ORIGINS OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR: A brief summary

The origins of the Second World War were rooted deeply in the results
and greviances real or imagined of the victors and vanquished of the
First World war. They may be summarised as follows:-

A) Germany`s treatment through the Versailles Treaty of 1919 left
   her with manifold grievances which made the rise of Hitler`s
   National-socialism much easier.
   
B) German expansionism towards the East based on the Nazi principle
   of "Lebensraum nach osten" - living space in the east, together
   with Stalin`s own aggressive Russian communist policy.
   
C) The suspicion of France towards Germany which made any kind of
   lasting raproachment very difficult.
 
D) The vacilliation of the French and British over Czechoslovakia
   the Rhineland and Austria which made Hitler feel that no real
   threat of war would be brought about by his settling accounts
   with Poland.
   
E) A system of interlocking alliances reminiscent of the First 
   World War which drew in numerous nations.

F) The break up of the Austro-Hungarian empire which led to resurgent
   nationalist forces throughout Eastern Europe.
   
G) The expansionist policy of Italy and the spread of conflict by
   Mussolini`s attempts to build an Italian African empire.
   
H) Confusing Foreign Policy by the British which clouded the real
   issues of peace and war.
   
The reasons for the Second World war were both many and complex
and students are recommended especially to read A.J.P Taylor's
- ORIGINS OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR.