World War II: Causes, Key Events, and Axis vs Allies

World War II: A Global Conflict

World War II (or the Second World War) was the largest armed conflict in history.

The Rise of Nazi Germany

For years, Germany's economy was weakened by excessive debt and hyperinflation, which caused widespread discontent with the government.

In 1929, the Wall Street Crash in New York triggered the worst economic crisis of the 20^th century. Its impact was so significant that the unemployment rate in Germany exploded. Because of this, nationalist groups like the Nazi Party emerged, seeking to create a "perfect" society (German-speaking, excluding homosexuals, disabled individuals, and others).

In 1933, Adolf Hitler, the leader of the Nazi Party, rose to power. Despite Germany's ban on expanding its military, Hitler's totalitarian regime began preparing its army. At this point, Germany was strong enough to launch its expansion.

The Beginning of the War

In 1938, Germany annexed Austria and Czechoslovakia.

Germany attacked Poland on September 1^st, 1939, prompting the UK and France to declare war, marking the beginning of World War II.

Germany continued to invade countries, using Hitler's Blitzkrieg strategy (surprising opposing defenses with rapid, strong attacks in a concentrated area). France was taken by the Germans.

Axis Powers and Allied Forces

In 1940, Germany, Italy, and Japan formed the Axis Powers. Despite its attacks, Germany failed to invade England and began invading the USSR.

The Axis forces gained Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, and Greece in 1941. On June 22, Axis forces launched the largest military operation in history to attack the USSR, leading the USSR to join the Allied forces. In Asia, Japan occupied French Indochina, leading the US to impose an embargo (ban on trades) on oil and steel. In response, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

The US Enters the War

In 1942, the USA entered the war on the Allied side. In Europe, concentration and extermination camps were built to massacre Jews, resistance fighters, political opponents, gypsies, homosexuals, disabled people, and others.

Axis Powers vs. Allies