Question

How did the foreign policy of expansionism of Germany, Italy, and Japan contribute to WWII?

a. It led to alliances with other major powers.
b. It resulted in the spread of democracy.
c. It increased territorial conflicts and tensions.
d. It promoted disarmament and peace.

Answer 1

Expansionism by Germany, Italy, and Japan, facilitated by Western policies of appeasement, increased territorial conflicts and tensions, leading directly to the outbreak of World War II.

Step-by-step explanation:

The foreign policy of expansionism adopted by Germany, Italy, and Japan significantly contributed to the onset of World War II. These countries sought to expand their empires, which increased territorial conflicts and tensions between them and other nations. Countries such as Britain and France, affected by the Great Depression and desiring to avoid another conflict, adopted a policy of appeasement.

The policy of appeasement by Western democratic governments, particularly Britain and France, meant that acts of aggression by Axis powers were often met with conciliation rather than resistance. This emboldened leaders like Hitler to annex territories such as Austria and the Sudetenland.