History of World War II

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Perspective

The history of World War II spanned the period from 1939 to 1945. It involved most of the world’s countries and two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis powers. More than 30 countries threw their entire military, economic, industrial, and scientific resources into the war effort, blurring the distinction between civilian and military resources and targets. Aircraft enabled the strategic bombing of population centers and the atomic attacks on Japan. This was by far the deadliest conflict in human history, resulting in up to 85 million deaths. Most were civilians. Tens of millions of people died in the Holocaust and other genocides, and from starvation, mass murder, and disease. After the war, Germany and Japan were occupied by the victors, and war crimes tribunals were held.

World War II changed the political alignment and social structure of the globe. The United Nations was established to foster international co-operation and prevent future conflicts. Great powers—China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States—became the permanent members of its Security Council. The Soviet Union and the United States emerged as rival superpowers, setting the stage for the nearly half-century-long Cold War. In the wake of European devastation, the influence of its great powers waned, triggering the decolonization of Africa and Asia. Most countries whose industries had been damaged moved towards economic recovery and expansion. Political and economic integration, especially in Europe, began as an effort to forestall future hostilities, end pre-war enmities, and forge a sense of common identity.

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Anti-Semitism in Germany

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