World War 2: Timeline, Countries, Causes, Impact

World War 2 remains one of the most significant and catastrophic events in human history. The war was fought between the Axis Powers and the Allied Powers. It involved most nations across the world, making it one of the most widespread and destructive wars in history.

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About Second World War

Second World War Timeline

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World War 2 Causes

• Treaty of Versailles: Harsh reparations and territorial losses imposed on Germany after World War 1 fueled resentment.
• Rise of Fascism: Leaders like Hitler, Mussolini, and Tojo pursued aggressive expansionist policies.
• Failure of the League of Nations: The League was unable to prevent conflicts like Japan’s invasion of Manchuria or Italy’s attack on Ethiopia.
• Economic Depression: The Great Depression destabilized economies, making countries more prone to conflict.
• Expansionism: Germany’s annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland, along with Japan’s invasion of China, heightened tensions.
• Immediate Trigger: The invasion of Poland by Germany on 1st September 1939 was the immediate cause of war.

Countries in World War 2

• Germany
• Italy
• Japan

• United States
• Soviet Union
• United Kingdom
• China
• France

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World War 2 Key Events

Impact of Second World War

• Human Cost
  • While the exact casualties varies, the war resulted in the deaths of an estimated 70-85 million people , including civilians and military personnel.
  • The Holocaust , in which millions of Jews were killed by Nazi Germany, is one of the most horrific events of the war.
• Economic Losses :

• Infrastructure was destroyed, and many economies were devastated.
• However, it also led to technological advancements and the development of nuclear power.

• Decolonisation
  • The war weakened European powers, accelerating the independence of colonies.
  • Many countries in Asia and Africa gained independence following the war.
• Creation of the United Nations
  • In 1945, the United Nations (UN) was established to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts.
• Geopolitical Shifts
  • Resulted in the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers.
  • Later tensions between the US and the Soviet Union after World War 2 led to the Cold War.

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The Paris Peace Treaties

India in World War 2

World War 2 UPSC PYQs

UPSC Mains 2021: “There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (250 words, 15 Marks)