WWII Short/Long Term Causes

Long-term causes:

League of Nations - 

-Major countries join together to "get and maintain peace", but don't invite the US. Causes divides between countries, Germany begins to feel irritated/left out, and passive-aggressive anger in nations begin.

The -isms - 

-Industrialism: revolution, people moved to cities, become more productive. New inventions (steam engine -->, and so forth) help to improve life, also help military.

-Militarism: new weapons, improvements in safety and health for military people. Viewed in a new way (soldiers are honorable, heroic) and more join.

Treaty of Versailles - 

-Attempt to control Germany through demilitarization, etc.., creates divides between countries, eventually causes Germany to rebel under leadership of Hitler.

Short-term causes:

Nazi/Polish Peace Treaty/Anschluss -

-Nonaggression, beginning of ideas to annex Austria, demonstration of power/control. Night of Long Knives, Chancellor killed, and Hitler rises to power, puts self in control, gets rid of constitution. 

Re-armament - 

-Military was 4x the size it should have been. Hitler doesn't get in trouble, and begins to push the limits for military and power in Germany. Alliances start up again and create a feeling of security. Hitler laughs.

Rhineland - 

-Hitler finally takes the Rhineland, and still doesn't get in trouble. Other major countries are distracted by Spanish Civil War, Hitler sees an opportunity to complete his rise to power.