Why Did War Finally Break Out?

Part of Outbreak of War · Section 3 of 14

Deep DiveUnit: Conflict and Tension 1918-1939GCSE

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.

🧠 Why Did War Finally Break Out?

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.

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
1 markfoundation

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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