Second World War
Global conflict between Allies and Axis, deadliest in history.
Nearly all of the world's countries participated, with many engaging in total war on an unprecedented scale. It was the deadliest conflict in history, causing the deaths of 60 to 75 million people, a majority of whom were civilians. Millions died as a result of massacres, starvation, disease, and genocides including the Holocaust. After the Allied victory, Germany, Austria, Japan, and Korea were occupied, and German and Japanese leaders were tried for war crimes. The war transformed the political, economic, and social structures of the world and established the foundation of international relations for the rest of the 20th century and into the 21st century.
- deaths
- 60 to 75 million
- major_belligerents
- Allies and Axis powers
- key_outcome
- Allied victory; occupation of Germany, Austria, Japan, and Korea
Lore & Background
The causes of World War II included unresolved tensions after World War I and the rise of fascism in Europe and militarism in Japan. Poland was also invaded by the Soviet Union in mid-September and partitioned under the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact.
Reader's Guide
World War II transformed the political, economic, and social structures of the world and established the foundation of international relations for the rest of the 20th century and into the 21st century. The United Nations was created to foster international cooperation and prevent future conflicts, with the victorious great powers—China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States—becoming the permanent members of its Security Council. The Soviet Union and the United States emerged as rival superpowers, setting the stage for the Cold War. In the wake of Europe's devastation, the influence of its great powers waned, triggering the decolonisation of Africa and of Asia. Many countries whose industries had been damaged moved towards economic recovery and expansion. The war's legacy includes the occupation of Germany, Austria, Japan, and Korea, and the trials of German and Japanese leaders for war crimes.
Did You Know?
- World War II caused the deaths of 60 to 75 million people, a majority of whom were civilians.
- The United Nations was created after the war, with the victorious great powers as permanent members of its Security Council.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Second World War?
It is a global armed conflict that pitted the Allied nations against the Axis powers, drawing in virtually every country on Earth. It stands as the single deadliest war ever fought, claiming an estimated 60 to 75 million lives.
What are Second World War's powers/role?
Its defining trait is total war on a scale never seen before, with entire economies and populations mobilized for combat. The conflict produced catastrophic humanitarian disasters, including the Holocaust, widespread famine, and mass killings across multiple continents.
How does Second World War's story end?
The Allies secured a decisive victory, after which Germany, Austria, Japan, and Korea were placed under foreign military occupation. Leaders from the defeated nations faced international tribunals for the war crimes they had committed.
Why is Second World War important?
It completely reshaped the political, economic, and social order of the globe, dismantling empires and redrawing borders. The postwar settlement laid the groundwork for modern international institutions and the framework of global relations that followed.
Who are the main belligerents in Second World War?
The two opposing coalitions were the Allies and the Axis powers, though the conflict involved dozens of nations on both sides. The sheer breadth of participation is what made it a truly worldwide war rather than a regional dispute.
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