Second World War

 Second World War (1939–1945)

From September 1, 1939, to September 2, 1945. It was fought between the Allies (led by the USA, USSR, UK, and China) and the Axis Powers (led by Germany, Italy, and Japan).

Causes of war

- Rise of Fascism – Dictators like Hitler (Germany) and Mussolini (Italy) promoted aggressive nationalism.

- Treaty of Versailles (1919) – Harsh penalties on Germany after World War I fueled resentment.

- Invasion of Poland (1939) – Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, leading Britain and France to declare war on Germany.

- Failure of the League of Nations – The international organization was too weak to stop aggression.

- Expansionism – Germany, Japan, and Italy invaded other countries to gain territory.

End of the War and Consequences

- Defeat of the Axis Powers – Germany and Japan surrendered in 1945.

- Creation of the United Nations (UN) – Formed to prevent future wars.

- Cold War Begins – The USA and USSR became superpowers, leading to a long period of political tension.

- Decolonization – Many countries in Africa and Asia gained independence from European rule.

- Mass Destruction & Casualties – Over 70 million people died, including the Holocaust victims (6 million Jews).

Major Events of war

European Front:

*1939: Germany invades Poland (war begins).

*1940: Germany conquers France; Battle of Britain begins.

*1941: Germany invades the Soviet Union (Operation Barbarossa).

*1944: Allied forces land in Normandy, France.

*1945: Germany surrenders.

Pacific Front:

*1941: Japan attacks Pearl Harbor (December 7), bringing the USA into the war.

*1942: Battle of Midway – A turning point against Japan.

*1945: USA drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima (August 6) and Nagasaki (August 9). Japan surrenders on September 2, 1945