What Caused World War II?

One of the most destructive and terrifying wars the world has gone through would be World War

II. So many things lead up to the war that it was no shock how bad it actually was. "The eventful years between September 1, 1939, and September 2, 1945, form a landmark in world history. From the march of the German war machine into Poland to the Japanese surrender, the world witnessed the most destructive war in human history, fought on land, in the air, and on the sea worldwide" (Mishra). So, what caused World War II? Well, there are quite a few thing but I'll just cover three. Who Adolf Hitler is and how he's an important part in this, the anger over the Versailles treaty, and the unsettled peace agreements after World War I.

"Coming just two decades

after the last great global conflict, the Second World War was the most widespread and deadliest war in history, involving more than 30 countries and resulting in more than 50 million military and civilian deaths (with some estimates as high as 85 million dead). Sparked by Adolf Hitler’s invasion of Poland in 1939, the war would drag on for six deadly years until the final Allied de- feat of both Nazi Germany and Japan in 1945" (History staff). Adolf Hitler was a guy who knew how to speak. He persuaded many Germans to hate Jews. He set up concentration camps which, were in place " for the Jews protection" according to Hitler. He had spent along time planning these camps. They were starved, beaten, and murdered. Due to this over 6 million Jews were killed. "Ultimately, however, Nazi power was based upon terror and violence. Already in 1933, the formation of a ruthless secret police force, known as the Gestapo, and the creation of a system of concentration camps where tens of thousands of political prisoners and criminals labored and died, showed the true character of Hitler's fascist leader- ship" (Coy). Hitler was the world worst dictator. The damage he has done has left a scar on the world and will forever be a horrible time in history.
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"One of the most momentous treaties in history, the Treaty of Versailles ended World War I and, through the subjoined Covenant of the League of Nations, founded that international body. The treaty, however, levied excessively punitive conditions against Germany, which created the economic and cul- tural climate in which the outbreak of another world war was virtually assured" (Axlrod). What the Ver- sailles treaty did by excluding Germany was cause their anger to grow. It potentially fueled Hitlers hate. The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, at Versailles, France, by U.S. president Woodrow Wilson, French premier Georges Clemenceau, British prime minister David Lloyd George, and Italy's premier Vittorio Orlando. None of the central powers were allowed to negotiate the terms on the treaty. Because Germany was a central power it was excluded from the negotiation. Due to that Hitler gained his ground for his part in the war.
With all the unsettled peace agreements World War II was not a shock to most people. Many of the peace efforts that occurred after World War I were a failure. The end of World War I was based off of empty promises and false hope. According to many people World War II was just an extension or World War I.
World War I may have ended on paper but it never ended with the people. Many people were up- set and enraged with the out come of World War I. With World War II being caused by people being upset with the Versailles treaty, the un-settlement of peace agreements, and the damages from Germany it no wonder people feel the way they do. The same reasons that ended World War I started World War II.