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World War II |
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World War 2 > European Theatre | Pacific Theatre |
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![]() After World War I, not all nations were happy with the outcome. Germany, on the losing side, was bitter about the Treaty of Versailles, whose conditions included reparation payments and territorial losses. Although among the victors, Italy was not happy with its limited territorial gains, and Japan had hoped to gain control of China. Germany succumbed to economic depression in the 1930s. Sentiment was at a high against the Versailles Treaty, which many Germans considered unfair. The climate was ripe for a leader such as Adolf Hitler, a brilliant orator who made grand promises of conquest and prosperity. Once in power, Hitler quickly established himself as dictator — the "Fuhrer" of the Nazi party. Also during the 1930s, Japan used minor skirmishes with China as a license to occupy Manchuria and several Chinese ports. Their brand of military totalitarianism was similar to Germany's fascist government. Italy joined sides with Germany during the Spanish civil war, when both nations came to the aid of the Spanish rebels. From 1936-1937, treaties were signed between the three nations, and they became known as "the Axis." On the opposing side of the growing conflict, "the Allies" eventually expanded to include Britain, the United States, the USSR, and China, along with a score of other nations.
Despite multinational involvement, the tide of war did not truly turn until D Day (June 6, 1944), when American and British troops crossed the English Channel and landed on the beaches of Normandy. After a hard-fought battle, they were able to establish beachheads which would prove pivotal in beating back the German army. After this important Allied victory, Hitler was unable to consolidate troops on his eastern front to strengthen his offense against Russia. Embattled on both fronts, the German army pulled back towards Berlin and eventually capitulated on May 7, 1944. The following year saw the finish of a long and difficult war. The dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and August 9, respectively, brought a precipitous end to Japanese resistance. On August 14, 1945, Japan surrendered.
For more information about the major battles of World War II, please visit the European Theatre and Pacific Theatre pages on this website.
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