Causes of WWII

In order to investigate the Causes of World War II, it is important to evaluate the long term and short term causes. It is also important to note that the long term causes reflect the short term causes. One of the first causes of WWII was Industrialism. The development of technology and the growth of population and the economy created a competitive environment. The rearmament of Germany was a short term cause. Germany exceeding the military limit by 300,000 people was an effect on his determination to expand Germany's borders. Another contributing factor to World War II was the Economic situation. With the fall of the Wall Street Market, and the World reliance on America, the crash affected more than just America. In Germany, the people were burning Marks because it was cheaper than burning wood. This was the Weimar Economic ineptitude. The Alliance system created an exclusive system. If one country was to go to war, then their allies would also go to war. This lead to the Treaty of Versailles. The winners of WWI created the Treaty of Versailles to punish Germany and create restrictions. This led to Germany's feeling of inequality and the push to expand borders once again.

Summaries of Sources

4.1: Source 4.1 is an expert from Hitler's book Mein Kampf. In this excerpt, he states that it is the German's inherent Birth Right to the land. He proceeds to insist that the only way Germany will survive is if they push for more of the land that is "rightfully theirs." He says that Germany will perish if the fight for the land does not occur. Hitler mentions that the East is the direction Germany should take in expanding their borders. Somewhat like eyeing a succulent piece of meat, he speaks of Russia as Germany's future.

4.2: Source 4.2 is an excerpt from the Quarantine Speech presented by President F. D. Roosevelt. In this speech, Roosevelt mentions that the world wants speech, inevitably. However, he states, bombings and sinking of ships are happening in the time of "peace." He begins to point out the irony of a peaceful state when the fingers are crossed or there are deals being made before war is at hand. If one country is allying with another, it already shows the lack of peace. Roosevelt makes a clear statement that the United States will stay out of war because "America hates war. America hopes for peace."

4.4: Source 4.4 is an excerpt from Chamberlain's diary. In this passage, Chamberlain discusses the inevitable loss of Czechoslovakia to Germany. He states that Czechoslovakia is an easy target for Germany. There are routes for the Germans and Russia is only 100 miles away. With the capture of Czechoslovakia, Germany could head to Russia. Chamberlain says that they could only support Czechoslovakia if there was a good chance that Britain would win, but there was not the slightest chance. At the end, he states that he can not help the French with their connection to Czechoslovakia. France was in an Ally system with Czechoslovakia.