What was identified as the primary cause for the outbreak of World War II?

The primary cause for the outbreak of World War II can be attributed to the rise of totalitarian regimes, particularly in Germany, Italy, and Japan. After World War I, these nations experienced significant political, social, and economic turmoil, which created a fertile ground for authoritarian leaders to seize power. Figures like Adolf Hitler in Germany and Benito Mussolini in Italy capitalized on nationalist sentiments, economic hardships, and civil unrest.

These totalitarian governments pursued aggressive expansionist policies, seeking to regain lost territories or establish new empires. This militarization and aggressive foreign policy directly led to increased tensions in Europe and Asia. For example, Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939 triggered the war, highlighting how the ambitions of totalitarian leaders fundamentally reshaped international relations and led to conflict.

While other factors like the economic impact of the Great Depression and technological advancements in warfare played significant roles in shaping the global landscape of the time, they served more as underlying conditions or enablers rather than direct triggers. The totalitarian regimes' ideologies and militaristic ambitions were the primary driving forces that set the stage for counter-responses from other nations and ultimately resulted in the outbreak of World War II.