Meta Description: World War II, often known as the Second World War, lasted from 1939 to 1945 and enveloped practically the whole world.
Introduction
The United States went to war with Japan on December 7, 1941. This was after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in December. Following the declaration of war by Germany and Italy, the United States became fully involved in the Second World War.
Soon after the United States got into WWII, they started a massive mobilization. Most of the people who stayed at home helped the war effort in any way they could. Many people in the country were serving in the military. Many women who used to be homemakers or worked in jobs unrelated to the army now work in factories that make planes, munitions, and military uniforms.
Many people in the United States participated in rationing programs and recycling and scrap metal drives as the need for steel and other resources increased. Americans also gave their money to the war effort by buying Liberty Bonds. The U.S. government sold the bonds and helped raise money for the war. People who bought bonds felt like they were doing their part in the war.
World War II Origins
War II was caused by Adolf Hitler’s belligerent and expansionist intentions. Des tumults sprung up years ago with the punitive Versailles Treaty.
Even more recent occurrences, like the Spanish Civil War and the Japanese invasion of China, demonstrated the League of Nations’ ineffectiveness. With no penalties from other states, the eventual Axis powers were involved in both battles. The conflict was inevitable.
World War II starts
On September 3, 1939, Hitler’s soldiers invaded Poland, launching World War II. Britain and France backed Poland’s sovereignty. They declared war after hearing about Hitler’s deaf years. The Allies (Britain, France, Commonwealth nations, USA, and the USSR) fought the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) throughout the war.
Hitler initially signed a nonaggression treaty with the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union invaded Poland from the east. It also occupied Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and attacked Finland. After capturing Poland in the fall of 1939, Nazi Germany attacked Denmark, Norway, and Belgium during the spring of 1940. The Allies invaded France between May 10 and June 25, 1940. It was the zenith of the Blitzkrieg campaign. Nur Großbritannien resisted Hitler’s complete attack until Italy entered the war in June 1940.
They needed complete air supremacy to attack Britain. Hence, the Luftwaffe struck London and southeast England. For two months, in August and September, the British Royal Air Force defeated the German Luftwaffe in a battle in Britain. In the following months, numerous British cities and towns were destroyed by bombing raids.
World War II End
Although the war ended in Europe, the battle waged on in Asia. Following the battles of Imphal and Kohima, the US soldiers proceeded to reclaim the Philippines in September 1944. Contrary to expectations, the Allies did not invade Japan until late 1945. Consequently, an atomic bomb was detonated on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Thereafter, on August 9, 1945, the bombing of Nagasaki occurred. The Japanese government surrendered on August 14 due to the fatalities of these two disasters. The battle was won.
Many military and civilian losses were reported on both sides, but the Jewish community of Europe was hit particularly hard. Among the 9 million Jewish people worldwide at the time, six million died in Nazi death camps in Germany and occupied Poland in 1939.
Following WWII, the Allies occupied Western Europe, while the Soviets occupied Eastern Germany. They went on to battle in the Cold War after that. For more related topics, visit PlanetSpark.
FAQs
Who started World War II?
In total, 30 nations were involved in the world’s largest and bloodiest conflict, WWII. It lasted six years, from the Nazi invasion of Poland in 1939 until the Allies defeated Hitler and Japan in 1945.
Who won WWII?
In Europe, the Soviets won WWII 70 years ago today.
How many people died in WWII?
WWII was the world’s bloodiest war. Of the 2.3 billion, approximately 70–85 million people died.
Which countries did not fight in WWII?
A few countries, such as Afghanistan, Andorra, and Yemen, remained neutral during the conflict.
Is India a WWII participant?
A substantial Allied army component in the North and East African Campaigns, the Indian Army participated in both campaigns throughout WWII. Axis armies battled about 2.5 million Indian soldiers throughout WWII.
