<P> The Stresa Front of 1935 between Britain, France and Italy had guaranteed the independence of Austria, but after the creation of the Rome - Berlin Axis Mussolini was much less interested in upholding its independence . </P> <P> The Austrian government resisted as long as possible, but had no outside support and finally gave in to Hitler's fiery demands . No fighting occurred as most Austrians were enthusiastic, and Austria was fully absorbed as part of Germany . Outside powers did nothing . Italy had little reason for continued opposition to Germany, and was if anything drawn in closer to the Nazis . </P> <P> The Sudetenland was a predominantly German region inside Czechoslovakia alongside its border with Germany . Its more than 3 million ethnic Germans comprised almost a quarter of the population of Czechoslovakia . In the Treaty of Versailles it was given to the new Czechoslovak state against the wishes of much of the local population . The decision to disregard their right to self determination was based on French intent to weaken Germany . Much of Sudetenland was industrialized . </P> <P> Czechoslovakia had a modern army of 38 divisions, backed by a well - noted armament industry (Škoda) as well as military alliances with France and Soviet Union . However its defensive strategy against Germany was based on the mountains of the Sudetenland . </P>

What were the main causes of the second world war