World War II 1939–1945: The Deadliest War That Changed the World
World War II was the largest and deadliest conflict in human history.
The death toll is estimated at 70–85 million people... See more
World War II 1939–1945: The Deadliest War That Changed the World
World War II was the largest and deadliest conflict in human history.
The death toll is estimated at 70–85 million people.
Causes of World War II
This war did not appear out of nowhere.
1. The Unfair Treaty of Versailles
Germany was forced to pay huge reparations and lost territory.
2. The Rise of Extreme Ideology
Fascism in Italy led by Benito Mussolini, Nazism in Germany led by Adolf Hitler, and Militarism in Japan.
3. Economic Crisis of 1929
The Great Depression left many countries vulnerable to extreme political propaganda promising quick recovery.
4. Appeasement Policy
Britain and France let Germany, Italy, and Japan annex other territories in order to "keep the peace."
The immediate trigger was the German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939. England and France immediately declared war.
The course of World War II
The war was divided into 2 main fronts and involved 2 major camps: the Axis Block and the Allied Block.
Axis Powers: Germany, Italy, Japan
Allied Blocks: England, France, Soviet Union, United States, China and others
1. Axis Expansion Phase 1939–1942
Germany invaded Poland, France, and most of Europe.
2. The Turning Point of the 1942–1943 War
The US won the Battle of Midway in the Pacific.
3. Axis Defeat Phase 1944–1945
The Allies landed in Normandy June 6, 1944. The Soviet Union pushed back Germany from the east.
In Asia, the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima 6 August 1945 and Nagasaki 9 August 1945. Japan surrendered 15 August 1945. The war officially ended.
The Impact of World War II on the World
The impact was huge and is still felt today.
1. The Biggest Casualty in History
Around 70–85 million people died.
2. Beginning of the Nuclear Era
The atomic bomb was first used in war.
3. Changes in the World Map
Germany is divided into West and East Germany.
4. Birth of Two Superpowers
The United States and the Soviet Union emerged as the main winners.
5. Establishment of the United Nations
On October 24, 1945, the United Nations was founded to prevent another world war from happening.
6. Technological Progress
The war accelerated the development of radar, jets, rockets, computers, and medicine.
Legacy of World War II
After the war, the world was never the same again.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN in 1948 as a response to the atrocities of war.
Conclusion
World War II 1939–1945 was the most devastating war in history.
The beginning of the nuclear era began here.
To this day, World War II remains a reminder that extreme nationalism, racism, and military aggression can bring disaster to all of humanity.
World War II 1939–1945: The Deadliest War That Changed the World
World War II was the largest and deadliest conflict in human history.
The death toll is estimated at 70–85 million people... See more
World War II was the largest and deadliest conflict in human history.
The death toll is estimated at 70–85 million people... See more
