Interpretations of the Causes of WW2
History: KS3, topic 19.1.14
Interpretations of the War’s Causes
Historians disagree over who caused the Second World War.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Interpretations of the Causes of WW2
Example of a historian who blames Hitler for the war?