World War II
World War II, also known as the Second World War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1 September 1939 to 2 September 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's nations, including all of the great powers, organized into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis powers.
Background
The conflict was rooted in the unresolved issues from World War I and the complex geopolitics of the 1930s. The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, imposed severe reparations and territorial losses on Germany, leading to economic hardship and nationalist resentment.
The rise of authoritarian regimes in Germany under Adolf Hitler, Italy under Benito Mussolini, and Japan set the stage for aggression. These countries, seeking expansion, formed the Axis Powers.
Major Theaters and Campaigns
European Theater
In Europe, the war began with Germany's invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939, prompting France and the United Kingdom to declare war on Germany. Over the next few years, Germany conquered much of Europe, including France, and launched a massive invasion of the Soviet Union.
The Soviet Union and the United States became key members of the Allies, with the latter entering the war after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941.
Pacific Theater
The Pacific War was characterized by the struggle between Japan and the Allied powers, primarily the United States. Key battles included Midway, Guadalcanal, and Iwo Jima. The war in the Pacific ended after the United States dropped atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.
Key Events
- Operation Overlord: Known as D-Day, this was the Allied invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944, marking the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe.
- Holocaust: The genocide orchestrated by Nazi Germany, which resulted in the deaths of six million Jews, along with millions of others, including Roma, disabled individuals, and political dissidents.
- V-E Day: Victory in Europe Day on 8 May 1945, marked the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany.
- V-J Day: Victory over Japan Day on 2 September 1945, when Japan formally surrendered, bringing an end to the war.
Aftermath
The aftermath of World War II saw the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers, leading to the Cold War. The United Nations was established to prevent future conflicts, and Europe was rebuilt under the Marshall Plan.