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Causes of the Second World War

Driving Question: What were the causes of the Second World War?

Why did another world war break out just two decades after the first? Unpack the complex causes behind the most destructive war in history. This is a story of failed diplomacy and strategic alliances in the face of global conflict.

Learning Objectives

  1. Use the historical thinking practice of causation to analyze global factors that led to the Second World War.
  2. Practice quick sourcing to evaluate the similarities and differences in how global communities experienced and contributed to the Second World War.

Vocab Terms:

  • embargo
  • fascism
  • genocide
  • infrastructure
  • neutrality
  • regime
  • total war
STEP 1

Opener: Causes of the Second World War

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of the Lesson 7.5 Teaching Guide Locked .

Historical causation is key to understanding how the past has unfolded. Read more in our Causation One-Pager.

STEP 2

Axis vs. Allies

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 3 of the Lesson 7.5 Teaching Guide Locked .

Use the Causation Feedback Form to help students understand where they are and where they should be going with this skill.

World War II was a massive and complicated conflict. These two articles will help you trace its key turning points and untangle the war’s many causes.

STEP 3

The World at War

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 6 of the Lesson 7.5 Teaching Guide Locked .

Looking for other approaches to quick sourcing? Learn how other teachers have approached this skill by reading the community thread Hung up on Quick Sourcing Notecards External link .

STEP 4

Closer: Causes of the Second World War

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 7 of the Lesson 7.5 Teaching Guide Locked .

Causal thinking is a core skill in history. Read more in the blog post Helping students make sense of the past, present, and future.