What were the causes of the World War II? When do students in Vietnam learn about the World War II?

What were the causes of the World War II?

World War II (1939–1945) was the result of many complex causes, where economic, political, social, and ideological factors combined to initiate the largest conflict in human history. The specific causes of World War II are as follows:

(1) Immediate Cause:

On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, violating the Munich Agreement and other international accords. This compelled the United Kingdom and France to declare war on Germany, marking the beginning of World War II. The invasion of Poland was the "last straw" leading to World War II.

(2) Underlying Causes:

- World War II erupted primarily due to the intense conflicts among imperialist nations over markets and colonies.

- Consequences of World War I:

+ The Treaty of Versailles (1919) imposed harsh terms on Germany, including reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions, causing dissatisfaction and spurring extremist nationalism.

- The global economic crisis (1929 – 1933) exacerbated conflicts among imperialist nations, leading to the rise of fascist forces in Germany, Italy, Japan, etc. During the 1930s, fascist countries like Germany, Italy, and Japan formed an alliance known as the Axis Powers (also called Berlin–Rome–Tokyo Axis). This bloc intensified military activities and waged invasive wars in various regions across the world.

- The conciliatory, appeasing, and indulgent stance of the United Kingdom, France, and the United States towards fascist countries, aiming to shift the brunt of war towards the Soviet Union, provided favorable conditions for the Axis Powers to enhance their colonial invasions and expansion of influence.

- The rise of fascism and militarism:

+ Germany: Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers' Party pursued policies to restore German power, expand territory, and nullify the Treaty of Versailles conditions.

+ Italy: Benito Mussolini implemented territorial expansion policies to restore the glory of the Roman Empire.

+ Japan: The militarist government pursued expansionist policies to control resources and markets in Asia.

- Expansionist ambitions of powerful nations:

Germany aimed to expand its territory to bolster national strength, while Japan sought to conquer East Asia to control natural resources, and Italy wanted to extend its empire in Africa and the Mediterranean.

Note: This content is for reference purposes only!

When do students in Vietnam learn about the World War II?

Based on Section V of the General Education Program for the History and Geography subject issued with Circular 32/2018/TT-BGDDT, the content of the section "World from 1918 to 1945" in the grade 9 curriculum is as follows:

- Russia and the Soviet Union from 1918 to 1945

- Europe and America from 1918 to 1945

- Asia from 1918 to 1945

- World War II (1939 - 1945)

Thus, students in Vietnam begin learning about World War II in grade 9.

What were the causes of the World War II? When do students in Vietnam learn about the World War II?​ (Image from the Internet)

What are the views on developing the General Education Program for the History and Geography subject for Grade 9 in Vietnam?

According to Section II of the General Education Program for the History and Geography issued with Circular 32/2018/TT-BGDDT, the views on developing the Grade 9 history and geography program follow the regulations in the Overall Curriculum, while emphasizing the following perspectives:

- The program aims to develop scientific thinking in students, view the world as an integrated whole both spatially and temporally based on fundamental knowledge, and learning and research tools in history and geography; thereby forming and developing specific and general competencies, especially the ability to apply knowledge and skills in practice and creativity.

- The program inherits and develops the strengths of current history and geography subjects in the general education program and incorporates the experiences of developing subject curriculum from advanced countries worldwide. The subject content ensures foundational, comprehensive, and scientific general knowledge for students; aligns with the students' psychic and cognitive characteristics; and considers the teaching conditions of Vietnamese schools.

- The content of historical education is designed according to a linear timeline, from prehistory through antiquity, medieval, modern, and contemporary periods; each period intertwines world history, regional history, and Vietnamese history. The geography education content progresses from general geography to regional geography and Vietnamese geography. Emphasis is placed on selecting topics, interconnecting knowledge and skills to develop student competency, while also valuing the distinctive nature of historical science and geographical science.

- The program highlights the use of active educational methods, emphasizing the use of teaching tools, diversifying teaching forms, and assessing educational outcomes to form and develop qualities and competencies in students.

- The program ensures continuity with the primary school history and geography curriculum and secondary school programs in history and geography; it maintains a close connection between classes, levels, and subjects, and educational activities in the general education curriculum.

- The program is open, allowing for flexible implementation depending on local conditions and student needs (students in challenging areas, students with special support needs, etc.).