Causes of World War II

This graphic from our World History World War II PowerPoint breaks down the major causes of the conflict. For a printable version click here.

We suggest using this as a starting point for researching each cause in greater detail either as a group or individual activity. Groups could present to the class as a whole and individuals could create a PowerPoint, news article, or other creative product describing the major causes of WWII.

For more on this era check out our:

World History PowerPoints

• Europe Between the Wars
• World War II

Classroom History games

• Causes of World War II: Part 1
• Causes of World War II: Part 2
• Causes of World War II: Part 3

US History PowerPoints

• Causes of World War II
• World War II

Wings For This Man, WWII film

Narrated by Ronald Reagan, this film highlights the achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen in WWII.

For more WWII era resources check out our PowerPoints and Simulation Games:

US History

• Causes of World War II
• World War II

• Causes of World War II: Part 1
• Causes of World War II: Part 2
• Causes of World War II: Part 3

World History

• Europe Between the Wars
• World War II

WWII Dr. Seuss Political Cartoon

Dr Seuss was a prolific artist and due to his children’s books is a wonderful cartoonist to use in the classroom during WWII.

His images feel familiar which put even the most unsure students at ease in analyzing political cartoons.

We have included a copy of his famous ostrich cartoon along with questions and answers.

For more on WWII check out our resources:

US History PowerPoints

• Causes of World War II
• World War II

World History PowerPoints

• Europe Between The Wars
• World War II

Check out our simulation games:

• Causes of World War II: Part 1
• Causes of World War II: Part 2
• Causes of World War II: Part 3

Munich Pact, 1938

The conference in September of 1938 resulted in the Munich Agreement signed by France, Britain, Italy, and Germany.

A classic case of appeasement, it did not prevent war.

We have included a transcript as well as questions and answers.

Check out our PowerPoints on WWII: Europe Between the Wars, Causes of World War II, World War II (US History), World War II(World History).

President Roosevelt denounces Hitler’s actions in Europe, 1940

This partial newsreel shows US reaction to Hitler’s invasion of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. President Roosevelt addresses Congress and expresses his shock and anger on May 10, 1940. Envoys from the conquered nations also express their outrage at Hitler’s takeover.

Check out our US History Causes of WWII and WWII and World History WWII PowerPoints.

Causes of WWII simulation game

We would like to offer for your classroom use a copy of our Causes of World War II Part One game. This simulation game can be used as a classroom game for the whole class or a homework group assignment. Teams make decisions on the crucial events that led to WWII. Comes with readings, crossword puzzles, quiz and maps. There are two other parts available for sale on our website.

We have 30  simulation games available on our website from various periods in history.

Major Causes of WWII mini-PowerPoint

SlideShare is an interesting way of viewing a presentation that is accessible from any computer with internet access. We have placed our free mini-PowerPoint on the Causes of World War II on their site in order to allow access from yet another resource. It is also available on our website to download with all of the videos.