Why
What started World War II?
Goal:
Goal:
Why was World War II fought?
A lot was going on in the world during the 1930s. Many countries' economies were struggling, people were out of work, and millions were suffering. Countries were doing everything they could to recover from the crisis. No single event caused the war, but the actions of Germany, Italy, and Japan's leaders contributed to the start of the war. Study the tabs below to learn more.
Germany
Italy
Japan
After losing World War I, Germany's economy was destroyed. It had no money and owed millions of dollars to other countries. Adolf Hitler was the leader of the German Nazi Party. He wanted to rebuild Germany, but his plans were destructive to the people and countries that stood in his way.
Hitler invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. This invasion led to France and Great Britain declaring war on Germany.
Italian leader Benito Mussolini had the same desire as Hitler--to expand his empire. Before the start of the war, Italy had its own war with Ethiopia to control the North African country. After Italy's victory, Mussolini joined Hitler in forming the Axis powers at the start of World War II.
Italy's territories going into WWII.
Japan and China had a history of many disputes between them. The Second Sino-Japanese War began in 1937 with Japan's goal of invading China. The war between the two countries continued into World War II. Japan joined the Axis powers, along with Germany and Italy, and China joined the Allied powers with the Soviets and Great Britain.
Japanese territory expansion by year.