key term - Philosophies

Definition

Philosophies are systems of thought that provide frameworks for understanding the world, human behavior, and societal structures. In the context of the causes of World War II, various philosophies influenced political ideologies and actions of nations, leading to tensions and conflicts that contributed to the war. Different schools of thought like nationalism, militarism, and fascism played crucial roles in shaping policies and actions that ultimately escalated into global conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fascism emerged as a dominant philosophy in Italy under Benito Mussolini, promoting extreme nationalism and militarism, which influenced other countries like Germany.
2. Nationalism led to aggressive expansionist policies as countries sought to assert their dominance and reclaim territories perceived as lost or historically theirs.
3. Militarism contributed to an arms race in Europe, as nations invested heavily in military buildup and technology, heightening tensions among rival powers.
4. The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany after World War I, fostering resentment and giving rise to nationalist philosophies that ultimately fueled the rise of Adolf Hitler.
5. Philosophies like communism also influenced global tensions, as the ideological divide between capitalist and communist states further complicated diplomatic relations leading up to World War II.

Review Questions

• How did fascism as a philosophy contribute to the tensions leading up to World War II?
  • Fascism promoted authoritarian rule and extreme nationalism, which significantly escalated tensions in Europe. Leaders like Mussolini and Hitler used fascist ideologies to justify aggressive territorial expansion, portraying it as necessary for national rejuvenation. This militaristic approach and the belief in the supremacy of the state led to conflicts with neighboring countries, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of World War II.
• In what ways did nationalism influence the policies of countries involved in World War II?
  • Nationalism encouraged countries to pursue expansionist policies aimed at asserting their dominance. For instance, Germany's nationalist sentiments under Hitler sought to reclaim lost territories from World War I and unite all Germans under one state. Similarly, Japan's nationalist ideology drove its imperial ambitions in Asia, leading to invasions of China and other territories. These nationalist policies not only intensified rivalries among nations but also set the stage for military confrontations during the war.
• Evaluate how the combination of philosophies such as militarism and nationalism shaped the geopolitical landscape in the years leading up to World War II.
  • The combination of militarism and nationalism created a volatile geopolitical landscape marked by competition and conflict. Militarism resulted in an arms race as countries prioritized military strength over diplomacy. Nationalist fervor fueled aggressive territorial claims and invasions, as seen in Germany's reoccupation of the Rhineland and Japan's expansion into Manchuria. Together, these philosophies fostered an environment where peaceful resolutions became increasingly unlikely, leading directly to the outbreak of World War II as nations prepared for conflict rather than compromise.

Related terms

Fascism:

An authoritarian political ideology characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy.

Nationalism:

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests of a particular nation, often in opposition to foreign influence or control, and promotes national unity and independence.

Militarism:

The belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests.