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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Index
World War II Index | Prelude: Diplomatic Revolution | Germany: Anti-Semitism • Nazi Empire: Economic Exploitation • Resistance • Role of Hitler | Holocaust: SS and the Einsatzgruppen • Gypsy Holocaust • Death Camps | Japan | Poland | Soviet Union: Homefront | United States | Aggression: Germany • Japan | A New Kind of War • Total War | Grand Alliance | Britain | France | Early Axis Victories | Early Allied Victories | Allied Invasion of Europe | Defeat of the Third Reich | Defeat of Japan
World War II: Index
Prelude
Prelude: Diplomatic Recognition
Germany
Germany: Nazi Empire
Nazi Empire: Economic Exploitation
Nazi Empire: Resistance
Nazi Empire: Role of Hitler
Anti-Semitism in Germany
Holocaust
Holocaust: SS and the Einsatzgruppen
Holocaust: Gypsy Holocaust
Holocaust: Death Camps
Japan
Poland
Soviet Union
Soviet Union: Home Front
United States
Aggression
Aggression: Germany
Aggression: Japan
Aggression: A New Kind of War
Total War
Grand Alliance
Britain
France
Early Axis Victories
Early Allied Victories
Allied Invasion of Europe
Defeat of the Third Reich
Defeat of Japan