{"id":793425,"date":"2023-10-21T13:28:52","date_gmt":"2023-10-21T07:58:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leverageedu.com\/discover\/?p=793425"},"modified":"2023-10-21T13:28:52","modified_gmt":"2023-10-21T07:58:52","slug":"world-history-world-war-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/leverageedu.com\/discover\/general-knowledge\/world-history-world-war-2\/","title":{"rendered":"World War 2: History and Causes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/strong><\/a> and UPSC Mains<\/strong><\/a> 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<\/strong> revision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Timeline of World War 2: Beginning and End<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.
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\"Timeline
Image Source: World Atlas<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Topic<\/strong><\/td>Numbers \/ Facts<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
War Duration<\/td>1939 \u2013 1945<\/td><\/tr>
Countries Involved<\/td>Over 60<\/td><\/tr>
Deaths<\/td>An estimated 70\u201385 million<\/td><\/tr>
Indian Soldiers Fought<\/td>Around 2.5 million<\/td><\/tr>
Jews Killed in the Holocaust<\/td>Over 6 million<\/td><\/tr>
Atomic Bombs Dropped<\/td>2 (Hiroshima and Nagasaki)<\/td><\/tr>
Countries Affected<\/td>Europe, Asia, Africa, Pacific<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Important Dates of the 2nd World War <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The following are some dates important to the Second World War:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Also Read: Sayyid Dynasty UPSC Notes: History, Architecture & Economy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who started World War 2?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

World War 2 started when Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Hitler wanted to expand Germany\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s aggressive plans and refusal to stop led to the spread of fighting across Europe and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Country<\/strong><\/td>Leader<\/strong><\/td>Role in Starting the War<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Germany<\/strong><\/td>Adolf Hitler<\/td>Invaded Poland, triggering the war<\/td><\/tr>
Italy<\/strong><\/td>Benito Mussolini<\/td>Joined Germany in aggressive expansion<\/td><\/tr>
Japan<\/strong><\/td>Emperor Hirohito<\/td>Expanded territories in Asia and the Pacific<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What was World War 2 About?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Group<\/strong><\/td>Members<\/strong><\/td>Objective of the World War 2<\/td><\/tr>
Axis Powers<\/strong><\/td>Germany, Italy, Japan<\/td>Expand territory and power through force<\/td><\/tr>
Allied Powers<\/strong><\/td>USA, UK, Soviet Union, France, China<\/td>Stop Axis aggression and protect freedom<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What were the Causes of World War 2?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

World War 2 didn\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore: Lord Dalhousie: Early Life and Role in India<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important Word War 2 Events<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Several key events shaped World War 2\u2019s outcome: Germany\u2019s invasion of Poland started the war, while Japan\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Important
Image Source: Euronews<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
WW2 Event<\/strong><\/td>Date<\/strong><\/td>Importance of Event<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Germany invades Poland<\/strong><\/td>September 1, 1939<\/td>Beggining of War<\/td><\/tr>
Japan attacks Pearl Harbour<\/strong><\/td>December 7, 1941<\/td>USA enters the war<\/td><\/tr>
D-Day (Allied Normandy landing)<\/strong><\/td>June 6, 1944<\/td>Turning point in Europe<\/td><\/tr>
Atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima & Nagasaki<\/strong><\/td>August 1945<\/td>Led to Japan\u2019s surrender<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Major Battles of World War 2<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Battle of Stalingrad (1942\u201343) was a turning point in Europe, where Soviet forces stopped Germany\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Battle<\/strong><\/td>Year(s)<\/strong><\/td>Location<\/strong><\/td>Key Outcome<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Battle of Britain<\/strong><\/td>1940<\/td>United Kingdom<\/td>UK defended itself from German air attacks; first major defeat for Hitler.<\/td><\/tr>
Battle of Stalingrad<\/strong><\/td>1942\u20131943<\/td>Soviet Union (Russia)<\/td>Soviet Union stopped the German advance, a major turning point on the Eastern Front.<\/td><\/tr>
Battle of Midway<\/strong><\/td>1942<\/td>Pacific Ocean<\/td>USA defeated Japan; shifted control of the Pacific War to Allied hands.<\/td><\/tr>
D-Day (Normandy)<\/strong><\/td>June 6, 1944<\/td>France<\/td>Allied forces invaded Nazi-occupied France; opened the Western Front in Europe.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Who fought in World War 2?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Axis Powers<\/strong><\/td>Allied Powers<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Germany<\/strong><\/td>United States<\/td><\/tr>
Italy<\/strong><\/td>United Kingdom<\/td><\/tr>
Japan<\/strong><\/td>Soviet Union (Russia)<\/td><\/tr>
<\/td>France<\/td><\/tr>
China<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Role of India in World War 2<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s part in World War 2 is not just about war but also about its struggle for freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Must Read: Lord Linlithgow: Longest Reigning Viceroy of India<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holocaust and War Crimes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

End of World War 2 and After<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also Read: Lord Linlithgow: Longest Reigning Viceroy of India<\/strong><\/a>
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Global Impact of World War 2<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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