407

RvoutonThe use of contraceptives had reduced the size of families, but now as the governmenS
toincrease population,
the sale of contraceptives was banned in France.
Haned
Thusthe
World War I had a serious
impact on the economic and social conditions of the
andthe loss suffered during this period could not be reconciled for several years
to comé.
MOrld

World War II :Political Consequences

Atthe close of the Paris Peace Conference the delegates of the great powers expressed
hopesthat the old mistakes would not be repeated and no nation would amass brute force, but
thesehopes were completely belied. The events that followed World War I led to the Second
Horid War Stern French policy of extracting reparation from Germany, world wide
imperialistic policy of Japan, Mussolini's lust for an empire and the development of
Depression,
dictatorial
heroffHitler in Germany were some of the factors that gave afatal blow to the international
orderestablishedin 1919. England adopted the policy of appeasement and this encouraged the
nations. Consequently, the international situation became frightful. After 1936 the War
ciouds began to thicken every where and finally on September 1, 1939 the Second World War
brokeout exaactly twenty years after World War I, when Germany attacked Poland. Naturally, the
ground for the Second World War had been prepared during these twenty years.
Economic and Political Situation in the World on the
Eve of the World War II
The whole world had to suffer economic and political consequences of the World War I.
The conquest of the natural forces and the production of material goods and arms were considered
the marks of anation's prosperity and strength. Such countries were held in high respect but after
thie World War the condition of all these countries became very wretched. Economic rivalry between
nations increased. There was explosion of population in several countries. Politically the world
divided into two camps: the totalitarian states and the democratic states.
1. Economic Rivalry-The world-wide economic depression that followed the World War
Ifoisted hardships on all governments. Industry was in straits, export was declining and
uemployment was wide rampant. National income fell, making it difficult to repay loans. To cope
th this situation many countries devalued their currency. England gave up gold standard in 1931
and 35 governments followed suit in 1932. Most of the countries restricted imports and increased
exports. Some raised tariff and resorted to barter system. But all these measures failed to bring
in stability. They simply aroused animosity and jealousy. It was said at this time 'If goods are not
allowed to cross border, armies will."
2. Opulent vs. Indigent Countries--Economic disparity between the countries increased
t5a consequence of treaties signed after the World War I. Relations with Germany, Italy and
lapan becanme bitter because they thought that injustice had been done to them. In 1930,Britain,
 A History of
408 the
France. and the USA 0ccupied 30 million square
miles of land whereas
seven big nations four
shared only Imillion square miles. Out of the other three were were
many, ltalyModeandrn World
GerprOsperous
enough land and natural resources whereas the resourceless and and owned Japan
expand their territory.
3. Growing Prssure of Population-The distribution
the World War I was not rational. There was no
for
space
of colonies
the that fo rbi
wasd
growing population affected
ern to

Italy, and Japan vhereas Britain. Russia, America

and France possessed vast of after
World,German ,
new areas
populated. As a solution to this problem l0 million Italians immigrated the
two
to sparsely
and Latin America between 1880 and 1930. During the same period million Germans Canada
and colimominigersateand
d
to the USA. This exodus slackened after 1930 and some Europeans settled in British
Latin America. Later on like America, Britain also banned the entry of Asians
her colonies.
4. Totalitarianism vs. Democracy-The World War l culminated into a struggle
Africans into
democratic (Britain. France and America) and totalitarian (Germany, Austria and
The Allied Powers came out victorious on the belief that this war finish Hungary)
was a to
betpowèr
weens.
war. In the name
of strengthening democracy, the USA supported Britain and France. The Russian
away with the despotism of the Czar but installed in its place all the more absolute ut
communist dictatorship. Discontent with its parliamentary democracy, Italy in 1922
revolueffitioncientdid
power to Fascists under Benito Mussolini. Frustrated with its defeat, Germany whole handed over
supported Nazi party to establish its dictatorship in 1933. These events proved fatal to heartedly
Communist. Fascist and Nazi governments differed with each other in their democracy.
ideology
objectives stillthey had significant similarities. They were all totalitarian governments and
where the
power was concentrated in the hands of a disciplined organization which did not wantto
it with any one, for all political parties were wiped out of eXIstence. Ihe life, property and freedom
of the people were at the mercv of the goverment which subscribed to the ideal Government
of the Party, by the Party for the Party', These differences between
ideologies aggravated
international tension and paved the way for the World War.
The Background of World War I-After a peace for twenty years the flames of war
once again engulfed the whole of Europe on September 1, 1939 and the struggle became world
wide. The apprehension of war had begun after the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 when the
German delegates were coerced to sign the 'dictated' and 'humiliating treaty' of Versailles. They
considered the Treaty of Versailles a profane document and wanted to overthrow the restrictions
imposed on them. Though Germany had been defeated and crushed, it could not be neglected.
At the time of Paris Peace Treaty, the German delegate Erzberger had said with great
The nation with 60 million oppressed people could confidence,
never
perish."
The German problenm' which remained one of the most complicated and disturbing problems
of Europe during the period between the World Wars finally became the most
of the Second World War. At the Paris Peace prominent causo
Conference Germany was not treated in a bo
manner. The French policy of extracting reparation from Germany in a harsh manner intensileu
her indignation. America had gradually adopted the policy of isolationism. Discontented with the
peace treaties, Italy joined the revisionists. France wanted to reduce Germany to a state of extinction
 409

WorldWars
prosperous nation able to maintain balance in Europe, and act as
wanted to see her a the conditions of the.
Britain got an opportunity of violating
but
shield against communism. Thus Germany
Treaty
a ofVersailles, militarism she
also discontented with the Paris Peace Treaties. Prompted by
Japan was
her expansionist policies. Japan atacked and captured Manchuria in September
started|
implementing
set puppet government there. When the League of Nations
renamedit Manchukuo and up a
1931,
guilty of aggression and condemned her, she quit it.
Rome
found Japan Mussolini's nationalism touched its high and he attacked Abyssinia.
Atthis time,
existence and divided the whole World intotwo powerful camps. The
Berlin-Tokyo Axis came into
side and the Democratic states on the other. Hitler disregarded the Treaty
on one and it was
Axis Powers German troops entered Rhineland. Republicanism died in Austria
Versailles and the
April 10, 1938.
merged with Germany on dismemberment of Czechoslovakia. The German population
Another important event was the
Sudetenland, was above 50 per cent. So it was merged with Germany.
tn one of her provinces,
danger of war but cast a fatal effect on the international situation.
the
This temporarily avertedmanoeuvres and signed
diplomatic Germany won over the Baltic states to her side but
Through her
Britain wanted Germany to peacefully resolve the problem of Poland Polish
atreaty with Russia. demanded
the
from Poland the port of Danzing and September
Hitler preferred a stern policy. Hitler
Poland on the morming of
Hitler attacked
corridor to reach the sea. With this demand War I.
. 1939. This was the the
beginning of World and
by the German demand for Danzing
Causes of World War IThe crisis caused prepared
corridor was the immediate cause of World War II, but the ground for it had been
Polish causes of this great war were:
cince the end of World War I. The fundamental
and Conditions of the Treaty of Versailles-In World War IGermany
1. Harsh Terms
made to sign the humiliting treaty of Versailles. The Allied Powers invoked the
was defeated and
Principles of Wilson but Loyd George, Clemenceau and their fellow diplomats were so
Fourteen
by the feelings of revenge, national self-interest and future security that they tried
overwhelmed 'As a result
create an order in which defeated Germany would never be able to raise her head.
to people
this treaty Germany had to lose one-eighth of her territories in Europe and 7 million was
of which rivalled the naval force of Britain
together with all her colonies. Her naval force of
She had to forgo 2/3 of her coal fields, 2/3
destroyed and her army was reduced to one lakh. deposits. Churchill writes about this treaty, The
iron, 7/10 of zinc and more than half of lead They assisted in conjuring up the curse
economic clauses of the Treaty were foolish and harmful.
country like Germany could not bear such
of militarism and economic crisis.'A self-respecting opportunity appeared Germany
harsh and humiliating conditions for lóng. Therefore, as soon as the
took up arms against the Allied Powers to seek vengeance.
Rise of Dictators-After World War Idemocracy had been set up in the defeated as
2.
established in Germany was accused
well as newly created states. Weimar republic which was re-establish the prestige
rose. It wanted to
of signing the Treaty of Versailles, so the Nazi Party convince the people of the world that he ainmed
of Germany in the international field. Hitler tried to flouted the military clauses in the
he
at establishing peace but soon he turned aggressive. In 1935,
 AHistory of
410 the
Treaty of Versailles and declared re-armament.
In 1938 he annexed
Czechoslovakia. Now the clouds of war began to gather on all
sides. AAustria and Modern Worla
After World War 1, Mussolini established dictatorship in Italy.
Versailles. Italy demonstrated her imperialistic designs by attacking
Nations failed to take any action against Italy. which
exhibited
He
opposed the
Abyssinia.
the weakness of
dTheismemTbreeartyd oi
Japan also unfolded her imperialistic desires and disregarding the League of Le
the ag1e of
Manchuria. In 1937. Italy joined the Anti-Comintern Pact t and the
Rome-Berlin- Nations, LeOCcagueup.ied
into existence. In Mavy 1939. Italy signed a ten-year Treaty with
promised to cooperate with each other in case of war. With the help Germany
of the
-Tokyoboth tAXihheS Came
and
Germany Franco established his dictatorship in Spain. Thus these dictators dictators
drove the of ltaly slaandleS
the world to the verge of war.
3. Failure of the League of Nations-End of the System of count ries of

League of Nations failed to fulfil its objectives. America did not join theOllective
League. Secur
This idepr
ty The
membership ivedthe
it of the support and assistance of a powerful nation. In the beginning the
League was not open to the vanquished nations. of
Impressed by the commendable work done by the League of Nations in certain
1925 and 1929,fifty nations obtained its membership, but this was a
temporary phase. The fields between
Powers used the League to grind their own axe. England wanted to exercise Allied
over the communistic tendencies of Russia. The aim of France
was to international
control
conditions of the Peace Conference were observed. Japan ignored the see that the terms and
and quit it Mussolini atacked Abvssinia in 1935, proposals of the
and grabbed it. The League failed to take League
steps during these world crises. effeetius
4. Failure of
Disarmament EffortsPoliticians
the world over believed that to ensure
peace and security the arms race should cease.
and armed After the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. the arms
forces of the vanguished nations had
assured Germany that after some time general been greatly reduced. The Allied Powers had
collective security. but the policies adopted by disarmament would be implemented to ascertain
different nations only encouraged armament.
The first attempt towards
in which the major naval powers disarmament was made in 1921 in the Washington Conference
the tonnage of their warships. TheBritain, America and Japan agreed to delimit the proportions of
to reduce the arms and to put a check German Disarmament Conference held in 1932 made
on them. The Five Power efforts
Pact and the Mac Donald Plan were
some of Conference, the Four Power
peace and implementing disarmament, but the important steps taken in the direction of
no decisions could be taken and because of the differences between France andestablisning
when Hitler announced to walk out of the Germany
fizzled out. After this all big and small states began to augment their conference, It totaily
once again sank into the same
World War began. The atmosphere international chaos in which Europemilitary
had
power and te wo
been betore tne
that developed all round made a
5. future war seem inmm
Contradictory Policies of Western Nations and the
Appeasement-The Failure of the Policy of
of the power of Italy mutual disputes among the Allied Powers also contributed to the development
and
Powers' came to an end andGermany. Afer the Paris 'Five Allied
the responsibility for Peace Conference, the group of fell onthe
enforcing the peace treaties mainly
 AHistorn of the
412
Britain. But difterences
between these two states had Modern World
shoulders of France and
questions of reparation, collective
and disarmament.
security
for the sake of her
commercial benefits, Britain
increased on the
It was unfortunate that
Germany in her plans of
Britain wanted to ward
rearmament. To maintian her world
off any danger in the Mediterranean
wideempire and
region and the iinmteplrniatciitolynalheltpradeed
Manchurian crisisFartill East. T
why she appeased ltaly. Britain did not oppose Japan (from This was
war) because it appeared to be the only
interests in Far and South-East Asia.
Another reason for adopting the policy of
im
way of safeguarding her immediate

apreasement was that after World

and
Sino-Japanese
future trade
keep hei under control Britain wanted War I France
had become verv powerful in Europe andto separate treaties with to
Germanv., This enraged the Allied Powers and France made Poland.strengthen
and Czechoslovakia. Hitler and Mussolini took full
advantage of the
differences between Belgium
and England and of the policv of appeasement.
Mutual distrust weakened the
front
of France
Powers and they found it difficult to check the growing power of the dictators. the Allied
Thus
of appeasement completel demolished the concept of
World
collective
War I,
security.
the spirit of
pol icy
6. Spirit of Extreme Nationalism-As in
was one of the important causes of the conflict. Because of industrjal exteme nationalism
revolution,
competition had been growing in the world. This economic nationalism was responsibleeconomic
War. The need for controlling this nationalism had been felt since World War I came te e
The spirit of internationalism failed to grow. The influence of. extreme nationalism was
in ltaly. Germany and Japan. Nationalism there aimed at making the nation strong andpre-eminent
oior
Hitler made the concept of 'master race' the basis of national greatness. The economic depressior
played an important role inaccentuating the spirit of nationalism.
7. Rise of the Two Rival Military Blocs-Before World War I, the whole world was
divided into two rival militar camps: the one stood for democracy and the other for despotism.
Now before World War Il again there were two rival military camps. On the one side were
nations like Germany. Italy and Japan which formed the Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis. On the other
side were allied powers like Britain. France, Soviet Russia and America. They formed a
strong
treaty organization. When the Germarn armed forces under Hitler attacked Poland, Britain and
France supported Poland, and the Second World War broke out.
8. The Discontent of the Minorities-When the Paris treaties shifted
boundaries of the
states, exchange of races was inevitable. Austria was separated from Germany and
was recognized as an independent state. This complicated the situation in Balkan
Czechoslovakia
peninsula and
central Europe. While the Treaties were under preparation, the Allied Powers dispelled 1ear the
of the minorities by asserting the principle of
'self-determination'. But these minorities becane a
source of exciting 'mutual discord', agitation and
between various states.
discontent which finally initiated mutual strugeo
9. The Immediate Cause of War: German Attack on
Poland on September 1, 1939. On September 3, Britain and Poland -Hitler suddenly sto
France warned Germany t I n
but Hitler turned a deaf ear. Consequently, Britain and France
a short time the war spread like declared war against Gerniay
wild fire. This was the origin of
World War :
 413
IorldWars

Events of World War II-For the sake of convenience the events of the World War Il
four phases -
put into
can be
Phase One-It comprises events from September 1, 1939 to June 21, 1941 when Germany
attacked Poland, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, France, Britain and Greece.
Phase Two-Between June 22, 1941 and December 6, 1941. The Axis Powers attacked
attacked Russia.
Africa and Germany
Dhase Three--From December 7, 1941 to November 7, 1942. It includes Japanese attack
on Pearl Harbour and occupation of Netherlands, East Indies and Caucasus by the armed forces
Powers.
of the Allied
Dhase Four-From November 8, 1942 to May 6, 1945. It includes American attack on
French North Africa and the surrender of Germany as well as the surrender of Japan between
14, 1945.
May 7, 1945 to August
Attack on Poland : The War begins On September 1, 1939 Hitler's forces crossed into
she boundary of Poland, captured western Poland within two weeks and beseiged her capital
Warsaw.
Meanwhile, Britain and France declared war against Germany on September 3. The
Commonwealth countries (Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and India) also joined
the war against Germany. On September 17, Russia attacked Poland and occupied the eastern
nart. Thus by September 27, the whole of Poland passed under foreign rule. On September 28
Germany and Russia signed an agreement according to which the western part of Poland remained
Russia.
with Germany and the eastern with
Russia occupies Baltic States and attacks Finland-After the Russo-German agreenent,
Germany engaged in war with Britain and France on the Western Front. Russia made treaties of
cooperation with the three small states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in the Baltic region and
sought from them an assurance to station her forces there. For the security of Leningrad she
wanted facilities to build a military base in Finland. When negotiations between them failed Russia
attacked Finland and forced her to surrender on March 12, 1940. Under a Treaty Finland had to
cede to Russia a large portion of her territory together with Ladoga lake as well as consent the
construction of a naval base at Hango. Thus Russia reoccupied all the states that had slipped out
of her hands after World War I.
Fall of Denmark and Norway-After occupy ing Poland, Hitler asked Britain and France
to cease fire. But the Allied Powers turned down his proposal. Thereupon in April 1940, Germany
attacked and defeated Norway and Denmark. The defeat of these two states invited people's
censure of the Chamberlain government. Chamberlain resigned and Churchill became the Prime
Minister in his place. He proved to be a great war leader and conducted the war very efficiently.
German Attack on Holland and Belgium-On May 10, Germany attacked Luxemburg,
beigium and Holland. Luxumbrg fell the very same day, Holland was occupied after five Gays and
Belgium surrendered on May 28, 1940.
Fall of France--Hitler attacked France on May 10, On May 17, the German forces broke
e rrench line of defence, captured a vast area of 60 miles and
created a rift between the
 414 A History of the

combined French. Belgian and British forces stationed in the north and the French
Modern World
south. France and the Allied Powers were in afragile position now. Balon fell on
on May 27, and the German forces converged near the port of Dunkirk. The Belgian
May forces25, in the
surrendered on May 28 and ceased fire. This made the leftwing of tthe Allied ruler LeopolCaladis
in the north vulnerable and presaged their defeat. Germany again attacked France on Forces statio5ned
on June 10 the French government shifted from Paris to Tours. June and
Italy joins the War-On June 10, Italy declared war against France and
14, the German forces easil entered Paris because French government had Britain.
withdrawn On June
from there. Arnistice was signed between France and Germany on June 22. her troops
terms and conditions of the Armistice, France had to cede more than half of her Accordin
territory
contained most of her industrial estates and all the seaports on the coast of Atlantic. Amristice
gto the
which
with Italv was signed on June 23. 1940 according to which France ceded to Italy all the
she had alreadv won as wel as conceded to demilitarize her major bases of Tulou,
Tunisia,te
and Aigeria spread along the Italian border. Some French patriots who stillwanted to contiaa
r itor
Corsiy
c
with Germany reached England under the leadership of De Gaulle, foorrmed an independent
government there and organized an independent French army. This independent French French
carried on war with Germany. govermment
Germany attacks Britain-The French defeat weakened the position of Britain.
Germany
now held suway over all the seas from Norway to South Spain. Encouraged by all this, German
launched a fierce attack on England on June 18, 1940. The German airplanes bombarded Enend
for five months. But the Churchillgovenment faced Germany with great fortitude Churchil not
only made enthusiastic speeches but made allpossible preparations for the defence of Engand.
Therefore. Hitler gradually slowed down his attacks. On the other hand Italy occupied Somaliland.
Kenya and Sudan as well as artacked north Egypt and then Greece. Greece with the help of other
states repulsed the Italian forces out of her territory. Now Gernany came to help Italy and oceupiet
Greece in April 1941. Russia which was also occupying Balkan region signed an agreement with
Italy and Germany in September 1941 and entered war on the side of the Axis Powers. Within
two months Hungary. Rumania, and Slovakia also joined the Axis Powers. In February 1941,
German forces put British forces to rout in Libya, attacked Yugoslavia on April 9, 1941 and conquered
her. To finish the British empire Germany attacked Irag, Iran and Syria, but here Germany had
to give in before the British power. This closed the eastern road for Germany.
Germany attacks Russia-Though Russia and Germany had signed anon-aggression pact
inAugust 1939, Hitler wanted to defeat Russia to ensure the safety of his eastern frontier. Both
Germany and Russia wanted to increase their influence in the Balkan region. This caused rivalry
between them. On June 22, 1941 German forces attacked Russia, and brought Ukraine, Estonia,
Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and eastern Poland under her rule. But Hitler failed to capture Moseow
and destroy the Russian army.
Germany made a mistake by attacking Moscow. When the winter set in, it became ani
for Germany to advance further. Counter attack by Russian army forced German forces to retreat
from the suburbs of Moscow. However, they occupied 5 lakh square miles of Russian territory
Japan attacks America-Japan had already been trying to establish her influenee in As
and the Pacific region. With Germany she formed the Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis. Taking advan
 A History of the
416
Indo-China and captured her
Modern World
ofbases.
the These France. ofJapan
fal ofactivities
occupied French military naval
Japan alerted Britain and America. America warned Japan not and
to disturt
the peace of the Pacific region. But all of asudden Japan attacked Pearl Harbour in the Hawai
ships including 8 warships were either
badly. 177
on airplanes
December were lost. 19
7, 1941. naval
2.343 soldiers were killed and more than 2000 sunk or On the
wounded.
islands
next day. that is on December S. America and England declared war on Japan and maade the war damaged
a World War in the true sense.
Campaign (December 1941 - May 1942)-Japan like
Japan's
European empires
achieved great
Military
success
in in the
South beginning
East Asia
Having
and the
attacked Pearl Harbour, she quickly moved
Pacific Gertowarmanyds
as well as the American islands and by the
end of December 194l captured Siam. She deprived Britain of Hong Kong and in January 1942
brought a large portion of Philippine Islands under her control. By the middle of February, the
British naval base at Singapore passed under the control of Japan. She defeated Burma by the
end of March and ciosed all the routes of sending military equipment to China. In March itself
defeated the joint fleets of Holland. America, England and Australia, sent some of h
she the whole of Dutch East Indies and eated
forces into Java and within a few weeks occupiedCoregidar, the remaining bases in the
Australia. in May 1942 she captured Watan and American empires in East Asias. Philippines.
Thus within six months she destroved the European and
Pacific region.
The Russian Front-n spite of aprolonged struggle the German armed forces faileds
for
penetrate any further into Russia. In the winter of 1941, the RusSians attacked German
and forced them to retreat. German forces failed to capture MoscoW, but they soon trampled over
forces meved
Crimea and occupied Sebastipole. During the summer a division of the German
south towards Caucasus and captured its rich oil fields; another division moved east in the direction
of Stalingrad on the Volga and reached there by the end of August. Thus by March 1942 the
German armed forces had captured the whole of western region, Ukraine and Crimea in the south
and had penetrated deep into the Caucasus region in the east. In August-September Stalin reorganized
his defence mechanism and inspired the Russian army aFd citizens to resist the enemy with rew
enthusiasm. In August 1942, Churchillvisited Russia, explained the plan of Allied Powers to Stalin
and obtained his concurrence. On November 19, 1942 the Russian army mounted a fierce counter
attack against Germany and beseiged twenty-two divisions of German army between the Volga
and Don rivers. This gave a momentous shock to German armed forces as well as the prestige
of Hitler. This put an end to German dream of ever establishing control over Russia.
The War takes a New Turn-Defeat of Axis Powers in Africa and Europe-Upto the
middle of 1942, the Axis Powers carried on their victory march successfully in Europe, Africa and
Last Asia and Britain, America and Russia had to recede at every front. But by the end of l942,
the progress of the Axis Powers came to a halt. In November 1942, the' joint forces of Britan
and America began to drive out Italian and German forces from north Africa and ultimatelyand
the
Allied Powers established their control there. In this victory campaign General Montgomery
Eisenhour showed great prowess.
Defeat of Ialy-The condition of Allied Powers improved in 1943. On July 10, they attackeo
Sicily. Italian forces were very weak and suffered defeat at every place. Mussolini asked Hitler
ItorldWars 417

to help but he could not send any help. The joint forces of Allied Powers attacked Italy on July
18. After a fierce struggle Mussolini was arrested on July 23. Italy surrendered on December 3.
1943. Meanwhile the German paratroopers liberated Mussolini who once again tried to bring ltaly
under his influence with the help of Germany, but in vain. Ultimately, the Allied Powers occupied
1944
Rome on June 4,
Defeat of Germany-The defeat of Germany started from Stalingrad when the Russian
army surrounded the German armed forces. By February 1943 more than one lakh German soldiers
had been killed. The danger to Moscow had passed off. In the summer Russia frustrated the
German forces. In the struggle that lasted about two months more than one lakh eighty thousand
German soldiers perished and about 3500 German planes, 20thousand military vehicies and other
arms and weapons including 1300 tanks were destroyed. The Russian armed forces now emtered
Poland, devastated Nazi forces and conquered Rumania, Finland and Bulgaria. Finally on March
&1944 two thousand American bombers bombarded Berlin. The armies of the Allied PowerS
sNere landed on the north western seacoast of France. By 1944 the number of forces in France
reached 3 lakh. German fortification on the French border was pulled down. On August 15, 1944
the forces of Allied Powers were landed on the east Mediterranean coast of France; they captured
she ports of Toulouse and Marseilles. The German occupied Paris fell on August 25 and the
German army surrendered.
After the liberation of France the Allied Forces liberated all other states occupied by Germany.
Almost al the states in the Balkan peninsula sided with the Allied Powers. In November 1944
the Allied Forces entered Germany via Holland. When these forces had crossed the river Rhine.
the German people turned against Hitler and aconspiracy was hatched to murder him. Meanwhile,
Russian forces liberated all the states under German rule in the castern region and marched
towards Berlin. On April 22, 1945 Russia attacked Berlin. British, French and American forces
also converged there. Finally, Berlin fellon May 2, 1945 and the German arny surrendered on
May 4. Hitler with his wife Iva Braun committed suicide and the Italian pariots shot Mussolini
and his wife dead. Armistice was signed on May 7, 1945 and on May &the War in Europe came
to an end.
Defeat of Japan and the End of the World War-Afer the defcat of Germany Allied
Powers turned their attention towards Japan. Now the British forces made arapid advance in the
Far East and liberated Burma. Then Malaya, Philippines and Singapore were liberated. Lastly a
fierce attack was mounted on Japan. In the Potsdam Conference held on Juty 26, 1945, the Allied
Powers asked Japan tomake an unconditional surrender, but Japan tumed a deaf ear. As a result,
on August 6, 1945, America dropped the first atom bomb on the prosperous city of Hiroshima.
Asecond bomb was dropped on Nagasaki on August 9. Japan offered to surrender on the terms
of Potsdam declaration on August 10 and the war came to an end on August 14. Thus the tierce
and annihilating Second World War lasted almost six yearsS.
PoliticalConsequences of World War Il
The Second World War was the most barbarous, fierce and devastating war in human
history; it was so colossal and consequential that an age ended with it. Many new ideologies were
born in Europe after World War II. The new ideologies of democracy and nationalism that had
 4
418 History of
the
stood the test of
emerged after the French Revolution had successfully nationalism
War some of these ideologies had worn out. The spirit of
time. But
began to
Moafterdertnhe World
awakening brought about by the industrial revolution and the development of decline. The Worla
political science enhancneewd
study the
the importance of economic organization of society. We can
this war under the following heads:
1. Change in the Techniques of Warfare : Beginning of the
techniques used in this war greath differed from those used in the previous
coenarseqsuences
NuclHitler'
of

months to Agetech-niTquhee
of Blitzkreig surprised the whole world. The victories that required years and
wars.
were now attained in weeks and davs. Army and navy did not have as much
war as the airforce and aeroplanes. New methods of attack and counter-attack
tested. The use of the atom bomb brought the world on the verge of disaster.
iwere nceac omplin itlshyis
mportasuCcessful
the world over realized that man had attained superhuman powers in the form AIl the
in the present day man has developed intercontinental, supersonic jet planes, atomicscientists
of
nuclear heads as well as planes and submarines powered with nuclear mi s iles energy.
2. Division of Society into Two ldeologies--Several new energy.
tendencies were born
carrying
history of Europe after World War Il. The spirit of nationalism had waned and in the
by those new ideologies that aimed at reorganizing society in a new way. was being
intotwo ideologies : communism and democracy. The Society
communists wanted the replaced
was now divided
means of
to be owned by the public as awhole and nobody should get any income
withouta engaginproduction
abolished, classlessg himself
in productive labour. Diference between high and low should be
should be established and the government should control all
believers in democracy, no doubt, favoured the abolition of social
business
activities. On the other
hand
society
but thev heid that the government should make laws to control the distinction between high and low,
origin,
of property to maintain coordination between capital and labour, land exchange andI
every one should get an adequate share of property. During the World owners and distribution
War many peasants and
scruples helping the enemy if it held identical ideas against
in people felt no
were fighting. Now lovalty to the nation, patriotism and the which their own national governments
were replaced by devotion to ideology. spirit of sacrifice for the motherland
3.Weakening of the Spirit of
Nationalism-Scientific
and space. Differences based on language, development has annihilated time
religion, race and culture have dissolved. Nations have
now begun to organize themselves into various
groups. After World War II the East European
nations which followed the Communist ideology decided to form a bloc under the overall
of Russia. Similarly. the West European
nations which stood for democracy decided topatronage
join into
a group to avert Communism.
4. Emphasis on
Totalitarianism--Although
War, the War revealed inefficacy democracy triumphed in the
and hollowness of democratic countries. In spite ofSecond World
in the War, England and France failed to avoid their victory
economic crisis. Therfore,
to replace democracy. National
governments everywhere felt insecure becausetotalitarianism began
of these contilg
1deologies. In every state emerged political parties which were more
with the security of their state. It became concerned with ideology Ua
imperative for nationaB governments to put Seve
restrictions on such political parties and to suppress their
anti-national activities. Tnis w
 419
WorldWaars
freedom-lovingcountry like England was forced to adopt several measures against the Communist
and true democracy were now on the wane.
reedom of ideas
party. Beginning of the Cold War-After the end of the World War politicians and people

world hopedthat now alasting peace would reigninthe world andthe Allied Powers, would
ofthe manifold post war problems. But people's expectation did not come true. After
abletosolve the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R., appeared on the international stage. They
be
twwo great powers,
represented,contrastingideologies, so soon differences between them cropped up on various counts.
the war

differences generated somuch tension and animosity that afierce war of charges and
counter-charges,and
These propogation of mutually contradictory ideologies continued for many years.
Cold War'. Thus the nations which opposed each other maintained diplomatic
known as the
This is not resort to overt clashes. but treated each other with hostility. The press in
relationsand did
countries continued to hurl charges and counter-chargestill 1991. With the disintegration
these
USSR the Cold War has theoretically come to an end. The bipolar system of the Cold War
ofthe
days is
changinginto a unipolar one and this can be seen in America's anxiety for evolving aglobal
economy. However, Communist China obdurately obstructs her efforts.
existence after the
KNon-alignment-Most of the new SOvereign states which came into
decided| to keep themselves away from the tussle of the cold war. India led the way
World War,
and raised her voice for non-alignment. Jawaharlal Nehrn, said, "As far as possible
inthis situation opposing camps, which has already
we must keep ourselves away from the politics of the two
wars.' He called upon all the recently liberated African and Asian countries
brought about two world
to rallytogether to form an intermational power. About 102 countries have joined the non-alignment
movement at present. The Non-aligned summits have succeeded
in providing a forum to all the
countries which have not joined either of the power blocs and are struggling against colonialism.
7. Development of Regional Organisations-To ensure their future security both the
power blocs formed regional organizations. Those under the leadership of the U.S.A. wanted to
check the onward march of Communism. While the U.S.S.R. created communist governments
between herself and the westen nations with a view to strengthening her security. Among the
security organizations of the western countries the chief are North Atiantic Treaty Organization
(NATO), South East Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO) and the Baghdad Pact. Among the
communist security organisations the Warsaw Pact was the most prominent.
8. End of Colonialism and the Rise of Independent StatesWorld War Il sparked off
tie spirit of independence and freedom movements in Asian countries gathered momentum arrd
forced the mperialistic powers to grant freedom to the occupied countries. The British govemment
changed her policies and India, Burma, Malaya, Lanka, Egypt and other countries were liberated.
Several countries like Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam etc. in Frnch Indo-China got rid of French
domination and became independent. The Dutch colonies-Java, Sumatra and Bormeo etc. fomed
a tederal state of Indonesia and overthrew the Dutch domination. Thus a large portion of the
british, French and Dutch empires slipped out of their yoke. It was something unprecedented.
powers lost in this
9. End of Imperialism and Colonialisa--Some European imperialistic
invulnerability of Eropean
ar and their colonies set up national govemments. The myth of the together. Communist
Povers was broken and they found themselves unable to hold their empires
 420
AHistory of the Modern Wrld
awakened
ideologyalso denounced imperialism and colonialism. National political consciousness had
shifted t
in the colonies and it was impossible to suppress it. The centre of power struggle now
Africa and Latin America. The peoples in these regions challenged the supremacy of the
European civilization and culture.
10. Balance of Terror in place of Balance of Power--The traditional concept of balance
of power disappeared because preponderance of power could not be established against a nuclear
power. Its place has now been taken by balance of terror. No doubt it has established peace, it
is very dangerous and hazardous because even an insignificant misunderstanding or erroneous
decision might cause devastationof the whole world. Menace of destruction coupled with mutuzl
disbelief haunts the policy makers all over the world.
11. Establishment of the United Nations Organization--After the havoc caused by
World War lIlsome prudent politicians felt an urgent need for creating an internatioalorganization
for the security of mankind and the establishment of a lasting peace. Efforts in this direction had
already started while the war was stillgoing on. During the Moscow Conference held in October
1943 the need for establishing an international organization for general security was discussed and
accepted. Then in several meetings the outline of its organization and constitution was prepared
and was gjven a final shape in the San-Frarnsisco Conference held in April-June, 1945. The
of the United Nations Organization wEs put into practice on constitujon
which signed the Charter in the San-Fransisco Conference, wereOctober 24, 1945. The 51 states
of the U.N.O. At present the number of its members has considered the founder members
of Palau in the Pacific region. risen upto 190, the latest being the state
In conclusion, it can be said that World War
II was a very fierce and
country in the world was left untouched by its devastating war. No
neutral during the war could not remain influence. Even the countries which remained
Now it was replaced by areas divided unaffected. The war changed the face of imperialism.
balance of power passed out of the hands according to their allegiance to different ideolgoies. The
of Britain into the hands of
shortcomings of the League of Nations and to maintain America. To get rid of the
in future United Nations peace and cordial relations in the world
War Il. Organisation was established. This is the most important giftof World