CONTEMPORARY

World
October 2023
HERMES RODRIGO SOLIS VAZQUEZ
 Introduction
World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It
involved many countries and was fought between two major alliances:
the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) and the Allies (including
the United States, the Soviet Union, Great Britain, and China). The war
began with Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939 and quickly
escalated as other countries became involved. It was characterized by
major military campaigns, such as the Battle of Stalingrad, the D-Day
invasion of Normandy, and the Pacific island-hopping campaign. World
War II resulted in widespread devastation, loss of life, and significant
geopolitical changes. It ended with the unconditional surrender of
Germany in May 1945 and Japan in September 1945.
 The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, had a significant role in leading to
World War II. It imposed harsh terms on Germany, blaming them for World
War I and demanding territorial losses, disarmament, and reparations
Treaty of payments. However, it failed to address the underlying causes of WWI and
Versailles created instability in Europe. The treaty's harsh terms caused resentment and
economic instability in Germany, paving the way for Adolf Hitler and the Nazis
World War II began with Germany's invasion to rise to power in the 1930s. This, coupled with the Great Depression, set the
of Poland in September 1939, leading to stage for another global conflict just 20 years after WWI.
declarations of war by Great Britain and
France. This invasion, driven by territorial
ambitions, marked the war's European
onset. The Treaty of Versailles, which Germany’s invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939 marked the beginning of
imposed harsh terms on Germany after World War II in Europe. The invasion was a result of territorial ambitions and
World War I, played a pivotal role by fueling political tensions between Germany and Poland. It was a strategic move by
Germany to secure its eastern border and establish a buffer zone against the
resentment and economic instability in Invasion of Soviet Union. The invasion was swift and brutal, with German forces employing
Germany. This fertile ground enabled the
rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, who
Poland a combination of armored units, air power, and infantry to overpower Polish
defenses. The Polish resistance was valiant but ultimately overwhelmed by the
exploited the anger over Versailles and the
superior German military machine. The invasion of Poland triggered a chain
The Great Depression to come to power in the reaction of declarations of war by other European powers, leading to the
1930s. The conflict further escalated with
beginning Operation Barbarossa in 1941 when
escalation of the conflict into a broader European war.

of World Germany launched a massive invasion of

the Soviet Union. The Allied Powers, Great Britain and France declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939 in
War II consisting of France, Great Britain, the response to the invasion of Poland. The declaration signaled their
United States, the Soviet Union, and China, commitment to defending Poland and resisting further German aggression. It
formed a coalition to counter Axis Declaration of was a pivotal moment that transformed the localized conflict between
aggression. Germany and Poland into a broader European war. The declaration of war by
The Nazis, led by Adolf Hitler, had risen to
War Great Britain and France was met with mixed reactions, with some hoping for
power in Germany through a combination a swift resolution while others feared the potential for a protracted and
of political maneuvering, propaganda, and devastating conflict
exploitation of the economic hardships
caused by the Great Depression. The Nazi
regime pursued an aggressive expansionist
agenda, seeking to establish a Greater On June 22, 1941, Germany launched Operation Barbarossa - a massive
German Empire and eliminate perceived invasion of the Soviet Union. The operation was motivated by Adolf Hitler’s
enemies, including Jews and other minority ideological vision of Lebensraum (living space) for the German people and his
groups. desire to eliminate communism from Europe. Operation Barbarossa involved
Operation three German army groups attacking along a broad front, aiming to quickly
defeat Soviet forces and capture key strategic objectives. Despite initial
Barbarossa successes, the invasion ultimately bogged down due to logistical challenges,
harsh weather conditions, and fierce Soviet resistance. The failure to achieve a
swift victory in the east would prove to be a turning point in the war
 TIMELINE

1939: Germany invades Poland Battle of Britain

1933: Adolf Hitler 1940: Winston Churchill
Germany’s invasion of Poland on The Battle of Britain was fought
Adolf Hitler, leader of the National Winston Churchill assumed the role of
September 1, 1939, triggered the between the Royal Air Force (RAF)
Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazi Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
outbreak of World War II in Europe. and the German Luftwaffe from
Party), rose to power and became the during a critical period in World War
Chancellor of Germany. His
This act of aggression led to II. His leadership and oratory skills
July to October 1940
appointment marked the beginning of declarations of war by other played a crucial role in rallying the
a period of significant political and European powers and set the stage British people and inspiring resistance
social changes in Germany. for a global conflict. against Nazi Germany.
 TIMELINE

Battle of Stalingrad D-Day

Pearl Harbor Franklin D. Roosevelt
The Battle of Stalingrad, fought On June 6, 1944, Allied forces
n December 7, 1941, Japan launched a between German and Soviet forces, Franklin D. Roosevelt served as launched a massive amphibious
surprise attack on the U.S. naval base was one of the bloodiest battles in President of the United States from invasion on the beaches of Normandy,
at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This attack history. The Soviet victory at 1933 until his death in April 1945 France. This operation, codenamed D-
resulted in significant damage to the Stalingrad marked a significant Day, marked the beginning of the
U.S. Pacific Fleet and led to the turning point in the war and dealt a liberation of Western Europe from
United States’ entry into World War II severe blow to German morale and German occupation and paved the
military capabilities. way for eventual Allied victory.
 End
The conclusion of World War II was the result of a combination of factors, including
military victories, political negotiations, and the use of atomic weapons. The following five
defining events led to the conclusion of World War II: The Battle of Stalingrad and Allied
Invasions Shaped the End of WWII. The Battle of the Bulge Marks Germany’s Last Stand.
The Yalta Conference Outlines Postwar Europe. Hitler Commits Suicide After Allied Forces
Close In. Japan Surrenders After Atomic Bombs Dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The
Battle of Stalingrad was a turning point in the war, as it marked the first major defeat
for German forces on the Eastern Front and paved the way for Soviet advances that
would eventually lead to Berlin’s capture. The Battle of the Bulge was Germany’s last
major offensive in the West and resulted in heavy losses for both sides . The Yalta
Conference was a meeting between Allied leaders that took place in February 1945 and
outlined plans for postwar Europe. Hitler’s suicide in April 1945 came after Allied forces
had closed in on Berlin, and it marked the end of Nazi Germany . Finally, Japan
surrendered after atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.
 Quality of l i fe

World War II was an exceptional time in human history, when

millions across the globe faced the challenge of their lifetimes.
The war touched the lives of both soldiers and civilians, leaving
a lasting impact on various aspects of society. The quality of life
during World War II varied significantly depending on the
location and circumstances. Civilians faced numerous challenges,
including rationing of essential goods such as food and clothing,
limited access to healthcare, and the constant threat of
bombings and air raids. Many families experienced separation
due to military service, and women took on new roles in the
workforce to support the war effort
 01 Loss of life
Short-term
Consequencesuences
An estimated 60-80 million people died during the war, including
approximately 6 million Jews who were killed in Nazi
concentration camps during the Holocaust

02 Destruction
Numerous cities and infrastructure were devastated by bombings
and military operations.

03 Political changes 04 Economic impact

The war led to significant geopolitical shifts, including the division Many countries experienced economic hardships during and after
of Germany into East and West, the establishment of communist the war due to resource depletion, inflation, and disrupted trade
regimes in Eastern Europe, and the creation of the United Nations
 01 Cold war
Long-term
Consequences:
The war set the stage for the ideological conflict between the
United States and the Soviet Union known as the Cold War.

02 Decolonization
The war weakened European colonial powers, leading to increased
demands for independence in many colonized regions.

03 Human rights 04 Technological advancements

The atrocities committed during World War II highlighted the need The war spurred scientific and technological innovations,
for international human rights standards, leading to the adoption including developments in aviation, nuclear energy, computing,
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations and medicine.
in 1948.
 Progress o f
humanity
World War II had a profound impact on humanity, leading to
significant advancements in medicine, technology, scientific
exploration, industrialization, and international cooperation.
These advancements laid the foundation for future progress in
various fields and institutions such as the United Nations (UN)
and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) were
established to promote peace, human rights, and global
cooperation .
Conclusion
World War II, spanning from 1939 to 1945, was a global conflict that left
deep scarst
The war was a period of immense suffering, with millions of lives lost and
widespread destruction.
This conflict unleashed the Holocaust, an atrocious act illustrating the
destructive power of intolerance and hatred. Moreover, the war showcased
humanity's capacity to inflict suffering and devastation on an
unimaginable scale.
While the war drove technological advancements, it also resulted in the
development of nuclear weapons, perpetuating the constant threat of
mass destruction.
World War II serves as a somber reminder of the horrors of war,
intolerance, and humanity's capacity for destruction. While valuable
lessons can be learned, it is essential to remember the negative aspects
and tirelessly work for peace and the prevention of future conflicts.
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