Who started the 2nd World War? This question has been debated by historians and scholars for decades. The answer is not straightforward, as the outbreak of the war was a complex event involving multiple factors and countries. However, it is widely believed that the aggressive actions of Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, played a significant role in the escalation of tensions that ultimately led to the global conflict.
The rise of Nazi Germany in the early 1930s was marked by a series of aggressive policies aimed at expanding the country’s territory and influence. Hitler’s desire for a greater Germany, combined with his belief in Aryan supremacy, led to the annexation of Austria in 1938 and the occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1939. These actions were a direct violation of international agreements and triggered a wave of concern among the Allied powers.
However, it is important to note that the path to war was paved by a series of events and decisions made by various countries. The Great Depression of the 1930s had a profound impact on global politics, as economic hardships led to increased nationalism and a desire for territorial expansion. In this context, the aggressive actions of Nazi Germany were just one piece of a larger puzzle.
Another significant factor was the appeasement policy pursued by the Western powers, particularly Britain and France. In an attempt to avoid another devastating conflict, these countries sought to accommodate Hitler’s demands and hoped that he would be satisfied with the territorial gains he had already achieved. This approach, however, only emboldened Hitler and encouraged him to continue his aggressive policies.
The Soviet Union also played a role in the lead-up to the war. Under the leadership of Joseph Stalin, the Soviet Union pursued its own expansionist agenda, which often clashed with the interests of Nazi Germany. The non-aggression pact signed between Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939 was a temporary truce that allowed both countries to prepare for their respective expansionist ambitions.
Ultimately, it was the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany on September 1, 1939, that marked the official beginning of the 2nd World War. This act of aggression was a direct violation of international law and prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany. From there, the conflict spread across Europe and eventually involved the majority of the world’s nations.
In conclusion, while it is difficult to pinpoint a single individual or country as the sole culprit for starting the 2nd World War, it is clear that the aggressive actions of Nazi Germany, combined with the appeasement policy of the Western powers and the expansionist ambitions of other countries, played a significant role in the escalation of tensions that led to the global conflict. The war was a complex event with multiple causes, and understanding its origins is crucial for learning from history and preventing such tragedies in the future.
