Causes

1. In Italy, feelings of disillusionment and discontent due to depression, high unemployment, and inflation promoted the rise of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini
-- Mussolini promised glory and power for Italy
2. Italy invaded Ethiopia, infuriating other nations and escalating tensions
3. With the rise of Adolf Hitler, Germany turned a blind eye to the peace settlements of WWI and undid the Treaty of Versailles by systematically conquering other nations, beginning with Austria that caused a policy of ‘appeasement’ from other European nations
4. Germany signed a treaty with the Soviet Union that would allow Germany to focus solely on the western side and not worry about the eastern side
5. Germany invaded Poland unannounced with their blitzkrieg, initiating WWII in Europe