Use this History and Western Heritage video entitled World War 2 to study how the roots of World War I were embedded in the 19th century and earlier; those of World War 2 lie there as well, and in the events surrounding the 1914–1918 war. It is clear that conditions in Europe between the wars coupled with aggressive, totalitarian nationalism were major factors. Real and perceived injustices, the collapse of the concept of collective security, as well as uncertain, and often indecisive national policies represent additional factors. The German Weimar Republic was the government most strained by the Great War and its aftermath.
Learn about World War 2.