Discussion Topic
Causes and consequences of World War II
Summary:
World War II was caused by multiple factors, including the Treaty of Versailles, aggressive expansion by Axis powers, and failure of appeasement. The consequences were profound: massive loss of life, the Holocaust, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the establishment of the United Nations, and the beginning of the Cold War. The war reshaped global politics and economies, leading to decolonization and the rise of the U.S. and Soviet Union as superpowers.
What were the causes and results of World War II?
When making any news article, you want to be able to answer the following questions. Who was involved? What happened? Why did it happen? When did it happen? What were the results of the action?
In looking at the causes of World War II, we can look at these questions individually.
Who: The countries of Germany, Italy, and Japan, called the Axis Powers, were fighting Great Britain, France, and eventually the United States and the Soviet Union, called the Allied Powers.
What: The Axis Powers began to invade other countries to get land and resources. After Germany invaded Poland, Great Britain and France declared war on the Germany. After the Japanese attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor, we declared war on Japan. In each instance, other alliance members joined the war. The Soviet Union joined the war after being invaded by Germany when Germany broke the non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union.
Why: The Axis Powers wanted land and resources. Germany wanted revenge for the harsh Versailles Treaty.
When: World War II began in Europe in September 1939. The United States joined the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor that occurred on December 7, 1941.
Results: Germany and Italy controlled much of Europe at the start of the war. The Axis advance was stopped when they failed to capture Great Britain in 1940. When Germany invaded the Soviet Union, Germany made a major military mistake that weakened them significantly. The Axis Powers were on the retreat in Europe after 1942, and they surrendered on May 8, 1945. The Japanese controlled much of the western and the central Pacific Ocean and parts of Asia until June of 1942. After the Battle at Midway Island, a battle that Japan lost, the Japanese were now on the retreat as the Allies began the policy of island hopping. Eventually, the United States dropped two atomic bombs on Japan, ending the war. After the war ended, the United States and the Soviet Union became the two superpowers, and they entered a period of confrontation and competition known as the Cold War.
Now you are able to write an informed news article!
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