World War II

Definition

World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving many of the world's nations divided into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. This war not only reshaped national borders and political ideologies but also had profound social and psychological effects on individuals and societies, influencing the development of social psychology as a field.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. World War II began on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland, prompting Britain and France to declare war on Germany.
2. The conflict involved over 100 million people from more than 30 countries, making it one of the largest wars in history.
3. The war saw significant events such as the Holocaust, where millions were systematically exterminated, showcasing the darkest aspects of human behavior and prejudice.
4. Social psychology emerged significantly during and after World War II, with researchers exploring topics such as conformity, obedience, and group dynamics in response to wartime experiences.
5. The conclusion of World War II led to the establishment of the United Nations in 1945, aiming to prevent future conflicts and promote international cooperation.

Review Questions

• How did World War II influence the development of social psychology as a discipline?
  • World War II had a profound impact on social psychology by highlighting critical issues such as conformity and obedience. The war's events prompted researchers like Stanley Milgram to study how ordinary people could commit acts of violence under authority pressure. This led to deeper insights into human behavior, group dynamics, and social influences, ultimately shaping the research agenda for social psychologists in the post-war era.
• In what ways did propaganda play a role in shaping public perception during World War II?
  • Propaganda was crucial during World War II as it shaped public perception and morale across nations. Governments used propaganda to rally support for military efforts, demonize the enemy, and maintain public morale. The effectiveness of propaganda campaigns demonstrated how information could manipulate beliefs and attitudes, which remains a significant area of study within social psychology.
• Evaluate the psychological effects of World War II on individuals and societies, including how these effects influenced later psychological theories.
  • The psychological effects of World War II were extensive, leading to widespread trauma and changes in societal norms. Many soldiers returned with PTSD (then called 'shell shock'), which highlighted the need for mental health awareness and treatment approaches. This experience influenced psychological theories around trauma and resilience, contributing to developments in clinical psychology and offering insights into human behavior under extreme stress. These influences shaped not only therapeutic practices but also our understanding of group behavior and societal change in a post-war context.

Related terms

Holocaust: The systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews and millions of others by the Nazi regime and its collaborators during World War II.

Totalitarianism: A political system in which the state recognizes no limits to its authority and seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life, often seen in regimes during World War II like Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.

Propaganda: Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view, widely utilized by various nations during World War II to influence public opinion and morale.