1.1 Introduction

At 11am on 11 November 1918 the Armistice ending the First World War came into effect. Twenty-one years later, despite their knowledge and experience of the devastation it could bring, the major nations of the world were at war again.

The following investigations will help you develop an understanding of where, how and why the Second World War was fought, and how Australia was involved.

Start by reading through the Causes and course: Key questions in Investigation 1.2. Then work though the material in Investigations 1.3–1.4, noting down any information that will help you answer the questions when they are presented again in Investigation 1.5 Causes and course: Reflections.