Hitler wanted to annex the Sudetenland, an area in western Czechoslovakia where many Germans lived. Nationalism - An extreme form of patriotism that grew in Europe became even stronger after World War I, especially for countries that were defeated.ĭictatorships - Political unrest and unfavorable economic conditions lead to the rise of dictatorships in countries such as Germany, Italy, Japan and the Soviet Union.įailure of Appeasement - Czechoslovakia had become an independent nation after World War I, but by 1938, was surrounded by German territory. Communism and fascism gained strength in the wake of economic problems. Although the European economy had stabilized by the 1920s, the Great Depression in the United States led to economic downfall in Europe.

Germany made the last payment on reparations in 2010.Įconomic Issues - World War I was devastating to countries’ economies. Germany agreed to sign the Treaty of Versailles only after the victorious countries threatened to invade if Germany did not sign it.

Germany, Austria and the other countries on the losing side of the war were especially unhappy with the Paris Agreement, which required them to give up arms and make reparations. The Peace of Paris - The treaties worked out in Paris at the end of World War I satisfied few.

Here’s a look at World War II, which lasted from 1939 to 1945.

Largest tank battle in ww2 pearl harbor