The causes of the Second World War can be attributed to the following ideas or events: Heinrich von Treitschke's power-is-strength mentality, the Treaty of Versailles, the global depression following the end of the First World War and Nazi imperialism. Heinrich von Treitschke is one of the causes of World War II because of his idea that imperialism is a viable and practical way to promote the common good and strengthen a nation. This appeared in the writings of leaders, such as Mussolini and Hitler, shortly before World War II, focusing on the idea that “only truly large and powerful states should exist” (Treitschke 293). Mussolini believed that war was the greatest measure of the greatness of a country and its people (399). Mein Kampf written by Hitler, echoes Treitschke in the line: “The strongest must dominate and must not merge with the weaker orders and sacrifice their powers” ​​(401). The Treaty of Versailles is a cause of World War II because of the restrictions it imposes. placed on Germany as the alleged sole aggressor of the war. War reparations amounted to $98 billion, and under Clause 231, Germany was forced to shoulder the entire burden on its ruined economy and attempt to repay the debt starting with an initial payment of $5 billion . In military terms, Germany was limited to an army of 100,000 men, with its navy reduced to the level of a coast guard, it was not allowed heavy artillery, nor weapons of mass destruction, and the border with France became a demilitarized zone for 15 years. After the treaty was signed on June 28, 1919. Germany also lost all its territories in Africa and became a mandate of the Allied forces, those living in the mandated areas could participate in "self-determination" after the Allies taught them how be a democracy (...... middle of paper ...... illusions and the rise of socialism and fascism." World Civilizations II. Baldwin Wallace University. Marting Hall, Berea. April 1, 2014. Classroom lesson. Gesink, Indira “Fascism, Nazism, and the Road to World War II.” Baldwin Wallace University, Marting Hall, April 3, 2014. James H. Overfield Classroom Lecture. Vol. 2. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2011. 2 vols. 401-404. Mussolini, “The political and social doctrine of fascism”. 2 vols. 400.Treitschke, Heinrich. "History of Germany in the 19th century and historical and political writings." Human documentation. By Alfred J. Andrea and James H. Overfield. vol. 2. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2011. 2 vols. 292-295.