World War 2: History and Causes

World War 2, also known as WW2 or the Second World War, was a significant event in human history that shaped the course of the 20th century. WW2 is an essential portion of the history syllabus for UPSC, Banking, Management and Defence exams. UPSC Preliminary and UPSC Mains Exams often contain questions related to World War 2. In this blog, we’ll provide you with a concise overview of this significant conflict, perfect for any competitive exam revision.

Timeline of World War 2: Beginning and End

World War 2 began on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. This event marked the start of a major conflict involving many countries around the world. The war lasted for six years and finally ended on September 2, 1945, when Japan officially surrendered. The fighting during this period caused massive destruction and changed the course of history.

The war involved battles on land, sea, and air, affecting millions of people globally. Countries from every continent joined either the Allies or the Axis Powers. The years 1939 to 1945 are remembered as one of the most intense and tragic periods in modern history.

Topic	Numbers / Facts
War Duration	1939 – 1945
Countries Involved	Over 60
Deaths	An estimated 70–85 million
Indian Soldiers Fought	Around 2.5 million
Jews Killed in the Holocaust	Over 6 million
Atomic Bombs Dropped	2 (Hiroshima and Nagasaki)
Countries Affected	Europe, Asia, Africa, Pacific

Important Dates of the 2nd World War

The following are some dates important to the Second World War:

Dates of World War	Event
1 September 1939	Germany invades Poland (War begins)
22 June 22 1941	Germany invades the Soviet Union
7 December 1941	Japan attacks Pearl Harbour
6 June 1944	D-Day: Allied forces land in Normandy
8 May 1945	Victory in Europe Day (Germany surrenders)
2 September 1945	Japan surrenders, the  War ends

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Who started World War 2?

World War 2 started when Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Hitler wanted to expand Germany’s territory and power. He believed Germany should become stronger and take land from other countries. This invasion violated international agreements and caused Britain and France to declare war on Germany. 

Besides Germany, Japan and Italy also played roles in starting the conflict by expanding aggressively in Asia and Africa. However, the invasion of Poland was the immediate cause that triggered the full-scale war. Hitler’s aggressive plans and refusal to stop led to the spread of fighting across Europe and beyond.

Country	Leader	Role in Starting the War
Germany	Adolf Hitler	Invaded Poland, triggering the war
Italy	Benito Mussolini	Joined Germany in aggressive expansion
Japan	Emperor Hirohito	Expanded territories in Asia and the Pacific

What was World War 2 About?

World War 2 was mainly about the fight between two groups of countries: the Axis Powers and the Allied Powers. The Axis Powers, including Germany, Italy, and Japan, wanted to expand their control and power over other nations. The Allied Powers, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and France, fought to stop them and protect freedom. 

The war was fought on many fronts, including Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. It involved battles, bombings, and major events like the Holocaust and the use of atomic bombs. The war was about power, territory, and protecting countries from aggressive forces.

Group	Members	Objective of the World War 2
Axis Powers	Germany, Italy, Japan	Expand territory and power through force
Allied Powers	USA, UK, Soviet Union, France, China	Stop Axis aggression and protect freedom

What were the Causes of World War 2?

World War 2 didn’t happen suddenly. Several important reasons led to it. After World War 1, Germany was forced to sign the Treaty of Versailles, which made the country pay huge amounts and give up land. This made many Germans angry. Later, Adolf Hitler came to power and promised to make Germany strong again. At the same time, Italy and Japan also wanted to take over more land. 

The League of Nations was too weak to stop them. These factors, along with the worldwide Great Depression, led to fear, anger, and the rise of leaders who supported war. All of this built up to the start of World War 2 in 1939.

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Important Word War 2 Events

Several key events shaped World War 2’s outcome: Germany’s invasion of Poland started the war, while Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbour brought the United States into the fight. One of the biggest moments was D-Day (June 6, 1944), when Allied forces landed in Normandy, France, beginning the push to free Europe from Nazi control. 

The war also included tragic events like the Holocaust, where millions lost their lives. Finally, the war ended after the United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. Japan surrendered soon after, bringing peace to the world after years of fighting.

WW2 Event	Date	Importance of Event
Germany invades Poland	September 1, 1939	Beggining of War
Japan attacks Pearl Harbour	December 7, 1941	USA enters the war
D-Day (Allied Normandy landing)	June 6, 1944	Turning point in Europe
Atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima & Nagasaki	August 1945	Led to Japan’s surrender

Major Battles of World War 2

World War 2 had many important battles fought across different parts of the world. Each battle played a big role in shaping the outcome of the war. The Battle of Britain (1940) was when the UK successfully defended itself from German air attacks. 

The Battle of Stalingrad (1942–43) was a turning point in Europe, where Soviet forces stopped Germany’s advance. In the Pacific, the Battle of Midway (1942) marked a major victory for the USA against Japan. Another major battle was D-Day (June 6, 1944), when Allied forces landed in France to push back Germany. These battles were tough and costly, but they helped the Allied powers move toward victory.

Battle	Year(s)	Location	Key Outcome
Battle of Britain	1940	United Kingdom	UK defended itself from German air attacks; first major defeat for Hitler.
Battle of Stalingrad	1942–1943	Soviet Union (Russia)	Soviet Union stopped the German advance, a major turning point on the Eastern Front.
Battle of Midway	1942	Pacific Ocean	USA defeated Japan; shifted control of the Pacific War to Allied hands.
D-Day (Normandy)	June 6, 1944	France	Allied forces invaded Nazi-occupied France; opened the Western Front in Europe.

Who fought in World War 2?

World War 2 was fought mainly between two groups: the Axis Powers and the Allied Powers. The Axis Powers included Germany, Italy, and Japan. These countries wanted to increase their territories by force. Opposing them were the Allied Powers, made up of countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, France, and China. 

Millions of soldiers and civilians from these countries were involved in battles across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. The Allies worked together to stop the Axis Powers and eventually won the war, leading to major changes in global politics.

Axis Powers	Allied Powers
Germany	United States
Italy	United Kingdom
Japan	Soviet Union (Russia)
	France
	China

Role of India in World War 2

India, though under British rule during World War 2, played a major role. Around 2.5 million Indian soldiers fought for the Allied Powers in different parts of the world, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Indian troops were brave and helped win key battles. Many soldiers lost their lives. At the same time, leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose were active. 

Gandhi led a Quit India Movement, asking the British to leave India. Bose formed the Indian National Army (INA) to fight the British. So, India’s part in World War 2 is not just about war but also about its struggle for freedom.

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Holocaust and War Crimes

One of the saddest parts of World War 2 was the Holocaust. This was the mass killing of 6 million Jews and millions of others by the Nazi government in Germany. People were sent to camps, starved, and killed. This was not a battle but a planned crime against humanity. 

After the war, the world came together to punish the people responsible. In the Nuremberg Trials, many top Nazi leaders were found guilty of war crimes. The Holocaust taught the world the dangers of hate and racism. Today, it is remembered to ensure such acts never happen again.

End of World War 2 and After

World War 2 ended in two parts. First, Germany surrendered on May 8, 1945, after Hitler died. This is called Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). But Japan continued fighting. The USA dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. After that, Japan surrendered on September 2, 1945, officially ending the war. After the war, the Allied Powers helped rebuild countries through programs like the Marshall Plan. 

Germany was divided into four zones controlled by the Allies. Japan lost its military power and became peaceful. The United Nations was created to stop future wars. The world entered a new phase, with tension rising between the USA and the USSR, known as the Cold War.

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Global Impact of World War 2

The global impact of World War 2 was profound, leaving a lasting mark on the world. Here are some key pointers outlining its impact:

• Destruction and Loss of Life: WW2 resulted in widespread destruction of cities and infrastructure. It caused the loss of an estimated 70-85 million lives, making it the deadliest conflict in history.
• Redrawing of Borders: The war led to significant territorial changes, including the division and occupation of Germany and the realignment of European borders.
• Emergence of Superpowers: The United States and the Soviet Union emerged as superpowers, leading to the Cold War.
• Formation of the United Nations: The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945 to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts.
• Decolonisation: WW2 contributed to the process of decolonisation, as European colonial empires weakened.
• Technological Advancements: The war accelerated technological advancements, including the development of radar, jet engines, and the atomic bomb.
• Human Rights: The Holocaust, the systematic genocide of Jews and others, had a profound impact on collective memory and led to the recognition of human rights.
• Economic Changes: The global economy transformed significantly, with the United States becoming an economic powerhouse.
• New World Order: The establishment of international organisations and alliances, like NATO, shaped the post-war world order.
• Shift in Ideological Power: The defeat of fascist ideologies and the spread of democracy and liberal values became prominent after the war.
• Reconstruction Efforts: Extensive efforts were made to rebuild war-torn countries through the Marshall Plan and other aid programs.
• Social and Cultural Changes: The war had social and cultural impacts, including changes in gender roles.
• Technology Transfer: WW2 led to the transfer of technology and scientific knowledge between countries, contributing to the post-war technological boom.
• Legacy of the Cold War: The Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union defined global politics for decades.
• Influence on Art and Literature: WW2 had a profound impact on art and literature, with works that reflected the trauma and experiences of the war.

World War 2 was a global conflict that reshaped the modern world. It stemmed from unresolved tensions after World War 1, aggressive expansion by Axis powers, and the failure of diplomacy. The war not only caused immense human and economic loss but also led to the formation of the United Nations, the Cold War, and major shifts in global power. Understanding its history and causes helps us learn valuable lessons to promote peace and prevent future conflicts.

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