The second world war did not break out like a thunderbolt from clear blue sky.Discuss.?

Question

The second world war did not break out like a thunderbolt from clear blue sky.Discuss.?

Answer 1

it was a long time coming and hopefully a long time before another war like it begins.

Answer 2

No, you're right it was a European power struggle over acquiring territory and a revenge seeking Germany over the Treaty of Versailles.  Had so many different things not happened the war could have potentially be avoided, or at worst been a small localized war.

Answer 3

there is just to much information involved here to answer this very broad and vague question.

Answer 4

My understanding is similar to that of other contributors: the defeat of Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire and their allies in WWI was probably at the root of WWII, along with centuries of national pride and territorial ambition. German pride was certainly hurt by the harsh terms of the various treaties which followed WWI (then known as the "Great War" or the "War to end all Wars"). They were stripped of their military, territories and riches. It was decreed that crippling reparations must be paid by the defeated to the invaded. This humiliation was then followed by worldwide depression, which hit Germany, and Austria, particularly badly (there are stories of people taking barrows of money to buy a loaf of bread during the hyperinflation). That was the period that saw the beginning of the rise of the n**i Party. The 30's was very much a period of depression followed by political manouvering as Germany built up its military again, first in secret and then in the open when it was too late. At the same time, Germany began to annex territories which it claimed were wrongfully taken. Given Hitler's ambitions, it was clear that the other 'Great Powers' would only tolerate so much ambition before drawing a line which, if crossed, would lead to conflict.

Remember. History is as much a matter of interpretation of facts as the recitation of them. I am sure that it would be possible to argue the opposite. You would probably get more marks for it! It might be argued that it was not anticipated that another world war so soon after the last could ensue and that the other powers once tempers and hatred had cooled felt that the various treaties were too strict and therefore would tolerate Germany's actions and did not anticipate that they were as great as they were. You would have to argue that the last few months when Britain started arming and issuing gas masks were merely percautionary and that there was still disbelief that war was inevitable, hence the "Phoney War" of the early months after the declaration of war.

Hope that helps.

Good luck

Answer 5

Tactically it did (blitzkrieg), strategically it didn't (German political isolation, statism and military buildup).

Answer 6

That's correct.  Many people trace the roots of the war all the way back to the Treaty of Versailles.

Answer 7

This cannot be discussed. The case for a thunderbolt is untenable, due to German military build-up after Hitler's accession, the annexation of the Rhineland etc.

Answer 8

What I think you're teacher is trying to get you to reference here is the Ideological War, google it and you'll get an A.

Answer 9

No it didn't - whats to discuss?

Answer 10

Your teacher probably wants you to discuss the many factors that led up to ww2.  There were several of these and it all started as far back as the end of the first world war, with the harsh conditions imposed on the German nation under the treaty of Versailles, when the Weimar Republic was formed.  This led to the terrible inflation and awful conditions for the people of Germany and they were ready for a personality like Hitler to lead them out of this to what they hoped would be a new, proud, wealthy empire.  There are of course other factors.  The point is, the war didn't just happen overnight with the invasion of Poland.  Here's a link for an article which might help you get started, just note the main points and do a little further research on them, depending on how many words your teacher wants.  http://ezinearticles.com/?Timeline-For-W... and here's an even better one! http://www.historyonthenet.com/WW2/cause...

Answer 11

you're right

Answer 12

Thunderbolts don't burst out from clear blue skies

Therefore . .

Answer 13

The Second World War Took a good while to break out. Not like a thunder bolt at all. WWI was a start for horror in Germany as the treaty of Versailles was signed and Germany was forced to pay all the fees from the war, were no longer allowed an army and had to try desperatley to keep the peace. Germany was in panic and started printing more money than was sensible. Mass inflation effected Germany and the Money was literally not worth the paper it was printed on.

Not long after this treaty was signed Hitler, feeling betrayed, joined the "National Workers Party" which with his suggestion was changed to "The National Socialist Party" (n**i Party). And soon became the leader. Hitler was Outraged with the government and thought Germany had been betrayed by their surrender in WWI. The n**i's believed in Socialism, anti-diplomacy, anti-communism and they wanted the treaty of Versailles torn up. Hitler made promises to Germany of better wealth.

What people dont realise is that people were living in extreme poverty and Hitler was promising to restore Germanys power, the people had no idea what Hitler was capable of. So The National Socialist Party came to power. He was a bad leader. He made unfair demands and hired private soldiers "stormtroopers" to do his dirty work. Hitler was soon arested and senteced to 5 years. in prison Hitler wrote an autobiography he called "my struggle" which has been labbeled the worst book ever writen. Hitler only served 8 months in prison and was released to full power once again.

Hitler started getting angry at how Germany was being treated and decided to revolt and made an army. The rest of Europe knew about this and started to panic, they thought there could be another world war. So Europe just left him hopping that was all he wanted.

Hitler started blaming people for the lack of wealth in Germany. Mainly Disabled. He then wanted to make an Aryan Race ( a perfect  race of blond hair blue eyes and of good build ). Hitler needed space to expand so he decided to invade the outside edge of Czech Republic and still Europe did nothing. Hitler Made an allience with the USSR and made plans to invade Poland. Britain Promised to come to Polands aid if it was invaded  but Germanys new tatic "blitzkreig" (lightning war) meant Britain simply had no time.

Blitzkreig was a new kind of war from WWI with new technologies such as the war plane and the tank. The idea was to use Suprise, Speed and Power in their attacks to make it as quick as possible.

First war planes would quickly bomb enemy air bases and grounded planes, Then paratroopers were sent for key radar/ radio positions. Then Heavy Tanks would tear down walls and houses, then Light tanks to flatted the rubble, then finally motorized infantry would attack.

The invasion of Poland was basically the start of WWII. And n***s continued and failed to gain Britain and Russia (loosing Germanys crutial alliance) and was finally defeated with help from the Americans.

I could keep goin on but nobody would read it lol

I'm only 13 im quite imppresed i remembered all that =D