The Causes of the Second World War

The Second World War was the greatest conflict in history. This book provides an accessible and comprehensive introduction to the causes of the war, ideal for all students of the period. The author charts the complex route from the failed peace following the First World War through the rise of right–wing radicalism in Italy and Germany, to the outbreak of war in Europe in 1939, and its subsequent spread to the Pacific. He assesses the role of the different players on the international political scene providing, in particular, a reappraisal of French policy and a new perspective on the centrality of Anglo–German relations during the inter–war years in determining the escalation of tensions. The Causes of the Second World War includes: full treatment of the origins of war both in Europe and in the Pacific; a reassessment of the controversial policy of "appeasement"; analysis of the historiography surrounding the subject; a chronology of events, appendix of key figures and a guide to further reading.

Consultant Editor′s Preface. Preface & Acknowledgements. Introduction. 1. The Powers in 1919 and After. 2. The Making of the Inter–War World, 1919–1923. 3. The Failed Peace, 1919–1933. 4. The Challenge of Fascism and the Democratic Response. 5. The International System Challenged 1933–1936. 6. The Deepening Crisis, 1936–1938. 7. The Outbreak of War in Europe. 8. The Crisis in the Far East. 9. From War to World War. 10. Interpretations and the Changing View. Conclusion. Appendices. Notes. Bibliography. Index.

Andrew Crozier is Jean Monnet Lecturer in the History of Contemporary Europe at Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London. His previous work includes Appeasement and Germany′s Last Bid for Colonies (Macmillan, 1988).

"Crozier′s book is an important addition to the literature on the deeper causes of the Second World War. Not only does the author present a comprehensive examination of the diplomacy of the European powers during the entire inter–war period, he also gives considerable attention to events in the Far East – a topic that is rarely dealt with in tandem with European developments. But it is his examination of the period in light of the historiography of the subject of the causes of the war that makes his work a significant contribution. Crozier′s efforts to place the historical debates in context add to the work′s value to the student or casual reader. Scholars of diplomatic history of the inter–war period will find the work thought provoking. The author presents an in–depth reconsideration of British foreign policy and, particularly, of appeasement and all it has come to stand for." Christine A. White, The Pennsylvania State University "This book is first class. It is perfect for those working for A levels, Highers or SYS and for university students at every level." History