Key developments leading to the outbreak of World War II in Europe

G2 Elective History - syllabus K230, 2027

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Why did attempts to keep peace fail? Follow the choices from disarmament to Poland in 1939, and learn to explain how Hitler's expansion and appeasement made war more likely.

• Why the disarmament talks failed

  Germany wanted equal treatment over weapons; France feared becoming less safe. They did not agree on rules that satisfied both.

• Why Abyssinia damaged collective security

  The League tried economic pressure, but its members left gaps that allowed Italy to continue its conquest.

• Hitler's aims and the Saar vote

  The Saar returned to Germany through an agreed vote. Hitler's wider aims also included changes that he would pursue through threats and force.

• Why the Rhineland gamble mattered

  Sending troops into the Rhineland broke treaty limits. The lack of military resistance encouraged Hitler and made later German expansion easier to defend.

• How Austria lost its independence

  Germany took over Austria in March 1938 after threats and military pressure. The Nazi-run vote in April came after that takeover.

• From the Sudetenland to Prague

  Munich avoided war in September 1938, but left Czechoslovakia weaker. Hitler's next takeover showed that giving him German-speaking areas had not ended his demands.

• Why leaders chose appeasement

  Leaders gave ground because they feared war and hoped to settle limited demands. The resulting gains could instead make Germany stronger and further demands more likely.

• Why the crisis became war in 1939

  The pact reduced the immediate risk of Soviet opposition to Germany. The invasion of Poland began the fighting; British and French declarations widened the war.

The source texts are short paraphrases of the linked documents. A public declaration, parliamentary argument, private memorandum and treaty each answer different historical questions. Read the author, date and purpose before judging a claim.