Impact of World War II on Society, Economy, and Politics

LIFE AND SOCIETY DURING THE WAR

Investment in military resources had a negative effect on society. Industries that had previously produced consumer goods reduced their production. The civilian population suffered from shortages, and rationing systems were introduced to distribute basic goods. Part of the population was evacuated to rural areas because the towns and cities were being constantly bombed. Many people had to change their habits to protect themselves from night-time bombing raids, which became a common practice.

IN THE COUNTRIES OCCUPIED BY GERMANY

• A resistance movement was formed, who fought against German occupying forces. This consisted of secret groups of civilians who cooperated with the Allies against the Germans.
• Collaborators were civilians living in countries occupied by Germany, who supported the Nazis.
• The number of exiles increased as millions of people left their homes in fear of being arrested or executed. Those who couldn't escape were deported.
• Nazis persecuted and killed Jewish people, communists, Slavs, gypsies, and homosexuals.

WOMEN DURING THE WAR

The role of women during WW2 was transformed. Governments recruited women to work in essential jobs like arms manufacture, air traffic control, and nursing. Some countries even had women enlisted in the army.

THE WARTIME ECONOMY

Between 1939 and 1945, European countries established a wartime economy with the main objective of supplying arms to the troops. Raw materials were overexploited for use in the iron and steel industry, petroleum extraction increased, and scientific and technological research led to the development of new weapons, such as atomic bombs.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF WW2

Demographic, economic, political consequences: the totalitarian and authoritarian regimes in Germany, Italy, and Japan were dismantled. Germany was occupied by the Allies, a democratic republic was established in Italy, and in Japan, an American military government was installed. France and Great Britain lost their position as leading international powers. The USA and USSR became the new world superpowers. The world was divided into many spheres of influence: the Western Block, led by the USA, and the Eastern Block, led by the USSR.

Territorial consequences: the Allies occupied areas that had previously belonged to the defeated powers.