Causes of World War II Internet Scavenger Hunt

World War II for Kids Directions: Click on the link to answer the following questions. Question 1 A lot of events throughout the worldled to the beginning of World War 2. In many ways, World War 2 was a direct result of the turmoil left behind by World War 1. Below are some of the main causes of World War 2. Question 2Treaty of Versailles The Treaty of Versailles endedWorld War I between Germany and the Allied Powers. Because Germany had lost the war, the treaty was very harshagainst Germany. Germany was forced to “acceptthe responsibility" of the war damages suffered by the Allies. The treaty required that Germany pay a huge sum of money called reparations. Question 3Treaty of Versailles The problem with the treatyis that it left the Germaneconomy in ruins. People were starving and the government was in chaos. Question 4Japanese Expansion In the period before World War II, Japanwas growing rapidly. Question 5Japanese Expansion However, as an islandnation they did not have the land or the natural resourcesto sustain their growth. Japan began to look to grow their empirein order to gain new resources. They invaded Manchuriain 1931 and Chinain 1937. Question 6Fascism With the economicturmoil left behind by World War 1, some countries were taken overby dictators who formed powerful fascist governments. The first fascist government was Spainwhich was ruled by the dictator Franco. Then Mussolinitook control of Italy. These dictators wanted to expand their empires and began to look for new lands to conquer. Italy invaded and took over Ethiopia in 1935. Adolf Hitlerwould emulate Mussolini in his take over of Germany. Question 7Hitler and the Nazi Party In Germany, Adolf Hitler and the NaziParty rose to power. The Germans were desperatefor someone to turn around their economy and restore their national pride. Hitler offered them hope. In 1934, Hitler was proclaimed the "Fuhrer" (leader) and became dictator of Germany. Question 8Hitler and the Nazi Party Hitler resented the restrictionsput on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles. While talking about peace, Hitler began to rearmGermany. He allied Germany with Mussolini and Italy. Then Hitler looked to restore Germany to power by expanding his empire. He first took over Austriain 1938. When the League of Nations did nothing to stop him, Hitler became bolder and took over Czechoslovakia in 1939 Question 9Appeasement After World War 1, the nations of Europe were weary and did not want another war. When countries such as Italyand Germanybecame aggressive and began to take over their neighbors and build up their armies, countries such as Britain and France hoped to keep peace through "appeasement." This meant that they tried to make Germany and Hitler happyrather than try to stop him. They hoped that by meeting his demands he would be satisfied and there wouldn't be any war. Question 10Appeasement Unfortunately, the policy of appeasement backfired. It only made Hitler bolder. It also gave him time to build uphis army. Question 11Great Depression The period before World War II was a time of great economic sufferingthroughout the world called the Great Depression. Many people were out of work and struggling to survive. This created unstable governments and worldwide turmoil that helped lead to World War II. Question 12Interesting Facts about the Causes of World War 2 Because of the Great Depression, many countries were experiencing strong fascistand communistmovements including France and Great Britain prior to the war. Question 13Interesting Facts about the Causes of World War 2 Prior to World War 2, the United Statesattempted to stay out of world issues with a policy of isolationism. They were not members of the League of Nations. Question 14Interesting Facts about the Causes of World War 2 Japan had taken over Korea, Manchuria, and a significant part of Chinabefore World War 2 began.