World War II: A Global Conflict

Overview of Key Events and Impact

 World War II (WWII) was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945.
It involved most of the world's nations, including all great powers, eventually
forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis.
It was the deadliest conflict in human history with an estimated 70-85 million
fatalities.
 Treaty of Versailles: Harsh penalties on Germany post-WWI.
Rise of Totalitarian Regimes: Fascism in Italy, Nazism in Germany, Militarism in
Japan.
Expansionist Policies: Aggressive expansion by Axis powers.
Failure of Appeasement: European powers’ initial attempts to avoid war
through concessions.
 Allies:
United States: President Franklin D. Roosevelt
United Kingdom: Prime Minister Winston Churchill
Soviet Union: Premier Joseph Stalin
China: Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek

Axis:
Germany: Führer Adolf Hitler
Italy: Prime Minister Benito Mussolini
Japan: Emperor Hirohito
 Victory in Europe (V-E Day): May 8, 1945.
Victory over Japan (V-J Day): August 15, 1945.
Formation of the United Nations: October 24, 1945, aimed at preventing
future conflicts.
 Human Cost: Unprecedented loss of life and widespread destruction.
Political Changes: Emergence of the US and USSR as superpowers, start of the
Cold War.
Economic Impact: Reconstruction of Europe through the Marshall Plan.
Social Impact: Decolonization and changes in global power structures.