Prelude to World War II: Causes and Key Events

Political instability

Unrest in Europe post-WWI affecting nations' stability.

Economic devastation

Severe financial decline following World War I.

Worldwide depression

Global economic downturn impacting multiple countries.

War debt

Financial obligations from treaties like Versailles.

High inflation

Rapid increase in prices reducing currency value.

Massive unemployment

Significant job loss during economic crises.

Adolf Hitler

Leader of Nazi Germany, instigator of WWII.

Ultra nationalism

Extreme patriotic sentiment leading to aggressive policies.

Appeasement

Policy of conceding to aggressive powers to avoid conflict.

Isolationism

National policy of avoiding political or military involvement.

Versailles Treaty

1919 agreement imposing penalties on Germany post-WWI.

Rhineland

Region reoccupied by Germany in 1936, violating Versailles.

Lebensraum

Hitler's concept of 'living space' for Germans.

Annexation of Austria

Germany's takeover of Austria in March 1938.

Sudetenland

Region in Czechoslovakia with a German-speaking population.

Munich Conference

1938 meeting to address Hitler's territorial demands.

Non-aggression pact

Agreement between Germany and Soviet Union before WWII.

Blitzkrieg

Fast, surprise military attacks to overwhelm opponents.

Danzig

City demanded by Hitler from Poland before invasion.

Invasion of Poland

Germany's attack on September 1, 1939, starting WWII.

Tripartite Pact

Alliance between Germany, Italy, and Japan in 1940.

Battle of Britain

Aerial conflict between Germany and Britain in 1940.

Suez Canal

Strategic waterway targeted by Hitler for oil control.

Operation Barbarossa

Hitler's 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union.

Siege of Leningrad

Prolonged military blockade by German forces.

Moscow

Capital of the Soviet Union, targeted by Germany.