What was a major cause of the instability that led to World War II?

A major cause of the instability that led to World War II was indeed a combination of the Great Depression and the Treaty of Versailles.

The Great Depression, which began in 1929, had severe global economic effects, leading to mass unemployment, widespread poverty, and social unrest. This economic turmoil allowed extremist political movements, like fascism and Nazism, to gain traction in several countries, as they promised national revival and solutions to the economic crisis. In Germany, for example, Adolf Hitler capitalized on these hardships to rise to power, promoting aggressive expansionist policies.

The Treaty of Versailles, signed at the end of World War I, imposed harsh penalties and reparations on Germany. This treaty created resentment and a sense of humiliation among the German population, contributing to instability in the country. The economic struggles of the post-war period combined with the punitive measures of the Treaty made it easier for radical ideologies to take root, ultimately leading Germany toward militarism and aggression in the 1930s.

Therefore, both the economic factors from the Great Depression and the political and social repercussions of the Treaty of Versailles played critical roles in creating the conditions that led to World War II.