)14 What was the outcome结果ofthe English Civil War?(It not only overthrew feudal system inEngland but also shook the foundationof the feudal rule in Europe. It isgenerally regarded as the beginning ofmodern world history.)15 What were the three main causesof Henry VIII’s religious reform ofthe Church?( The three main causes were: a desirefor change and reform in the Churchhad been growing for many years andnow, encouraged by the success ofMarin Luther, many people believed itstime had come; the privilege andwealth of the clergy were also resented;and Henry needed money)16 Which party did MargaretThatcher represent in the 1970s?(She represented the ConservativeParty)17 What did the Whigs stand for inthe early 19th century?Whigs stood for a reduction in Crownpatronage, sympathy towardsNonconformists, and care for theinterests of merchants and bankers.18 Why did changes in farmingmethods改变耕作方式affect lives ofmillions in the 18th century?(Because village and agriculture werethe backbone of England at that time.)19 When did Britain finally becomea full member of the EuropeanEconomic Community?(Britain finally became a full memberof the European Economic Communityin January, 1973)没背20 Why was Mrs. Thatcherremoved from office in 1990?(It was because of her opposition toEuropean Union and her imposition ofan extremely unpopular flatrate ‘polltax’ in place of property taxes to payfor local government service.21 What were the two groups of theChartiests? What was theirdifference?(The Chartists could be divided intotwo groups: the Moral Force Chartistsand the Physical Force Chartists. Theformer wanted to realize their aims bypeaceful means while the latter wantedto achieve their purpose by violence)22 What was the goal of the LondonWorking Men’s Association in itsstruggle?(It aimed to ‘ to seek by every legalmeans to place all classes of society inpossession of equal political and socialrights)叮叮小文库23 Why was Britain known as the factory of the world in the mid-19th century?(Because the British economy was among the strongest in the world)24 Who has the power to declare war and make peace in the UK?(The Queen)25 How many members of Parliament does the House of Commons in the UK consist of ? (651Members of Parliament)26 What does the British Parliament consist of ?(It consists of the Sovereign, the House of Lords and the House of Commons) 27 What did the term ‘parliament’ originally mean?( It originally meant a meeting for parley or discussion)28 Where does the Sovereign’s coronation take place?(It takes place at Westminster Abbey威斯敏斯特教堂in London)29Where does the Queen’s expenditure arising from支出所产生的public duties come from?( The Queen’s expenditure arising from public duties comes from the Civil List and government departments)30 How is the British House of Commons elected?The House of Commons is elected by universal adult suffrage.31 What is a ‘shadow cabinet’ 影子内阁in Britain?( The party which wins the second largest number of seats in parliament becomes the Official Opposition and it forms its own ‘cabinet’ known as ‘shadow cabinet’32 What are the three main Christian festivals in Britain? (The three main Christian festivals inBritain are Christmas. Easter, and WhitSunday.)33 Who is directly responsible for theNHS in Britain?谁直接负责国民保健制度在英国(Central government is directlyresponsible for the NHS in Britain)34 What are the two establishedchurches in Britain?(They are the Church of England andthe Church of Scotland in Scotland)35 How many provinces does theChurch of England have?(The Church of England has twoprovinces: Canterbury and York)36What is the National Day inBritain?(The birthday of the British Monarch isa National Day in Britain)37 What does ‘Oxbridge’ refer to inGreat Britain?(It refers to the Universities of Oxfordand Cambridge)没背38 What kind of schools are theindependent schools in Britain?(The independent schools are thosesupported entirely by fees and privatefuns)39What are the three groups ofnation newspapers?(They are quality, popular andmid-market papers.)40 Which religion in Ireland is thelargest non-Catholic denomination?(The Anglican Church圣公会ofIreland is the largest non-Catholicdenomination.)没背41 What was the consequence ofthe Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921?什么是后果，英爱条约1921？(Violentopposition to the treaty byultranationalists led to a civil war.)没背42 What was the result ofgrowing Irish nationalism in theearly decades of the 20th century?(Irish nationalism became stronger andeven more violent in the early decadesof the 20th century and climaxed in theEastern Uprising of 1916 in which anIrish Republic was proclaimed.)没背43 Wht happened after theEnglish king was declared the headof the Church of Ireland replaceingthe Pope?英国国王宣布爱尔兰教会领袖代替教皇(There followed centuries of religiousas well as political persecution政治迫害, which helped to strengthen anddeepen Ireland’s Catholic spirit.)第二部分美国部分1What are the two novels giving avivid description of the miserable lifeof the black slaves?(Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Roots)2 What is the reason for the growthof population in Florida?(Florida’s population growth owesmuch to its attractiveness both as aplace to retire and as a convenientplace for business with and travel toCentral and South America)3 When did the higher birth rateappear in the United States?(The birth rate appeared during ‘thebaby boom’[1946-1964]) ？？4 When was the Declaration ofIndependence adopted?(It was adopted on July4,1776)没背5Please write any three of the13 colonies the British establishedalong the east coast of NorthAmerica between 1607 and1733.(Virginia, Maine, New叮叮小文库Hampshire)6What are the implications of the ‘Manifest Destiny’?The implications of ‘manifest Destiny’ are three fold(1)the inevitability of the founding of the United States of America;是必然的(2)the legitimacy 合法的of the expansion of America Territory美国领土; (3) the spread of American democracy美国民主being the task任务of American people who were cho sen to do the Lord’s work.没背7 What were the two serious weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?邦联条款They were:(1)There was no national executive or law-enforcing branch;没有执行或执法部门(2)Congress国会was too large a body to function功能as government. And Congress had no power to raise taxes.国会无权征税8What agreement did America and Britain sign in 1783 by which Britain recognized the independence of the United States? The Treaty of Paris9 What were the features in the colonial period which had influence on later American development?They were representive form of government, rule of law, respect of individual rights, religious tolerance and a strong spirit of individual enterprise.。
第二次世界大战造成的人员损失英语作文
第二次世界大战造成的人员损失英语作文The Devastating Toll of World War IIWorld War II was one of the most catastrophic events in human history, leaving an indelible mark on the global landscape. The sheer scale of the human cost is staggering, with millions of lives lost across the globe. The impact of these losses reverberates through the generations, serving as a stark reminder of the immense sacrifices made and the importance of promoting peace and understanding among nations.The outbreak of the war in 1939 marked the beginning of a global conflict that would engulf much of the world. As the war raged on, the number of casualties continued to rise at an alarming rate. Estimates suggest that the total number of military and civilian deaths during the war was somewhere between 70 and 85 million, making it the deadliest conflict in recorded history.One of the most devastating aspects of the war was the massive loss of life among military personnel. Soldiers from around the world were called upon to defend their countries, and many never returned home. The battles that took place across Europe, Asia, and Africawere marked by intense fighting and heavy casualties. The Battle of Stalingrad, for instance, is considered one of the bloodiest battles in human history, with an estimated 2 million casualties on both sides.In addition to the military losses, the war also took a heavy toll on civilian populations. The use of indiscriminate bombing campaigns, the targeting of civilians, and the implementation of genocidal policies by the Axis powers resulted in the deaths of millions of innocent people. The Holocaust, in particular, stands as one of the most horrific atrocities of the war, with the systematic murder of 6 million Jews and millions of other ethnic and religious minorities.The impact of these losses was felt far beyond the immediate aftermath of the war. Families were torn apart, communities were devastated, and the social and economic fabric of many countries was irreparably damaged. The psychological trauma experienced by survivors and their descendants continues to be a burden that many still carry.Moreover, the loss of so many lives had a profound impact on the demographic and cultural landscape of the world. Entire generations were wiped out, leaving a void that would take decades to fill. The loss of skilled professionals, scientists, and intellectuals also had a significant impact on the progress of human civilization, as the world grappled with the task of rebuilding and recovering from the war.In the decades following the war, the international community has worked to establish mechanisms and institutions to prevent such a catastrophic conflict from happening again. The United Nations, founded in the aftermath of the war, has played a crucial role in promoting global peace and security. Additionally, the development of international human rights laws and the establishment of tribunals to prosecute war crimes have helped to hold perpetrators accountable and deter future atrocities.However, the legacy of World War II continues to cast a long shadow over the world. The scars of the war remain visible, both physically and emotionally, and the lessons learned must be continuously reinforced to ensure that such devastation is never repeated. As we reflect on the immense human cost of the war, we are reminded of the fragility of peace and the importance of promoting understanding, cooperation, and respect among all people.In conclusion, the human toll of World War II is a sobering and tragic chapter in human history. The millions of lives lost, the families torn apart, and the communities devastated serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war. As we move forward, it is our collective responsibility to honor the memory of those who perished and to work tirelessly towards a more peaceful and just world, one that is free from the horrors of such catastrophic conflicts.。
第二次世界大战的起因 Causes of World War 2 外国学生英语作文
Causes of World War 2>Causes of World War 2 Essay:World War two was one of the biggest global wars of the twentieth century. It started in the year 1939 and continued till the year 1945. It had all the great powers of the world, dividing the war into two military alliances. The Allies were the countries like Britain, France, and the United States, while the Axis powers had Germany, Italy, and Japan.The Soviet Union began the war on the Axis side but later changed stances and joined theallied forces. There are various socio-political causes of the Second World War. However, the immediate cause of the World war was the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany on 1st September 1939.Long and Short Essays on Causes of World War 2 for Students and Kids in EnglishWe provide students with essay samples on a long essay of 500 words and a short essay of 150 words on the topic Causes of World war II.Long Essay on Causes of World War 2 500 Words in EnglishLong Essay on Causes of World War 2 is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.Causes of World War II:The Second World war was an aftermath of the discontentment that arose among certain countries after the conclusion of the First World War. The first World War ended with the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. This treaty left Germany with little political and military influence and burdened the nation with heavy financial reparations. Germany was barred from unifying Austria and had to lose several territories.Rise of Fascism:With the Great Depression in 1939, Germany saw the rise of an autocratic Fascist ruler, Hitler, and his Nazi Party, alongside Italy and its fascist Government led by Mussolini. The Nazis attained a totalitarian character in Germany, driven by the idea of “supremacy of race.” Power craving Germany, Italy, and Japan soon took upon themselves to avenge their fallen territory. It hence was the beginning of World War II with the invasion of Poland by German forces.Failure of the League of Nations:The League of Nations was the forefather of the present United Nations. It was created as an international peace-keeping organization to prevent further escalations of military supremacy in the world. The League of Nations was the brainchild of American President Woodrow Wilson, yet the United States did not participate. The failure of the League of Nations to control the rising turbulence throughout the world and protect the world from a fascist attack was one of the notable causes of World War II.Munich Agreement:The region of Sudetenland was a predominant German region with more than three million ethnic Germans. In the treaty of Versailles, Sudetenland was given to Czechoslovakia despite strong opposition. This angered the Germans.Germany, under Hitler, pressed for the incorporation of Sudetenland into Germany.Finally, the Munich Agreement was signed on 30th September 1938 by the British, French, and Italian Prime Ministers to appease Hitler and give him what he wanted. Sudetenland was given to Germany, but this did more harm thangood. Germany regained its political and military strength.Rising Power of Japan:In 1931, Japan faced a massive economic depression, and the people lost their faith in the Government. Hence, Japan turned itself into an imperial power and started capturing the resources and territory of Japan. This gave her authority over the East Pacific and made her crave for more.Invasion of Poland:Poland wanted to be in good relations with both Germany and the Soviet Union. However, Germany wanted Poland to join it as a satellite state. When Poland did not agree with this proposition, Germany invaded Poland on 1st September 1939 and triggered the Second World War.Spanish Civil War:During the time between 1936 and 1939, Germany and Italy supported the fascist General Francisco Franco while the Soviet Union started supporting the democratically elected state government. This became an issue among theworld’s great powers since the League of Nations had a major involvement in the crisis.These were the major causes of the Second World War.Short Essay on Causes of World War 2 150 Words in EnglishShort Essay on Causes of World War 2 is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.There are various major causes of the Second World War. However, the most notable was the aftermath of the First World War. To concludeWorld War I, the treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919.However, this treaty was extremely biased towards countries like Britain, France, and the United Nations. Germany had to go through a loss of several territories and also was burdened with huge financial reparations.This massive discontentment of Germany made her come under the fascist rule of Hitler and his Nazi Party. Moreover, Italy came under the fascist rule of Mussolini at the same time. This rise in Fascism was a notable cause of the World War.Some other causes were the failure of the League of Nations, the Spanish Civil war, the Munich agreement, and mos tly Japan’s rise as an imperial power. The immediate cause of World War II was the invasion of Poland by Germany on 1st September in 1939.10 Lines on Causes of World War 2 Essay in English1. World War II began in the year 1939.2. It was triggered by the invasion of Poland by Germany.3. The war was divided into two military alliances.4. The two groups were Axis and Allied.5. The war ended in the year 1945.6.The war ended with the bombardment of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 7. World War II witnessed the first use of Nuclear Bombs. 8. Re-militarization of Rhineland was a major cause. 9. The Germans were driven by the idea of the “Supreme Race.” 10. World War II led to the formation of the United Nations.FAQ’s on Causes of World War 2 EssayQuestion 1.Was World War II against Hitler?Answer:World War II was initiated by Hitler and later resulted in his defeat.Question 2.Whose side was Russia on?Answer:Russia was an Allied force.Question 3.Who bombed Pearl Harbour?Answer:Japan bombed Pearl Harbour.Question 4.Was Spain a party to the war?Answer:No, Spain remained neutral as a country, but Franco supported Germany and the Axis powers.。
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THE CAUSES OF THE SECOND WORLD WARChairman I’m here with four trainee teachers to discuss the question: ‘Who was to blame for the Second World War?’ Well, ladies and gentlemen – you’re going to have toteach this next year: what do you think?John Obviously it was Hitler! He SAID in Mein Kampf in 1924 he would go to war.In 1935, he told his generals to get ready to do it in four years time.And then he went ahead and did it: 1935: rearmament rally – 1936: remilitarisationof the Rhineland – March 1938: Anschluss with Austria. In September 1938 hebullied Chamberlain into giving him the Sudetenland, and in March 1939 he tookthe rest of Czechoslovakia and dared the world to stop him.Then in September 1939 he did the same again in Poland and … surprise, surprise ...there’s a war. Open and shut case: Hitler!Andrea I know that Hitler SAID he was destroying Versailles to get the support of his own people. But the Treaty of Versailles was dead long before Hitler. The allies hadkilled it already. They had renegotiated reparations in 1924, and allowedHindenburg to deny war guilt in 1927. In 1935 the British had even made a navalarms agreement with Germany – they cooperated in overturning Versailles.And then they GAVE him the Sudetenland at Munich! So we can’t be surprised ifHitler thought it would be OK to attack Poland.John Wasn’t Chamberlain at Munich simply trying to buy time for Britain to rearm? Andrea Rubbish! If Britain was militarily weak in the 1930s, Germany was weaker.Remember that the German army had orders to retreat if it met ANY resistance inthe Rhineland in 1936.No – we ENCOURAGED Hitler to do what he did. Loads of people in Britainactually SUPPORTED what he was doing. And NOBODY thought Chamberlainwould ever keep his promise to defend Poland – not even Stalin, who gave up onBritain and made the Nazi-Soviet Pact with Hitler in August 1939.Appeasement ENCOURAGED Hitler to go too far and – for me – you’ve got toblame the appeasers.Peter I don’t think I blame a person at all. I blame the Great Depression of the 1930s.While the economy was booming in the 1920s, everybody was happy to sign up topeace. But when the economy fell apart in the ‘30s, and people were starving,suddenly it was: ‘I need that and I’m taking it, war or no war’.That’s why Japan marched into Manchuria; their Pacific empire was called the‘Japanese Co-Prosperity Sphere’ … it can’t be any clearer than that. That’s whyItaly invaded Abyssinia. And that’s what lebensraum was all about – expandinginto Russia to secure food and raw materials.Paula But surely that’s nonsense? The invasion of Poland was not about GermanyATTACKING Russia, it was about Germany and Russia allying and splitting Polandbetween them. That’s politics, not economics.For me, if you’re looking for a scapegoat for starting World War II, what aboutStalin? Hitler would NEVER have dared to attack Poland without Russia’s consent. Chairman Can you sort this out in terms of long-term, short-term and trigger causes?Long-term, you’ve got Germany’s anger at the Treaty of Versailles.Shorter-term you have the economic depression, and all the tensions caused byJapan, Italy and Germany, and appeasement.And then the Nazi-Soviet Pact of August 1939 sort of releases a trigger and …everything explodes into war.John Yes, but that doesn’t assess the causes – it doesn’t say which was the mostimportant.For me, it’s got to be Hitler. He set the agenda. He was – in Churchill’s words –‘insatiable in his lust for power’. Look at the history of Europe. It’s happenedoften – one nation becomes too powerful, and the others get together and knock itback into line. It just happened again in 1939.Andrea Can’t agree. If a child is allowed to misbehave, you can’t blame him for being naughty. If you’re looking for a cause of World War Two, try appeasement. Atbest Chamberlain allowed Hitler to going too far. At worst, he actively LUREDHitler into war, hoping he would attack Russia so Fascism and Communism wouldfight each other to the death.Paula NA! ALL that happened without there being a war.Economic depression: Manchuria – Abyssinia. No war.Nazi expansionism: Austria – Czechoslovakia. No war.Appeasement: Sudetenland. No war.And yet – Hitler makes the Nazi Soviet Pact with Stalin on 23rd August … and oneweek later, 1st September 1939, BANG! Germany invades Poland. War!LOOK AT THE DATES!!! It’s Stalin, I blame for World War Two.Chairman Hmmm. I wonder which of you is right? I suppose I need to go back to look at the facts and the events and the dates … and decide for myself what I think.。