ICSE Class 10 Answered

Following were the causes of the Second World War:

Dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Versailles: The Treaty of Versailles was seen as humiliating by Germany since it demanded the annexation of German territories and creation of many States. Germany was forced to sign the Treaty despite the fact that it mandated that all the colonies should be taken away from Germany. Even Germany’s own territory was divided into two parts for the benefit of Poland. She was also burdened with huge war indemnity which she could never pay. Her military power was drastically reduced. This humiliation gave rise to a spirit of revenge which in the ultimate analysis translated into an aggressive foreign policy and re-armament of Germany.

Rise of Fascism and Nazism - Italy had suffered a great deal during the First World War and had not been awarded with any significant gains through the Treaty of Versailles. Also, after the War, Italy suffered a great deal of economic distress and stagnation. Italians were looking for a leadership that would steer them out of this difficult situation. Mussolini proved to be that leader since no other political party or organisation provided any alternative.

In Germany, the situation was even worse. Germany was the defeated party in the First World War and since then had been humiliated - politically, economically, militarily - and in every other way conceivable. The frustration and nationalistic aspirations of the Germans thus turned into widespread support for Hitler and the Nazi party.

Policy of Appeasement - Appeasement refers to the policy of containing an aggressive power at the expense of some other country. Britain and France followed this policy towards dictatorial powers like Germany and Italy. This was done because it was felt that the leaders of these countries had genuine grievances due to the humiliating terms of the Versailles Treaty and if those were addressed, they would not disturb world peace. England and France also feared that if not allowed to arm herself, Germany would turn to Russian Bolshevism. In order to avoid that eventuality, the two European powers were willing to indulge the ultra-nationalist designs of Hitler.