How far was the policy of appeasement to blame for war in 1939?

The policy of appeasement, primarily associated with Britain and France's response to Nazi Germany's expansionism, significantly contributed to the outbreak of World War II in 1939. By allowing Hitler to annex territories like Austria and the Sudetenland without facing consequences, Western powers emboldened his aggression and demonstrated a lack of resolve to confront totalitarianism. This ultimately led to further territorial demands and the invasion of Poland, which triggered the war. While other factors, such as economic instability and nationalism, also played a role, appeasement is often seen as a key catalyst that failed to prevent conflict.