Art theft and looting during World War II Art theft and looting during World War II Art theft and looting occurred on a massive scale during World War II. It originated with the policies of the Axis countries, primarily Nazi Germany and Japan, which systematically looted occupied territories. Near the end of the war the Soviet Union, in turn, began looting reclaimed and occupied territories. "The grand scale of looted artwork by the Nazis has resulted in the loss of many pieces being scattered across the world." (Minyard, 2007) Although the looting of "cultural heritage" of the German people and private collectors was not permitted in the 1945
Declarations of war during World War I 1907 (or Hague II). For the diplomatic maneuvering behind these events, which led to hostilities between nations during World War I, see the article entitled Diplomatic history of World War I. Below is a table showing the "Outbreaks of Wars between Nations" which occurred during World War I. Indicated are the dates (during the immediate build-up to, or during the course of, World War I), from which a "de facto" state of war existed between nations. The table shows both the "Initiator Nation(s)" and the nation at which the aggression was aimed, or "Targeted Nation(s)". Events listed include those in