Why Did War Finally Break Out?

Part of Outbreak of War · Section 3 of 14

Deep DiveUnit: Conflict and Tension 1918-1939GCSE
Hitler's aims made war inevitable — Lebensraum required conquering Poland and USSR.
Appeasement failed — March 1939 proved Hitler couldn't be trusted.
Britain's guarantee to Poland — After Czechoslovakia, Britain drew a line.
Nazi-Soviet Pact — Removed threat of two-front war for Hitler.

This deep dive covers Why Did War Finally Break Out? within Outbreak of War for GCSE History. Revise Outbreak of War in Conflict and Tension 1918-1939 for GCSE History with 8 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 3 of 14 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Practice questions for Outbreak of War

On what date was the Nazi-Soviet Pact signed?

  • A. 1 September 1939
  • B. 3 September 1939
  • C. 17 September 1939
  • D. 23 August 1939
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What did the secret protocol of the Nazi-Soviet Pact arrange?

  • A. Germany and the USSR would form a military alliance against Britain
  • B. Poland would be divided between Germany and the USSR
  • C. The USSR would supply Germany with oil in exchange for weapons
  • D. Germany would not rearm beyond the limits set at Versailles
1 markfoundation

Quick recall flashcards

Why did Stalin sign?
Buy time, gain territory, distrusted Britain/France after Munich
Nazi-Soviet Pact date?
23 August 1939

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How Did All the Causes Connect to Produce War in September 1939?

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