Inevitability of War

Definition

The inevitability of war refers to the belief that certain political, economic, and social conditions make conflict unavoidable. In the context of the events leading to the invasion of Poland and the start of World War II, this concept highlights how the failures of diplomacy, unresolved grievances from World War I, and aggressive expansionist policies by totalitarian regimes created an environment where war seemed predetermined.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, left Germany with significant territorial losses and economic burdens, fostering resentment that contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler.
2. Hitler's aggressive foreign policy, including the remilitarization of the Rhineland and the annexation of Austria, demonstrated a blatant disregard for international agreements and set the stage for further conflict.
3. The failure of the League of Nations to enforce collective security measures against aggressor states highlighted the weakness of international diplomacy during this period.
4. The invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, was the direct result of a series of escalations and was marked by a blitzkrieg strategy that showcased Germany's military advancements.
5. Many historians argue that the combination of economic instability in Europe and militaristic ideologies created a scenario where conflict became almost inevitable by the late 1930s.

Review Questions

• What were some key factors that contributed to the perception of war as inevitable prior to the invasion of Poland?
  • Several key factors contributed to the belief that war was inevitable before the invasion of Poland. The harsh terms imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles fueled deep resentment among Germans, which was exploited by Adolf Hitler. Additionally, aggressive actions taken by totalitarian regimes—like Germany's remilitarization and expansionist rhetoric—signaled a willingness to challenge international norms. The failure of appeasement strategies also reinforced this perception, as diplomatic efforts were ineffective in curbing these aggressive behaviors.
• How did Hitler’s foreign policy reflect the idea of inevitability in terms of escalating tensions leading up to World War II?
  • Hitler's foreign policy clearly illustrated the notion of inevitability regarding the escalation of tensions that led to World War II. By violating treaties, such as reoccupying the Rhineland and annexing Austria, he demonstrated a commitment to territorial expansion without regard for diplomatic solutions. These actions not only emboldened his regime but also alarmed neighboring countries who struggled to respond effectively due to policies of appeasement. The culmination of these aggressive strategies paved the way for the invasion of Poland, an act that marked the start of open conflict.
• Evaluate how economic conditions in post-World War I Europe influenced the inevitability of war, particularly with respect to Germany’s actions.
  • The economic conditions in post-World War I Europe had a significant influence on the inevitability of war, particularly in shaping Germany's aggressive actions. The Great Depression led to widespread unemployment and social unrest across Europe, creating fertile ground for extremist ideologies. In Germany, hyperinflation and economic hardship eroded public confidence in democratic governance and increased support for radical solutions offered by Hitler. This dire economic situation not only motivated Germany's push for territorial expansion as a means to regain lost power but also convinced many leaders that military conflict was necessary for national recovery. Consequently, these interlinked factors made war appear almost unavoidable.

Related terms

Appeasement:

A diplomatic strategy aimed at avoiding conflict by making concessions to an aggressive power, notably used by Britain and France toward Germany in the lead-up to World War II.

Totalitarianism: A political system in which the state recognizes no limits to its authority and seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life, exemplified by Nazi Germany and Stalinist Soviet Union.

Lebensraum: A German term meaning 'living space,' used by Adolf Hitler to justify the expansionist policies aimed at acquiring territory for German settlers, contributing to the outbreak of war.