World history/WHME103/WWII causes/Overview

The USS Arizona burning after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor

The years leading up to the outbreak of World War Two were a tumultuous time globally. The Depression had contributed to the rise of totalitarianism and militarism. The imperial agendas of Nazi Germany and Japan increasingly threatened international peace and security. In Europe, the British and French policies of appeasement reflected the desires of each country to avoid war, but were ineffective. Japanese forces proved brutal in China, while Japan also looked further afield to expand its empire. This unit explores the 'gathering storm' in Europe and Asia prior to the outbreak of war.

During this learning pathway you will watch one lecture, complete several readings, read one eyewitness account and examine some photographic images.

Objectives

• Examine the causes of World War Two

• Explore Japanese imperialism prior to the war

• Learn about the Rape of Nanking