HIS 405 Week 6 Discussion Post 2 : World War 2

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Chamberlain University

HIS-405 US History

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Week 6 Discussion Post 2: World War II

The Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, marked the end of World War I, which lasted for five years. This treaty established conditions for peace between Germany and the Allied Nations, including the United States, France, and the United Kingdom. Although it aimed to maintain peace, the treaty was controversial as it largely blamed Germany and the Central Powers, such as Austria-Hungary, for the war. As a result, Germany faced severe consequences, including territorial losses, significant military reductions, and reparations to the Allied powers (National Geographic Society, 2013). These harsh terms fueled tensions, setting the stage for future conflicts.

The Rise of Fascism

The rise of fascism began in early 20th-century Italy during World War I and later spread to other European countries. Fascism, characterized by authoritarian ultranationalism, dictatorial power, and the suppression of opposition, sought to revolutionize society, the state, and technology. Fascist regimes emphasized extreme nationalism and often resorted to racist ideologies, as seen in Nazi Germany’s Holocaust (Boundless, n.d.). By fostering a totalitarian one-party state, these regimes prepared nations for war and addressed economic challenges. Fascism notably gained power in Italy, Germany, and Japan—nations that later formed the Axis Powers in World War II (Boundless, n.d.).

The Failure of the League of Nations

The League of Nations failed primarily due to the lack of unanimity among its members and the absence of key powers, such as Germany, Japan, and Italy, along with the non-participation of the United States. U.S. Senate committee members believed that involvement in the League would predetermine the nation’s fate and overextend its resources (Waxman, 2019). This sentiment led to the rejection of the League by the United States, which adopted an isolationist foreign policy after World War I. Isolationism emphasized neutrality and non-involvement in European and Asian affairs, leveraging the United States’ geographical advantage of being bordered by oceans to maintain independence (Boundless, n.d.).

Despite the League’s efforts to promote international cooperation, its inability to enforce decisions and the isolationist policies of major powers contributed to its ineffectiveness, ultimately failing to prevent the outbreak of World War II.