To what extent did fascism cause wars during the interwar period?

Fascism significantly contributed to the outbreak of wars during the interwar period, particularly the Second World War.

Fascism, a political ideology that emerged in the early 20th century, was characterised by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy. It was a significant factor in causing wars during the interwar period, particularly in Europe. The rise of fascist regimes in Italy and Germany, led by Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler respectively, led to aggressive foreign policies that directly contributed to the outbreak of the Second World War.

In Italy, Mussolini sought to create a new Roman Empire, leading to the invasion of Ethiopia in 1935. This act of aggression was a clear violation of the League of Nations' principles, but the international community's failure to respond effectively only emboldened other fascist regimes. In Germany, Hitler's fascist regime pursued a policy of expansionism under the guise of lebensraum, or 'living space', for the German people. This led to the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia, and eventually the invasion of Poland in 1939, which marked the beginning of the Second World War.

Fascism also played a role in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), where the fascist Nationalist forces, led by General Francisco Franco and supported by Italy and Germany, fought against the Republican government. This war served as a testing ground for the fascist powers, allowing them to refine their military tactics and strategies, which would later be used in the Second World War.

Furthermore, the aggressive nature of fascist ideology, with its emphasis on militarism and racial superiority, created a climate of fear and tension that made diplomatic solutions increasingly difficult. The fascist regimes' disregard for international law and their pursuit of expansionist policies destabilised the balance of power in Europe and created conditions conducive to the outbreak of war.

In conclusion, fascism was a significant cause of wars during the interwar period. Its aggressive and expansionist nature, coupled with the failure of the international community to effectively respond to its threats, led to a climate of instability and tension that ultimately resulted in the outbreak of the Second World War.