Which global conflict was sparked partly by the economic conditions of the Great Depression?

World War II was significantly influenced by the economic conditions that arose during the Great Depression. The global economic turmoil of the 1930s created widespread unemployment, poverty, and instability in many countries. Many nations faced economic hardship, leading to social unrest and extreme political movements, including the rise of fascism in Germany and Italy.

In Germany, the economic devastation allowed Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party to gain support by promising to restore the economy and national pride. This political and economic instability fostered a climate ripe for militaristic expansion and aggressive foreign policies. Similarly, Japan sought to secure resources and markets to fuel its economy, leading to its own incursions into China and eventually contributing to the larger conflict.

In contrast, World War I was primarily triggered by complex alliances, nationalism, and militarism at the turn of the 20th century, while the Korean War and the Vietnam War were fought in the context of Cold War tensions and were not directly linked to the economic conditions of the Great Depression. Thus, the combination of economic despair and the rise of totalitarian regimes during the Great Depression is a critical factor in understanding the origins of World War II.