An evaluation of the reasons for the outbreak of war in 1939

I. Failure of the League of Nations

The League of Nations was ineffective in preventing conflicts between member nations, and the absence of world powers like the USA and USSR further weakened its position.
Japan’s invasion of Manchuria (1931) and Italy’s invasion of Abyssinia (1934-36) were left unchallenged by the League demonstrating its ineffectiveness to uphold world peace.
The League was unable to act during Germany’s non-compliance to the Treaty of Versailles, including remilitarisation.

II. Policy of Appeasement

Britain and France’s policy of appeasement contributed to the outbreak of war as it was interpreted by Hitler as weakness.
Certain events, such as the Munich Agreement, further allowed Hitler to gain confidence and continue with aggressive expansion tactics, as it saw Britain and France grant Germany Sudetenland.
The non-intervention in Spain during the Spanish Civil War (1936-39) prevented nations from checking Fascist aggression.

III. Nazi Foreign Policies and Diplomatic Manoeuvres

Hitler’s aggressive expansionist policies, such as Anschluss (union with Austria), remilitarisation of the Rhineland, and occupation of Czechoslovakia, were integral in building up to war.
Hitler’s bilateral pacts and agreements, such as the Anti-Comintern Pact with Japan and Italy, and the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact with the USSR, isolated potential threats and bought time before an eventual conflict.
Hitler’s manoeuvring of public sentiment and propaganda generated support for the Nazi regime and fueled its aggressive foreign policy.

IV. Treaty of Versailles and Economic Factors

The Treaty of Versailles was seen as a dictated peace and generated resentment in Germany; Hitler capitalised on this to build support.
Economic hardships caused by the Great Depression (1929) made countries more inward-looking and less likely to challenge aggressive behaviours.
Germany’s war economy and militarisation provided temporary economic recovery, supporting aggressive foreign policies.

V. Evaluation

The failure of the international community, particularly the League of Nations, to enforce collective security and prevent aggressive behaviour from fascist nations, indeed, contributed to the outbreak of World War II.
The policy of appeasement adopted by Britain and France did not deter Nazi aggression but instead emboldened Hitler.
The aggressive, expansionist policies pursued by Nazi Germany, despite contravening the Treaty of Versailles, were key reasons for the outbreak of war.
The harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles and the economic instability caused by the Great Depression created a ripe environment for aggression and conflict.