Wk._10_--_W2025_--_The_Second_World_War_and_the_New_Global_Order
THE SECOND WORLD WAR AND THE NEW GLOBAL ORDER
HIST 1 100 – The Making of the Modern WorldT. StubbsLakehead University Orillia
AGENDA
Introduction
Why War? Germany, the USSR, and Japan
Three Wars
Conclusion
1. INTRODUCTION
WWII viewed as a "just war" from the Allies’ perspective, contrasting with the cynicism of World War I.
Stopped Hitler’s expansionism and ended his catastrophic reign.
2. WWII: Three Wars
Beyond a simplistic narrative; effectively comprised three distinct conflicts:
Hitler’s War
Stalin’s War
Hirohito’s War
Each aggressor aimed for imperial expansion:
Germany: sought lebensraum (living space) into Austria, Sudetenland, Poland, and beyond.
USSR: expansion into Poland, Finland, and the Baltic region.
Japan: imperial ambitions in China, Korea, Indochina, and Pacific Islands.
Clash between Hitler and Stalin inevitable; despite a non-aggression pact.
Japanese expansion led to conflict with Western powers.
2. WHY WAR? GERMANY, THE USSR, AND JAPAN
Hitler’s War
Adolf Hitler: Austrian-born, former WWI soldier, developed a radical ideology blending fascism and racism.
Founded the National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP) in 1919; ideology included antisemitism and anti-Bolshevism.
Political Rise
Came to power during the Great Depression; gained seats without majority.
Consolidated power through:
Enabling powers via Reichstag fire.
Alliances with military and industrial leaders.
Purging political adversaries (Night of Long Knives, 1934).
Merging positions of Chancellor and President after Hindenburg's death.
Aggressive Policies
Early 1930s saw Nazi rearmament and the occupation of the Rhineland.
Introduced the Nuremberg Laws; widespread persecution of Jews.
By late 1930s, major expansion into Austria (Anschluss) and Czechoslovakia with British appeasement.
Triggering War
Hitler’s aggressive expansion prompted Allied response, culminating in the declaration of war on Germany on September 3, 1939.
Stalin’s War
Josef Stalin: Rose from humble beginnings, influential in Bolshevik Revolution, advocated for Marxism-Leninism.
Consolidated power through elimination of rivals; emphasized urban industrialization, resulting in catastrophic famines (e.g., Holodomor).
Promoted Hitler’s war plans to gain advantages and support anti-Nazi movements.
Non-Aggression Pact
August 1939 pact between Hitler and Stalin aimed at dividing Poland, leading to joint invasion that escalated WWII.
Hirohito’s War
Hirohito: Japanese Emperor with imperial ambitions targeting China and Russia.
Initiated aggressive actions, invading Manchuria in 1931 and China in 1937.
Drawn into broader conflict as WWII broke out in Europe.
3. THREE WARS
Comprised distinct war objectives from each aggressor.
Allies: Britain, France, Poland, Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa; later US and USSR.
Axis Powers: Germany, Italy, Japan, with Romanian and Finnish support.
Major Battles
Intense fighting, starting with Blitzkrieg tactics in France (1940).
Air raids during the Battle of Britain affected civilian shelters and morale.
Battle over control of the Mediterranean; Allies aimed for de-Nazification of Europe.
Turning Points
Operation Barbarossa marked a crucial shift, leading to USSR joining Allies against Hitler.
Invasion of various fronts led to significant battles like Stalingrad.
D-Day (June 6, 1944) represented a pivotal Allied offensive, allowing liberation of Europe.
4. CONCLUSION
WWII's death toll approached 80 million; noted for brutal military engagements and extensive civilian destruction.
Enabled the worst genocides; advanced military technology influenced future warfare and society.
Redefined global order; ended fascism and led to US prominence and a mixed legacy for the Soviet Union.
Noted threats to democracy include ongoing authoritarian governance in Russia and China.