A Failure of Diplomacy and Response of World War Ii

World War II, which lasted from 1939 to 1945, was a global conflict between two military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. The Axis alliance consisted of Japan, Italy, and Germany, while the Allies alliance included France, the United States, Great Britain, and China. The war was a result of the rise of Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party, which sought to dominate the world. Hitler formed strategic alliances with Italy and Japan to support his agenda of world domination. The war resulted in millions of deaths and the widespread destruction of property, including the genocide of 6 million Jews during the Holocaust. Despite its devastating consequences, World War II could have been avoided if the Allies had taken action to stop Hitler from expanding his empire.

One of the main reasons for the outbreak of World War II was the Treaty of Versailles, which was signed in 1919 to end World War I. The treaty was intended to punish Germany for its role in the previous war and prevent it from rearming and causing further damage. The terms of the treaty required Germany to give up territory, disarm its military, pay reparations, and relinquish its overseas empire to the Allied powers. Germany's economy suffered greatly as a result of these requirements, leading to widespread poverty and starvation. The harsh treatment of Germany by the Allied powers created a fertile ground for Hitler's rise to power.

The Treaty of Versailles not only punished Germany but also had a significant impact on European cooperation and the underlying issues that led to the First World War. Germany and its allies viewed the treaty as punishment and violated its provisions, which allowed Hitler to gain support by promising to restore Germany's economy and prominence in international politics. Some historians argue that if the Treaty of Versailles had been less harsh, the Second World War could have been avoided. Hitler's actions were strategically planned from the beginning of his rule, and his intentions became clearer over time. Germany violated the treaty by rearming its military, nullifying the treaty, and invading neighboring countries.

The Allies failed to respond appropriately to Hitler's aggression. They ignored the violations of the treaties and chose to appease Hitler rather than confront him. The Munich Agreement, which allowed Germany to annex Sudetenland, was seen as a peace milestone but only encouraged Hitler to continue his expansionist agenda. The Allies should have taken stronger action to stop Hitler during the annexation of Austria, which was a clear violation of the Treaty of Versailles. France and Britain's failure to offer military assistance to Austria allowed Hitler to proceed with his plans.

Hitler's invasion of Poland in 1939 marked the beginning of World War II. The Allies could have prevented the war by declaring war on Hitler at this point, as Germany was not fully prepared for a major conflict. The Phoney War, a period of minor conflicts, showed that Germany was not eager for war after the devastation of World War I. The Allies should have used their power to compel Hitler to adhere to the stipulations of the Treaty of Versailles. This could have led to a shorter and less disastrous war.

In conclusion, World War II could have been avoided if the Allies had taken stronger action to stop Hitler's aggression and expansionist agenda. The harsh treatment of Germany by the Treaty of Versailles and the Allies' failure to respond appropriately created the conditions for Hitler's rise to power. The annexation of Austria and Hitler's invasion of other countries should have been met with stronger resistance. The Allies had the opportunity to prevent the war, but their inaction allowed it to occur, leading to millions of deaths and widespread destruction.

Works Cited

1. Freeman, Richard Z. A Concise History of the Second World War: Its Origin, Battles, and Consequences. Merriam Press, 2016.
2. Overy, Richard. The Origins of the Second World War. 4th ed., Routledge, 2017.