Causes of World War II Realism in brief According to the Realist Paradigm-IR is a struggle for power by nation states. States protect their self-interest or national interest through the acquisition of power and maximize power through weapons accumulation and building up alliances. A) Goal of state remains national survival in a hostile environment (anarchy). B) The acquisition of power is the means to the end of survival. C) Sovereignty means states are free to …showed first 75 words of 1526 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1526 total…agreement and ended Britain's appeasement policy. . Invasion of Poland The Nazi invasion of Poland (1st September 1939) caused war because Britain had guaranteed Poland's borders. German tanks invaded West Prussia and Posen on the 1st September 1939 using blitzkrieg tactics. Chamberlain sent an ultimatum (a warning with a threat) saying that if Hitler did not withdraw from Poland by 11am, 3rd September 1939, Britain would declare war. On 3rd September, Britain, followed by France, declared war on Germany.