Post-WWII Global Transformation and the Cold War Era

Political and Territorial Changes

Following the war, global relations were dominated by the USA and the USSR. Tensions between these powers grew, leading to the Cold War. In Western Europe, parliamentary democracy and capitalism were restored, while Eastern Europe saw the rise of communist dictatorships under Soviet control.

Economic Consequences

By 1945, the communications network in Central Europe had disappeared. Petroleum was scarce, and industrial production had been significantly reduced.

Human Loss and the Holocaust

World War II resulted in the deaths of 60 million people and the massive displacement of approximately 40 million individuals seeking new homes in Europe. The most brutal aspect was the Holocaust, the systematic extermination of Jewish communities. At the Wannsee Conference, Nazis adopted the "Final Solution," leading to mass extermination in camps such as Treblinka and Auschwitz-Birkenau.

The Peace Settlement

Germany was divided into four zones, each administered by one of the four Allied powers: the USA, USSR, Britain, and France. Berlin, located within the Soviet zone, was also divided into four sectors. The Nuremberg Trials were established to prosecute Nazi war criminals, and new borders were determined for Poland.

Turning Points in the Pacific and Africa

The Pacific Ocean (June 1942)

The Naval Battle of Midway destroyed the majority of the Japanese Navy. Later, Allied forces defeated the Japanese at the Battle of Guadalcanal. Led by General MacArthur, the Allies advanced by conquering island after island using the leapfrogging strategy.

The African Campaign (October 1942)

British forces, led by a Field Marshal, defeated the German army at the Battle of El Alamein. The German forces eventually surrendered in May 1943.

Operation Husky and the Italian Front

From Africa, the Allies launched Operation Husky, invading and conquering Sicily. King Victor Emmanuel III deposed Mussolini, and the Allies advanced towards Rome, while Germany retained control of Northern Italy.

The Soviet Union and the Eastern Front

In August 1942, Germany launched an attack against the USSR. The two powers confronted each other in Stalingrad, where the Soviet Union eventually repelled German troops and began advancing westward. In August 1943, German forces suffered heavy losses during the Battle of Kursk.

The Foundation of the United Nations

In 1945, 50 countries met at the San Francisco Conference to set up a new international organization. Its goals included:

• Maintaining international peace and security.
• Protecting individual rights regardless of sex, race, age, or religion.
• Promoting peaceful cooperation among nations.

Specialized organs were created to promote mutual aid, such as the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

UN Organizational Structure

• Security Council: Responsible for key decisions, featuring five permanent members (USA, Britain, USSR, France, and China) who hold veto rights.
• General Assembly: The body where all UN members make recommendations.
• Secretariat: The administrative organ of the UN.