18.1.14

Interpretations of the Causes of WW2

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Interpretations of the War’s Causes

Historians disagree over who caused the Second World War.

Illustrative background for Hitler's aggression?Illustrative background for Hitler's aggression? ?? "content

Hitler's aggression?

  • Some historians, such as Hugh Trevor-Roper blame Hitler for the war.
  • They argue that Hitler had an aggressive foreign policy and wanted a war.
Illustrative background for Hitler taking opportunities?Illustrative background for Hitler taking opportunities? ?? "content

Hitler taking opportunities?

  • Other historians, such as AJP Taylor, argue that Hitler had no clear plan for war.
  • Instead, they argue that he seized opportunities.
  • These historians blame Chamberlain’s appeasement policy. They argue that Chamberlain was weak.
Illustrative background for Germany was a buffer against communism?Illustrative background for Germany was a buffer against communism? ?? "content

Germany was a buffer against communism?

  • Soviet historians argue that British politicians allowed Hitler to gain power because they were scared of communism in the Soviet Union.
  • They argue that Britain and France were willing to let Hitler do as he wanted because Germany lay between the Soviet Union and Western Europe.
Illustrative background for Was Britain ready for war?Illustrative background for Was Britain ready for war? ?? "content

Was Britain ready for war?

  • Revisionist historians in the 1970s have argued that Chamberlain was not foolish to follow a policy of appeasement.
  • They argue that Britain was not ready for war and that appeasement was necessary.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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