World War II

Main Idea

World War II (1939-1945) was the deadliest conflict in history, pitting the Axis powers against the Allies, and reshaping global politics and society.

Causes / Foundations

• Harsh Treaty of Versailles terms fuelled German resentment and economic hardship.
• Rise of fascism and totalitarian leaders: Hitler in Germany, Mussolini in Italy.
• Failure of appeasement policies allowed aggressive expansion, e.g. Germany's invasion of Poland.

Key Events & Dates

• 1 September 1939: Germany invades Poland, starting the war in Europe.
• 7 December 1941: Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, bringing the US into the war.
• 1942-1943: Battle of Stalingrad turns the tide against Germany.
• 6 June 1944: D-Day landings in Normandy begin liberation of Western Europe.
• August 1945: Atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki; Japan surrenders.

Key Figures

• Adolf Hitler: Nazi Germany's dictator responsible for the Holocaust and war.
• Winston Churchill: British Prime Minister who led resistance against Germany.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt: US president who guided America through most of the war.

Consequences

• The Holocaust resulted in the genocide of six million Jews and millions of others.
• Around 70-85 million people died worldwide, the deadliest conflict in history.
• The war led to the founding of the United Nations and the start of the Cold War.

Common Mistakes

• Thinking the war began with Pearl Harbor; the European war started in 1939.
• Overlooking the Pacific theatre while focusing only on the European front.