World War Two

Definition

World War Two was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations divided into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis powers. This devastating war resulted in significant changes to global politics, economics, and society, including the establishment of the United Nations and the beginning of the Cold War. The war was marked by major events such as the Holocaust, significant battles, and the use of atomic bombs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. World War Two began on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland, prompting Britain and France to declare war on Germany.
2. The United States entered the war after Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
3. Significant battles included the Battle of Stalingrad, which marked a turning point on the Eastern Front, and D-Day, which was the Allied invasion of Normandy in 1944.
4. The war ended in Europe with Germany's unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945, known as V-E Day, and in Asia with Japan's surrender on September 2, 1945, after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
5. The aftermath of World War Two led to the division of Europe into East and West during the Cold War and set the stage for future international relations.

Review Questions

• How did the events leading up to World War Two contribute to its outbreak?
  • The rise of totalitarian regimes in Germany, Italy, and Japan set a stage for conflict as these countries sought to expand their territories. Key events such as the Treaty of Versailles' harsh penalties on Germany and appeasement policies from Western democracies allowed aggressive expansionism to go unchecked. The invasion of Poland by Germany was the final spark that ignited the war, as it prompted Britain and France to declare war.
• Analyze how World War Two reshaped global political dynamics post-war.
  • World War Two drastically altered global political dynamics by leading to the emergence of two superpowers: the United States and the Soviet Union. The war's conclusion saw a reconfiguration of international relations marked by the formation of the United Nations aimed at promoting peace. Additionally, many countries gained independence from colonial rule as former empires weakened, reshaping global power structures.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of World War Two on international relations and human rights.
  • The impacts of World War Two on international relations were profound, establishing a new world order characterized by Cold War tensions between East and West. The war also led to increased focus on human rights issues globally; atrocities like the Holocaust prompted a drive for international laws against genocide and war crimes. Furthermore, it catalyzed movements for civil rights across various nations, influencing societal structures worldwide.

Related terms

Allies:

The coalition of nations, including the United States, the Soviet Union, and Great Britain, that opposed the Axis powers during World War Two.

Axis Powers:

The alliance of Germany, Italy, and Japan that fought against the Allies during World War Two.

Holocaust:

The systematic genocide of six million Jews and millions of others by the Nazi regime during World War Two.