History of World War II
History World War II was a global armed conflict that occurred between 1939 and 1945. This war involved most countries in the world and was divided into two major... See more
History of World War II
History World War II was a global armed conflict that occurred between 1939 and 1945. This war involved most countries in the world and was divided into two major alliances: the Allies and the Axis.
Background
The main causes of World War II were the impact of the Treaty of Versailles after World War I, the global economic crisis of 1929, and the rise of extreme ideologies.
In Europe, Germany under Adolf Hitler embraced Nazism and wanted to expand its territory.
In Asia, Japan wanted to dominate East Asia and the Pacific.
In Italy, Benito Mussolini led the Fascism movement with the aim of rebuilding the Roman Empire.
The beginning of the war
The war began on September 1, 1939 when Germany attacked Poland. Two days later, England and France declared war on Germany.
Germany's initial strategy was Blitzkrieg or lightning war, namely rapid attacks using tanks, planes and infantry.
Development of the war
In 1940, Germany succeeded in occupying most of Western Europe, including France, the Netherlands and Belgium.
In 1941, Germany attacked the Soviet Union in Operation Barbarossa. At the same time, Japan attacked the United States' Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This attack made the United States officially enter the war.
Alliance division
The Axis Alliance consisted of Germany, Italy, and Japan.
The Allied Alliance consisted of Britain, France, the Soviet Union, the United States, China and other countries.
The war took place on several fronts: Europe, North Africa, East Asia, and the Pacific Ocean.
The turning point of the war
1942-1943 was a turning point.
In Europe, the Soviet Union held off the German offensive at the Battle of Stalingrad.
In the Pacific, the United States defeated Japan at the Battle of Midway.
Since then the Allies began to carry out counterattacks.
End of war
In Europe, the Allies landed in Normandy on 6 June 1944 in Operation D-Day. Germany finally surrendered unconditionally on May 8, 1945.
In Asia, the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima on August 6 1945 and on Nagasaki on August 9 1945. Japan surrendered on August 15 1945. With this World War II officially ended.
Impact
World War II claimed the lives of around 70 to 85 million people. Many cities were destroyed and the Holocaust genocide against the Jews occurred.
After the war, the world was divided into two blocs: the Western Bloc led by the United States and the Eastern Bloc led by the Soviet Union. This sparked the Cold War.
The UN was also formed in 1945 to prevent a similar war from happening again.
Conclusion
World War II was the greatest war in human history. This war changed the political map of the world, accelerated decolonization, and gave rise to new technologies such as rockets, radar, and computers. The impact is still felt today.
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History of World War II
History World War II was a global armed conflict that occurred between 1939 and 1945. This war involved most countries in the world and was divided into two major... See more
History World War II was a global armed conflict that occurred between 1939 and 1945. This war involved most countries in the world and was divided into two major... See more
