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Causes of World War II

Driving Question: In what ways did the causes of World War II lead to global conflict, and how did its consequences reshape the world order?

The rise of fascism and the failure of internationalism shattered a fragile peace that followed the First World War. The Second World War quickly engulfed the world. There has never been a war on the same scale. More people died in the conflict than in any other war in history. It transformed global power, devastating the economies and populations of many industrial empires. But what led to the Second World War and was this war simply a continuation of thirty years of conflict that started in 1914?

Learning Objectives

  1. Explain the causes and consequences of World War II.
  2. Use the historical reasoning process of causation to understand the causes and consequences of World War II.
  3. Analyze primary source documents to evaluate how governments conducted war and how people responded to these methods after 1900.
  4. Use graphic biographies to support, extend, or challenge the overarching narratives from this region. 

Vocab Terms:

  • alliance
  • anti-semitism
  • casualty
  • eugenics
  • nuclear
  • party platform
  • racial superiority
STEP 2

What Is Fascism?

The growth in popularity of fascist ideologies was an important factor in the coming of the Second World War and some of history’s greatest atrocities.

What is Fascism? External link

Fascism is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot. But it is a definable concept describing a repressive form of government that helped cause the Second World War.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 4

Fascism in Germany

For many, Nazi Germany is the model for our understanding of a fascist government. Initially, the Nazi party used the existing structures of government to slowly take more and more power. Antisemitism was one of the central methods used by Nazis to unite Germans around their cause.

STEP 7

The Second World War

Historian Trevor Getz provides a global overview of World War II, and adds an intimate dimension to the narrative by including his grandfather’s experience of the war.

STEP 8

Closer: Causes of World War II

Authoritarianism came in many forms during the World War II era. One such authoritarian leader was Plaek Phibunsongkhram, who helped unite his country by creating a dish that would become synonymous with Thai cuisine: Pad Thai.

Extension Materials
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Learn more about the growth of fascism in the articles below.
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Fascist Histories

Did imperialism help lead to authoritarian regimes around the world? Explore the origins of fascism in this article.

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Fascism in Italy

Not all fascism in Europe looked the same. Italy had its own version led by their leader, Benito Mussolini.