The Modern Era (1900-2000):

World War II, Technology, and Warfare in the 20th Century

The Modern Era (1900-2000): World War II, Technology, and Warfare in the 20th Century

Introduction

Tensions mounted and escalated post World War I, blowing out of proportions and manifesting in World War II to the world. Various causes identified by history over time explain why World War II took place. Such a complex global war cannot be solely attributed to a mere moment of conviction on the nations' part. The causes of World War II include the humiliating terms of the Treaty of Versailles, failure of the League of Nations, Hitler's expansionism and the Allies' infamous appeasement policy. A series of events escalated the already present tension hanging low in the air such as Rearmament (historyonthenet.com), Remilitarization-militarization of the Rhine land in 1936, The Anschluss in 1938, and the violation of the Munich Agreement in the same year. Also, included was the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1939, the Polish Guarantee and lastly the Nazi-Soviet Pact of 1939. This essay will discuss the most important cause of World War II, as well as technological advances made during World War II and how they have contributed to modern warfare.

Discussion

Causes of World War II

There is no one cause of World War II which can be deemed as the most significant. A series of events contributed in adding to the cause-and-effect relationship prevalent in the post World War I order. One cause became the effect and so on.

The Treaty of Versailles

For instance, one of the most significant causes of World War II was the mistreatment of Germany and the ridiculous terms of the Treaty of Versailles. This gave rise to a leader like Hitler, though some of his success must be attributed to his unparalleled charisma (angelfire.com) which recruited followers throughout Germany. Thus, the cause (the Treaty of Versailles) led to the effect (Rise of Hitler) which in turn led to the war itself.

Appeasement

The second significant cause of World War II is the Allies' policy of appeasement. Hitler was an opportunist, therefore; he took his time by testing the waters, time and time again. Remilitarization of the Rhine land was Hitler's first step of expansionism. Encouraged by the Allies' lack of action, he then moved towards Anschluss (uniting nations) whereby Austria re-united with Germany. Following the annexation, he moved towards Czechoslovakia, easily acquiring Sudetenland. England appeased Hitler by handing it over to him; however, Hitler violated the Munich Agreement of 1938 and moved on to invade the rest of Czechoslovakia. The invasion of Poland was the final nail in the coffin, and in 1939, Britain sided with Poland and entered the war against Germany.

Failure of the League of Nations

The third most significant cause of World War II can be identified as the failure of the League of Nations. Formed post World War I, the League's purpose was to avoid war at all costs and maintain peace, based on the vision of Wilson. The League broke its own covenant which stated “Any war ...