Causes of World War II: The roots of World War II can be traced back to the aftermath of

World War I. The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, imposed harsh penalties on Germany,
leading to economic instability and resentment. The rise of totalitarian regimes, such as Adolf
Hitler's Nazi Party in Germany and Benito Mussolini's fascist regime in Italy, further fueled
tensions. The policy of appeasement, pursued by the Allied powers to avoid conflict, ultimately
failed. The invasion of Poland by Germany in 1939 marked the beginning of the war, as Britain
and France declared war in response. The complex web of political, economic, and ideological
factors contributed to the global conflict that unfolded over the next six years.