1. Nazi Ideology and Expansionism: The rise of the Nazi Party and Adolf Hitler in Germany was accompanied by a hostile ideology based on German nationalism, anti-Semitism, and territorial expansion. Hitler's ambition to gain "living space" (Lebensraum) for the German people led to aggressive actions that escalated tensions in Europe.
2. Rearmament and Treaty Violations: After coming to power in 1933, the Nazi regime began a rapid rearmament program, violating the Treaty of Versailles, which had restricted Germany's military strength after World War 1. This included building up the German army, air force, and navy, which alarmed other European nations.
3. Anschluss with Austria: In March 1938, Germany annexed Austria (the Anschluss) in violation of international agreements. Hitler cited the unification of German-speaking peoples as justification, but the move increased anxiety about German expansionism.
4. Munich Agreement and Sudetenland: In September 1938, Germany annexed the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia after reaching an agreement with Britain, France, and Italy (known as the Munich Agreement). This appeasement policy further emboldened Hitler's territorial ambitions.
5. Invasion of Poland: On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, initiating World War 2. The attack violated international treaties and agreements and was considered a blatant act of aggression. Britain and France, obligated by alliances to Poland, declared war on Germany.
6. Non-Aggression Pact with the Soviet Union: Prior to the invasion of Poland, Germany signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (August 1939) with the Soviet Union. This non-aggression agreement temporarily prevented a two-front war for Germany but allowed the Soviet Union to expand into Eastern Europe.
7. Failure of Appeasement: The policy of appeasement adopted by Britain and France - conceding to Hitler's demands to avoid conflict - proved ineffective and emboldened Germany to pursue its expansionist goals.
These factors, among others, contributed to the outbreak of World War 2 by creating an atmosphere of tension, fear, and distrust among European nations. Hitler's aggressive actions, supported by a powerful military and a radical ideology, ultimately led to the escalation of the conflict into a global war.