Key Points: Causes of Second World War
- The harsh Treaty of Versailles humiliated Germany, creating resentment and a desire for revenge.
- The rise of Fascism and Nazism in Italy and Germany promoted aggressive nationalism and expansion.
- Policy of appeasement by Britain and France encouraged Hitler and Mussolini to act aggressively.
- Failure of the League of Nations to stop aggression by Japan, Italy, and Germany weakened world peace.
- Hitler’s invasion of Poland (1939) became the immediate cause of the Second World War.
Key Points: Events of the Second World War
- Germany led the Axis Powers (with Italy and Japan) and rapidly conquered many European countries, including France, using blitzkrieg tactics.
- Britain resisted German air attacks during the Battle of Britain, preventing a German invasion.
- Germany invaded the Soviet Union, but suffered a major defeat at the Battle of Stalingrad, turning the war in favour of the Allies.
- Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour (1941) brought the USA into the war, strengthening the Allied Powers.
- The war ended after Hitler’s death (1945) and Japan’s surrender following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Key Points: Consequences of the Second World War
Germany
- Germany was defeated and divided into two parts: West Germany (FRG) under the USA, UK and France, and East Germany (GDR) under the USSR.
- Berlin was also divided, symbolising the Cold War split.
- Germany lost large territories and military power.
Italy
- Italy was defeated and lost all territories gained during the war.
- Fascist rule ended and Mussolini was removed from power.
- Italy became a weak nation and adopted a democratic system.
Japan
- Japan was defeated after atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
- It came under American occupation till 1952.
- Emperor Hirohito remained only a constitutional monarch.
- Japan lost all territories captured since 1895 and became a peace-loving nation.
