Final answer:
The unresolved aftermath of World War I, including economic hardship and political instability, enabled the rise of fascism and triggered events leading to World War II, with aggressive moves by Germany and Japan playing central roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Introduction to World War II Causes
The events of World War I (WWI) played a crucial role in leading to World War II (WWII). The devastation and hardships faced by European countries after WWI set the stage for the rise of fascism and totalitarian regimes. In Germany, these conditions fostered the growth of Nazi ideology and the ascent of Adolf Hitler, whose aggressive policies and desire to overturn the Treaty of Versailles were directly instrumental in starting WWII. Likewise, Japan, motivated by similar expansionist and racial ideologies, escalated tensions in Asia. WWII was essentially a byproduct of unresolved issues from WWI, coupled with global economic and political factors that gave rise to authoritarianism and militarism.
How WWII Unfolded
Hitler’s Germany systematically breached the Treaty of Versailles, rearming and reclaiming lost territories, which went largely unchallenged due to the policy of appeasement practiced by Western democracies. This policy aimed to avoid conflict by accepting demands thought to be reasonable, but it ultimately allowed Hitler to gain significant power. The invasion of Poland by Germany marked the outbreak of WWII, as it prompted Britain and France to declare war. Similarly, Japan's aggressive moves in China and the eventual attack on Pearl Harbor brought the conflict to a global scale.
The Road to War in Europe and Japan
The interwar period saw various crucial events that set the path towards WWII. The Great Depression led to doubts about democracy and capitalism, with many nations turning to fascism or communism. The German public, in particular, supported Hitler's promises to restore Germany's power and territory. In Asia, Japan's militaristic stance led to invasions and occupations, signaling the beginning of major conflicts in the region.