The cause of WW2 can generally be separated into remote and proximate causes.
Remote Cause: Weimar Republic (1918-1933)
1. A harsh Treaty of Versailles:
Germany and its former allies had to pay reparation to the winners and suffered from political isolation after WW1. The German armed force was minimized to 100,000 men and not allowed to possess any air or heavy force. A revanchism was being spread among Germans.
2. An economic collapse:
The Germans had to compensate for the 100 million gold mark in accordance with the Treaty of Versailles. The occupation of the Ruhr area became the alternative compensation to France and Belgium. Hyperinflation was incurred as the Weimar Republic increased monetary supply to save its economy. The Great Depression also exacerbated the economic instability in Germany when international trade.
3. The rise of nationalism:
Under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, the National Socialist German Workers' Party represented the fear of Communism, the master race and the desire for living space.
Proximate Cause: Nazi Germany (1933-1939)
1. Economic Recovery:
The Nazi Party has direct access to the economic trade for retaining the foreign exchange reserves. Most german goods were exported to other countries in return for oil and steel to re-establish the German army.
2. Rearmament:
Nazi Germany didn’t comply with the Treaty and started re-establishing its military force. The recruitment of 3M soldiers and the invention of modern military equipment were ready to merge and seize foreign lands.
3. The division of diplomacy:
The Italians were economically embargoed by the British and French due to the invasion of Abyssinia. The Axis was formed when Italy became an ally with Germany. The Anti-Comintern Pact was also signed by Germany and the Japanese Empire. Germany became one of the biggest economic partners with Yugoslavia and Romania to strengthen the German socio-economic power in Europe.
4. Appeasement:
The UK decided to have a geopolitical concession to the Axis power in order to avoid military conflict. Nazi Germany successfully seizes Austria, Sudetenland and Rhine area. The German seemed ready to kickstart a further ambitious invasion.
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