World War II: Economic Mobilization, Atrocities and Aftermath

Features of World War II

The economic war: Mobilization of young men for the army and the increase in weapons production caused a labor shortage in all participating countries. They resorted to different systems: Germany applied brutal methods, such as the employment of POWs and forced laborers from conquered countries. The Allies resorted mainly to the employment of female labor and youth, and to increasing working hours. The Second World War prompted major technological developments: penicillin; new fibers such as nylon for parachutes; early computers; and nuclear energy. Faster planes, anti‑aircraft missiles and bombs foreshadowed later rocket and space technology, while aircraft carriers expanded naval power.

The Economic War

Mobilization and production: The combined demands of total war required full mobilization of resources and people. Nations adapted with varying policies, from forced labor and POW employment to integration of women and youth into factories. The wartime economy accelerated research and production, producing medical, chemical and technological breakthroughs that had lasting peacetime impact.

War of Annihilation

War of annihilation: Both Germany and Japan pursued visions of a "new order" after early victories, aiming for regional hegemony. The imposition of this "new order" was accompanied by cruel and inhuman methods. The Nazi leadership sought to preserve the supposed ethnic purity of the Aryan race (considered "superior") by eliminating other groups, especially Jews. In 1941 Hitler ordered the "Final Solution," which led to genocide of other groups: Roma (Gypsies), homosexuals, political prisoners, resistance fighters, and others. The extermination camps were central to this program. Both sides also used massive bombing of cities as a way to undermine civilian morale. This constant destruction of the rear areas reached its peak with the release by the United States of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Collaborators

Local collaboration and resistance: In conquered and occupied countries, some segments of the native population adopted positions in support of the invaders, becoming collaborators. During the first half of the war, German occupation authorities fostered the emergence of groups that supported Nazi ideas; members of these groups were called collaborators. After four years, collaboration became synonymous with high treason. At the end of the war collaborators were often harshly reprised by their fellow citizens. For example, some were paraded through the streets; women who had relations with occupiers were publicly humiliated and stripped, without taking into account that coercion, fear, or survival needs sometimes motivated collaboration.

Successes

In some occupied areas, collaborationist groups achieved short‑term influence or administrative roles under occupation authorities; however, such "successes" frequently ended with legal and extralegal reprisals once the occupiers were expelled.

Implications

Human and territorial consequences: Demographically, the war killed about 50 million people. Forced displacement affected more than 20 million people. Territorial effects included transfers of territory toward the western borders of the Soviet Union. Japan returned to prior territorial limits after its defeat. Germany was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the Allied powers. Europe was left devastated after the war; reconstruction of the continent became a priority for many nations.

• Estimated deaths: about 50 million people
• Forced displacement: more than 20 million people
• Territorial changes: transfers to the Soviet Union's western borders and other adjustments
• Germany divided into four occupation zones
• Widespread destruction made reconstruction a top postwar priority

Organization of the United Nations

Founding and structure: The United Nations Charter was approved in San Francisco in October 1945. Its aims included equal rights for all peoples of the earth and the promotion of friendly relations among nations. The UN established headquarters, a General Assembly composed of representatives of all member countries, a General Secretariat as the executive organ, and a Security Council consisting of representatives from 15 countries with veto power among its permanent members.