World War II Causes

Image of Stalingrad under attack during WWII.

Stalingrad being bombed by Germany (1942)
Photo courtesy German Federal Archive

The rise of totalitarian leaders in Europe and the Far East presented a grave threat to political stability. While most of the major European powers and the United States focused on internal problems caused by the worldwide depression during the 1930s, they had done little to respond while Germany and Japan took over territory in neighboring countries.

As the totalitarian powers became more aggressive, much of the world fell back into war.

Essential Questions

  • What were the causes of World War II?