^the Prelude to War

In my opinion, WW2 didn't start in September 1939 with the invasion of Poland but rather built up to it slowly for 20 years following the end of WW1. Then the pace picked up a bit when the "Bad Guys" started feeling cocky because of world complacency and slowly got the ball rolling for World War part 2. The first to start any serious fighting were the Spanish. We know how that went, it was the first big win for the fascists.
In Ottawa, Canada they (not the government of course) have erected a monument to commemorate Canadians killed while fighting for democracy in Spain. On it is written a quote from a speech given by Dolores Ibarruri - La Pasionaria - to the assembled Brigadistas in Barcelona in October 1938 as the International Brigades were being disbanded:

“You can go proudly. You are history. You are legend. You are the heroic example of democracy, solidarity and universality. We shall not forget you, and when the olive tree of peace puts forth its leaves again . . . come back! And all of you will find the love and gratitude of the whole Spanish people who, now and in the future, will cry out with all their hearts: ‘Long live the heroes of the International Brigades'"