Did capitalism lead to world War 2?

Answer 1

Capitalism itself did not directly lead to World War II; rather, the conditions and conflicts arising from economic factors, including the Great Depression, contributed to political instability in several countries. The economic hardships caused by capitalism's fluctuations allowed extremist ideologies, such as fascism and militarism, to gain traction, particularly in Germany and Italy. Additionally, the failure of capitalist nations to effectively address the economic and political grievances of the time created an environment ripe for conflict. Thus, while capitalism played a role in the underlying tensions, it was the interplay of various political, social, and economic factors that ultimately led to the war.