History

History Essay - Why did war break out in Europe in 1939

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Introduction

Why did war break out in Europe in 1939? Many historians have traced the causes of World War II to problems left unsolved by World War I (1914-1918). World War I and the treaties that ended it also created new political and economic problems. Forceful leaders in several countries took advantage of these problems to seize power one of the being Hitler. The desire of dictators in Germany, Italy, and Japan to conquer additional territory brought them into conflict with the democratic nations e.g. Britain and France against Germany. After World War I ended, representatives of each of the countries met in Paris in 1919 to draw up peace treaties. These treaties were known as the Peace of Paris. They were worked out in haste by these countries with opposing goals; and failed to satisfy even the victors. Of all the countries Germany left the peace conference the most dissatisfied. Italy gained less territory than it felt it deserved and vowed to take action on its own. The countries that lost World War I -Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Turkey - were especially dissatisfied with the treaties. They were stripped of territory, arms and were required to make reparations. The Treaty of Versailles, which was signed with Germany, punished Germany severely. The German government agreed to sign the treaty only after they were threatened to be invaded by the allies. ...read more.

Middle

Like Japan Italy was a key member of the League and wanted to expand territory by invading another country. However unlike Manchuria the League could not argue that Abyssinia was in an inaccessible part of the world. Britain and France wanted to keep Italy happy as without it they would be powerless against Hitler. However although they imposed sanction against Italy they made a fatal error of not closing the Suez Canal. Had they of done this they could have ended the campaign very...