International Relations and the Aftermath of World War II

International Relations and the Path to War

1919–1924: The Fragile New Order

This period saw a new international order characterized by slow economic recovery, rising unemployment, and weak democratic institutions, which ultimately gave birth to fascism, pessimism, and societal demoralization.

1924–1929: Prosperity and Cooperation

A time of strife and prosperity, this era marked the height of the League of Nations (SDN). It featured rapid economic recovery, a Franco-German rapprochement, and increased international cooperation.

1929–1939: The Road to Conflict

The end of the economic boom and the 1929 crash led to increased international tension and the expansionist policies of Germany, Italy, and Japan, ultimately triggering the Second World War.

Consequences of the War

Demographic Impact

• Over 60 million deaths, including more than 5 million Jews.
• Widespread hunger and epidemics.
• Massive population displacement caused by the war and shifting borders.

Economic Impact

• European industrial production fell by over 80%.
• Urban infrastructure and transportation networks were destroyed.

Political Consequences

• Collapse of fascist regimes.
• The USSR annexed territories in Poland, Finland, Romania, and the three Baltic States (Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania).
• Germany was divided into four occupation zones.
• Japan renounced its conquests.
• Europe was divided into spheres of influence, establishing the bipolarity between the USA and USSR that led to the Cold War.

The Organization of Peace

Learning from the precedents of the Treaty of Versailles, the post-war peace process aimed to avoid humiliating the losers while creating avenues for their economic recovery. The Allies—France, the UK, the USA, and the USSR—began preparations at conferences starting in 1943.

Key Conferences

• Tehran (Late 1943): Considered the first contact between the Allies, though no formal agreements were reached.
• Yalta (February 1945): Established the division of Germany into four zones of influence and defined new borders for Poland and the USSR, effectively shaping the future split into two opposing blocs.
• Potsdam (Summer 1945): As differences grew, this conference marked the end of Allied cooperation. It was decided that Japan would fall under exclusive U.S. control, and that Berlin and Vienna would be divided into four sectors of occupation.