ww2

1. Causes of World War II

The Treaty of Versailles (1919) imposed heavy reparations on Germany, leading to economic hardship and resentment.
Disarmament clauses stripped Germany of its military capabilities, fostering a sense of vulnerability and humiliation.
Loss of territory, including Alsace-Lorraine to France and parts of Prussia to Poland, fueled nationalist sentiments.
The economic turmoil contributed to the rise of extremist political movements, including the Nazi Party.

Adolf Hitler's rise to power in Germany was marked by the promotion of Nazi ideology, emphasizing nationalism and anti-communism.
Benito Mussolini established Fascism in Italy, advocating for a totalitarian state and expansionist policies.
Hideki Tojo led Japan's military government, promoting militarism and imperial expansion.

The Munich Agreement (1938) allowed Hitler to annex Czechoslovakia, under the pretense of ensuring peace in Europe.
This policy of appeasement by Britain and France is often criticized for emboldening Hitler's aggression.
The failure of the League of Nations to prevent aggression highlighted its ineffectiveness in maintaining peace.

The Great Depression (1929-1939) led to widespread economic instability, contributing to political extremism.
Hyperinflation in Germany during the early 1920s devastated the economy and eroded public trust in democratic institutions.
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) served as a testing ground for military tactics used by Germany and Italy.

Japan's invasion of Manchuria in 1931 marked the beginning of its aggressive expansion in Asia.

The main Allied Powers included the United States, Britain, the Soviet Union, and France, united against Axis aggression.
Each country contributed unique resources and strategies to the war effort, leading to eventual victory.

The Axis Powers consisted of Germany, Italy, and Japan, who sought territorial expansion and dominance.
Italy's invasion of Ethiopia in 1935 exemplified its imperial ambitions and alliance with Nazi Germany.

The U.S. maintained a policy of isolationism, avoiding involvement in European conflicts post-WWI.
Although the U.S. created the League of Nations, it never joined, undermining the organization's authority.

The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, by Japan galvanized U.S. public opinion in favor of entering the war.
Following the attack, the U.S. declared war on Japan, prompting Germany and Italy to declare war on the U.S.

Rationing of food, gas, and materials was implemented to support the war effort and ensure resources for troops.
War bonds were sold to finance military operations, encouraging public investment in the war.

Women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers, symbolized by figures like Rosie the Riveter.
They took on roles in factories and shipyards, producing munitions and war supplies.

Propaganda campaigns aimed to boost morale and encourage support for the war effort through posters and films.
Slogans like “We Can Do It!” became iconic representations of women's contributions during the war.

D-Day (June 6, 1944) marked the Allied invasion of Normandy, a pivotal moment in the liberation of Western Europe.
Allied forces landed on five beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword, facing fierce German resistance.

The Battle of Stalingrad (August 1942-February 1943) was a turning point in the war, showcasing the Soviet Union's resilience.
Characterized by brutal urban warfare, it resulted in significant German losses and a shift in momentum.

The Manhattan Project was a top-secret U.S. initiative to develop atomic weapons, culminating in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Hiroshima (Little Boy) was bombed on August 6, 1945, followed by Nagasaki (Fat Man) on August 9, leading to Japan's surrender.

Germany surrendered in May 1945, leading to V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day) on May 8, 1945.
Japan's surrender on August 15, 1945, followed the atomic bombings, marking the end of World War II.