The Second World War came up as a result of accumulation of many reasons and not because of short term causes. The long-term causes of the war were harshness of the Versailles treaty on Germans in the year 1919. The treaty demilitarized the Germans western border, which put France into a position and an advantage that would allow them to settle. The treaty also advocated for the reduction of the German troops to 100,000 troops. The treaty advocated for reparations, guilt of war and war losses. The League of Nations also failed majorly in keeping of peace world wide and bringing out of disarmament. The German leader, Adolf Hitler believed that the Aryans had the capability that would help them in building of a great civilization. He was after acquisition of large chunks of land that would help him in making Germany becomes a great power. He aimed at acquiring Russia making the Aryans a racial state and Slavic population would serve as the slaves.
Hitler’s aggression and his action were the underlying causes of the war. He took over Czechoslovakia followed by Austria. The Europe powers did not act to stop the aggression. Eventually, Hitler became accustomed to these, went ahead, and took Poland, which sparked the war. During these times, Japan had conquered China and liaised with Germans. Italy was also supporting German at the time.
World War II is considered the most destructive war in the entire world’s history. This is because it led to the death of two percent of total world’s population and a third of all Jews. Six million out of total 18 million Jews died. In Japan and China, the effects were massive. In Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the effects of atomic bombs are still eminent.
References
William, J. Duiker and Jackson J. Spielvogel. World Civilizations II ISBN: 978-1-111-05698-8
Page: 739-743
Adams, S., & Crawford, A. (2007). World War II. New York: Dk Pub.
