The Great War, also known as World War One, left Europe in a very unstable condition. The 1919 Treaty of Versailles included a ‘War Guilt’ clause which primarily laid the blame, for World War One, firmly at Germany’s feet. Germany lost territories, had its military forces reduced and experienced heavy financial reparation payments. Resentment towards these severe conditions grew in Germany. In addition to this, the Great Depression of the 1930s, created a worldwide economic crisis. Many people lost faith in democratic rule, the result, countries across the world turned to authoritarian regimes. For example, in 1933-34, Hitler and his Nazis took control of Germany. However, there are 10 Key Events That Contributed To The Start of WWII.
1. The Italian Invasion of Ethiopia
The Second Italo-Ethiopian War, also known as The Second Italo-Abyssinian war began October 1935. Italian dictator, Benito Mussolini, decided to attack the Ethiopian Empire (also known as Abyssinian), the oldest independent African Nation. The Italian attack included the illegal use of mustard gas on civilians and troops alike and highlighted the ineffectiveness of The League of Nations. Despite declaring Italy to be the aggressors, and imposing sanctions, the League of Nations response remained weak. Britain and France, wishing to keep Mussolini on their side in case of another war with Germany, eventually washed their hands of the whole affair. On 9th May 1936, Italy declared their King, Victor Emmanuel III, Emperor. They merged Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somaliland into a single state, known as Italian East Africa. The Ethiopian Emperor, Haile Selassie gave an impassioned speech to the League of Nations, his warning, ‘It is us today. It will be you tomorrow’.
2. Remilitarisation of the Rhine
Although technically a part of Germany, the Treaty of Versailles declared the Rhineland to be a demilitarized zone. Demolition of all fortifications in the Rhineland took place. However, on March 7th, 1936, Germany moved troops back into this region. The lack of response from wartime allies, particularly Britain and France, gave Hitler confidence in his actions and ambitions. In addition to this, Hitler continued to secretly rearm Germany, again, in defiance of the Treaty.
3. The Spanish Civil War
Between 1936 and 1939, General Francisco Franco led a military revolt against the Republican Government of Spain. Franco and his Nationalists received military support from both Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. Likewise, the Republicans received aid from the Soviet Union. The League of Nations did not get involved, with major powers remaining neutral. Britannica states that ‘for Germany and Italy, Spain was a testing ground for new methods of tank and air warfare.’ This bloody civil war ended 28thMarch 1939 when the Nationalists marched into Madrid.
4. The Second Sino-Japanese War
The collapse of the Qing Dynasty in 1911 weakened China allowing Japan to expand its influence there. In 1931, Japan furthered its advantage in China by fabricating the Mukden Incident, this allowed Japan to set up the puppet state of Manchukuo. However, it is widely agreed that the Marco Polo Bridge Incident triggered the Second Sino-Japanese War. The invasion proved to be brutal and horrific accounts on the treatment of both prisoners of war and civilians are chilling. Apart from some early support from Soviet Union leader Joseph Stalin, there remained little foreign support for China. The Japanese attack on China undoubtedly marked the start of World War Two in Asia, it continued until 1945.
5. German Annexation of Austria (The Anschluss)
Hitler, born in Austria, believed, like many, in a one nation-state to include all ethnic Germans. Against the Treaty of Versailles agreement, and the Stresa Front, of 1935, Hitler annexed Austria in 1938. The Stresa Front agreement, between France, Britain and Italy, sought to guarantee the independence of Austria. However, the creation of the Rome-Berlin Axis, in 1936, ensured Mussolini lost interest in upholding Austrian independence. Indeed, the Rome-Berlin Axis soon developed into a military coalition, including Japan, initiating World War II. Meanwhile, the Austrian government, receiving no outside support, soon conceded to Hitler’s demands. No fighting occurred as many Austrians supported the annexation.
6. The Munich Agreement
With Austria secured, Hitler set his sights on the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia. A pre-dominantly German region, the Sudetenland region, an industrialised area, became part of Czechoslovakia as part of the Treaty of Versailles, to weaken Germany. German separatist groups in the area faced brutal persecution by the Czechoslovakian government. Citing the need to protect Germans living in Sudetenland, Germany requested to annexe it. The British, French and Italian Prime Ministers met in Munich. On 30th September 1938 they agreed to Hitler’s demands in the hope he would finally feel appeased. Interestingly, Czechoslovakia did not get invited to the meetings. The negotiators merely informed them of the decisions made and it became clear, if they did not comply and chose war with Germany, they would be on their own.
7. German Occupation of Czechoslovakia
Despite Hitler giving his word that Germany would make no further territory claims in Europe, in March 1939 German troops invaded Prague. Largely driven by economic demands, Nazi Germany supported the Slovak parliament to declare the independence of the Slovak Republic. Czechoslovakia existed no more. The French and British tact of appeasement ended.
8. Italian Invasion of Albania
Mussolini feared Italy could become a lesser member of the Rome – Berlin Axis, now known as The Pact of Steel. He aimed to expand Italian interests via Albania. On March 25th, 1939, Rome demanded Albania consent to Italy’s occupation. King Zog I of Albania refused and the Albanian government tried to keep the development secret. However, the Albanian public became suspicious. An airdrop of leaflets instructing the people to submit to Italian occupation, dropped by 100 Italian Aircraft, confirmed their concerns. Despite King Zog proclaiming he would resist occupation; many high-ranking Albanian Army officers left the country. The government began to dissolve. On 7th April, Mussolini’s troops invaded Albania. A swift simultaneous attack on all Albanian ports ensured they fell into Italian hands by 1.30pm. By April 12th, the Albanian parliament voted to depose King Zog I, offering the crown to Italy’s King Victor Emmanuel III.
9. Soviet – Japanese Border War
After occupying Manchuria in 1931, Japan turned its attention towards the Soviet Union border. Clashes between the two powers became frequent, the first major incident being the Battle of Lake Khasan in 1938. In 1939, Japan attacked west from Manchuria, however the Soviet units beat them decisively. Following this outcome the two nations remain at peace until August 1945, when the Soviet Union declared war on Japan.
10. The Invasion of Poland
Between the Great War and 1939, Poland pursued a non-aggression pact with both Germany and the Soviet Union. However, early in 1939, Germany demanded Poland join the Anti-Comintern Pact as a satellite state. Poland refused. Britain and France declared that any invasion of Poland by German would mean war. Unfortunately, these attempts to deter Hitler failed. On 1stSeptember 1939, Germany invaded Poland. France, Britain, and the Commonwealth nations declared war with Germany on 3rdSeptember 1939.
We hope that you find our blog, 10 key events that contributed to the start of WWII informative. Here at Sweet and Nostalgic we are passionate about 20th Century History. We stock a wide range of gifts and memorabilia that are perfect educational resources and teaching aids. To visit our store, please click on the link attached above on our name. If we can be of any help, please contact us.