The II World War 1939-1945

Apuntes

**The Second World War (1939-1945)** **1. Introduction** The Second World War was a global conflict that resulted in approximately 70 to 80 million deaths. It involved genocides, massacres, and the Holocaust. The war also saw the use of bombs, notably in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. There were two main blocs: the Allies and the Axis Powers (also called the Axis or the Axis Powers). The Axis Powers ultimately won the war. **2. Causes of the Second World War** **2.1 Rise of Authoritarian Regimes** *Italy* - Mussolini - Fascism - Spread violence and militarism - Adopted nationalist sentiment and an expansionist policy to increase territory and promote racial superiority - Pursued aggressive foreign policy *Germany* - Hitler - Nazism - Not democratic - Glorified violence and militarism - Nationalistic sentiment - Expansionist policy and arms race - Aggressive foreign policy *USSR* - Stalin - Communism - A republic with a Bolshevik Revolution in Russia *Japan* - Hirohito - Maintained a strong army to influence Asia - Sought power and territorial expansion - Aimed to acquire living space and raw materials (expulsionists) - Invaded Kor...