key events during world war 2

Key Events In The Second World War

Battle Of Britain 10 July 1940 – 31 October

1940

Battle Of Britain (1940)Battle Of Britain (1940)

Battle Of Britain is a sustained strategic Battle Of Britain is a sustained strategic effort by the German Luftwaffe to gain air effort by the German Luftwaffe to gain air superiority over the Royal Air Force (RAF)superiority over the Royal Air Force (RAF)

The Battle of Britain was the first major The Battle of Britain was the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forcecampaign to be fought entirely by air force

The failure of Nazi Germany to destroy The failure of Nazi Germany to destroy Britain's air defence or to break British Britain's air defence or to break British morale is considered its first major defeat.morale is considered its first major defeat.

Had it been successful, the planned Had it been successful, the planned amphibious and airborne forces landings inamphibious and airborne forces landings in Britain would have followedBritain would have followed

Battle Of BritainBattle Of Britain““We shall go on to the end, we shall We shall go on to the end, we shall

fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender...”shall never surrender...”

Winston Churchill, Prime Minister Of Winston Churchill, Prime Minister Of Britain (1940)Britain (1940)

Battle Of BritainBattle Of Britain Allied PowersAllied Powers

• BritainBritain Axis PowersAxis Powers

• GermanyGermany• ItalyItaly

Battle Of BritainBattle Of Britain

British strengthBritish strength•754 single-seat fighters754 single-seat fighters•149 two-seat fighters149 two-seat fighters•560 bombers560 bombers•500 coastal500 coastal•1,963 total1,963 total

Battle Of BritainBattle Of BritainAxis strengthAxis strength

•1,107 single-seat fighters1,107 single-seat fighters•357 two-seat fighters357 two-seat fighters•1,380 bombers1,380 bombers•428 dive-bombers428 dive-bombers•569 reconnaissance569 reconnaissance•233 coastal233 coastal• 4,074 total4,074 total

Battle Of BritainBattle Of Britain British casualties and lossesBritish casualties and losses

• RAF; Pilots and Aircrew Killed (Fighter RAF; Pilots and Aircrew Killed (Fighter Command): 544Command): 544

Aircraft LossesAircraft Losses::• Fighters: 1,023Fighters: 1,023• Bombers: 376Bombers: 376• Maritime: 148 aircraft (Coastal Command) Maritime: 148 aircraft (Coastal Command) • Total: 1,547 aircraft destroyedTotal: 1,547 aircraft destroyed

Battle Of BritainBattle Of BritainLuftwaffe casualties and losses Luftwaffe casualties and losses

• Pilots and Aircrew Killed: 2,500.Pilots and Aircrew Killed: 2,500.Aircraft LossesAircraft Losses::

• Fighters: 873Fighters: 873• Bombers:1,014Bombers:1,014• Total: 1,887 aircraft destroyedTotal: 1,887 aircraft destroyed

Battle Of BritainBattle Of Britain Reasons for German defeat:Reasons for German defeat: Tactical errors:Tactical errors:

• The German Luftwaffe, under direct The German Luftwaffe, under direct command of Hermann Goering and overall command of Hermann Goering and overall command of Hitler, committed tactical errors command of Hitler, committed tactical errors despite gaining an advantage over the RAFdespite gaining an advantage over the RAF

• Goering and Hitler ordered an intensified Goering and Hitler ordered an intensified aerial blitz on London in September after the aerial blitz on London in September after the RAF performed a retaliatory air raid on Berlin RAF performed a retaliatory air raid on Berlin on late August. on late August.

Battle Of BritainBattle Of Britain Tactical errors:Tactical errors:

• The Berlin air-raid struck Hitler's ego The Berlin air-raid struck Hitler's ego that he ordered the London blitzthat he ordered the London blitz

• However, more planes were lost during However, more planes were lost during the blitz and they were not replaced nor the blitz and they were not replaced nor repaired immediatelyrepaired immediately

• Whereas for the British, the RAF was Whereas for the British, the RAF was very quick to repair damage air defence very quick to repair damage air defence installations as well as planes that were installations as well as planes that were downed.downed.


Logistical problemsLogistical problems• Despite having more planes than the RAF, Despite having more planes than the RAF,

the Luftwaffe did not have a responsive the Luftwaffe did not have a responsive system to repair damaged planes and system to repair damaged planes and make them battle-ready within a short make them battle-ready within a short durationduration

• Aircraft adjustments were also not made Aircraft adjustments were also not made for the planes to last the air-raid on Britainfor the planes to last the air-raid on Britain

• A Messerschmitt Bf.109 had only enough fuel A Messerschmitt Bf.109 had only enough fuel to remain over England for 20 minutes and to remain over England for 20 minutes and bombers were often left unescortedbombers were often left unescorted

Battle Of BritainBattle Of Britain Poor intelligencePoor intelligence

• The Luftwaffe intelligence sources said that The Luftwaffe intelligence sources said that radar stations were unimportant and should radar stations were unimportant and should not be targets. Eventually it was the radar not be targets. Eventually it was the radar station in Britain that detected the incoming station in Britain that detected the incoming German fighters and alerted the air defence German fighters and alerted the air defence system to knock out the fighterssystem to knock out the fighters

• It also misreported strength, weapons, and It also misreported strength, weapons, and losses. losses.

• At one point, Hitler complained to Goering that At one point, Hitler complained to Goering that "you have apparently shot down more aircraft"you have apparently shot down more aircraft than the British ever possessed."than the British ever possessed."

Battle Of BritainBattle Of Britain Effectiveness and high moraleEffectiveness and high morale

• It should also not be forgotten that the It should also not be forgotten that the effectiveness of the RAF in repairing their effectiveness of the RAF in repairing their planes and key installations quickly ensured planes and key installations quickly ensured the longevity of Britain in the battle, despite the longevity of Britain in the battle, despite being 3 weeks away from defeatbeing 3 weeks away from defeat

• The people of Britain who had to endure the The people of Britain who had to endure the incessant bombings were able to rise up to incessant bombings were able to rise up to the government's call to defend Britain and the government's call to defend Britain and help out in the restoration of damaged help out in the restoration of damaged military and civilian buildingsmilitary and civilian buildings

Battle of BritainBattle of Britain

Significance of Battle of Britain to Significance of Battle of Britain to BritainBritain• Displayed courage and strong resolve of Displayed courage and strong resolve of

its people and leadership to defend the its people and leadership to defend the empire, despite it being the only Allied empire, despite it being the only Allied Power remainingPower remaining

• At the same time, resources from At the same time, resources from colonies and Commonwealth channeled colonies and Commonwealth channeled to this effort, draining the wealth of the to this effort, draining the wealth of the EmpireEmpire


Significance of the Battle of Britain to Significance of the Battle of Britain to GermanyGermany• Exposed the frailties of German air force, Exposed the frailties of German air force,

unable to carry an operation on its own unable to carry an operation on its own accord (most of the times, the air force accord (most of the times, the air force supported land and naval troops)supported land and naval troops)

• Failure to remove Britain as a major threat to Failure to remove Britain as a major threat to German ambitions allowed Britain to recover German ambitions allowed Britain to recover and rebuild itself as a strong base to launch and rebuild itself as a strong base to launch future assault on Germanyfuture assault on Germany

Battle Of Midway(4 June to 7 June 1942)

Battle Of MidwayBattle Of Midway

The Midway operation, like the The Midway operation, like the attack on Pearl Harborattack on Pearl Harbor, , was not part of a campaign for the conquest of the was not part of a campaign for the conquest of the United States, but was aimed at its elimination as a United States, but was aimed at its elimination as a strategic Pacific power, thereby giving Japan a free strategic Pacific power, thereby giving Japan a free hand in establishing its hand in establishing its Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity SphereGreater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. .

It was also hoped another defeat would force the U.S. to It was also hoped another defeat would force the U.S. to negotiate an end to the negotiate an end to the Pacific WarPacific War with conditions with conditions favorable for Japan.favorable for Japan.

Japanese plan was to lure America's few remaining Japanese plan was to lure America's few remaining carriers into a trap and sink them. carriers into a trap and sink them.

The Japanese also intended to occupy Midway Atoll to The Japanese also intended to occupy Midway Atoll to extend their defensive perimeter. extend their defensive perimeter.

Battle Of MidwayBattle Of Midway Both sides sustained significant losses. Four Japanese Both sides sustained significant losses. Four Japanese

aircraft carriersaircraft carriers and a and a heavy cruiserheavy cruiser were sunk in exchange were sunk in exchange for one American for one American aircraft carrieraircraft carrier and a and a destroyerdestroyer. .

The heavy losses permanently weakened the The heavy losses permanently weakened the Imperial Japanese NavyImperial Japanese Navy (IJN), in particular the four fleet (IJN), in particular the four fleet carriers and over 200 experienced naval aviators. carriers and over 200 experienced naval aviators.

Japan was unable to keep pace with American Japan was unable to keep pace with American shipbuilding and aircrew training programs in providing shipbuilding and aircrew training programs in providing replacements. replacements.

By 1942, the United States was three years into a massive By 1942, the United States was three years into a massive ship building program intended to make the navy larger ship building program intended to make the navy larger than Japan's.than Japan's.

As a result of Midway, strategically, the U.S. Navy was As a result of Midway, strategically, the U.S. Navy was able to seize the initiative in the Pacific and go on the able to seize the initiative in the Pacific and go on the offensive.offensive.

Battle Of MidwayBattle Of Midway Midway dealt Japanese naval aviation a heavy Midway dealt Japanese naval aviation a heavy

blow. blow. The pre-war Japanese training program produced The pre-war Japanese training program produced

pilots of exceptional quality but at a slow pilots of exceptional quality but at a slow rate.This small group of elite aviators were rate.This small group of elite aviators were combat hardened veterans. combat hardened veterans.

At Midway, the Japanese lost as many of these At Midway, the Japanese lost as many of these pilots in a single day as their pre-war training pilots in a single day as their pre-war training program produced in a year. program produced in a year.

Japanese planners failed to foresee a long Japanese planners failed to foresee a long continuous war, and consequently their continuous war, and consequently their production failed to replace the losses of ships, production failed to replace the losses of ships, pilots, and sailors begun at Midway; by mid-1943, pilots, and sailors begun at Midway; by mid-1943, Japanese naval aviation was decimated.Japanese naval aviation was decimated.

The North Africa Campaign10 June 1940 – 16 May 1943

North African CampaignNorth African Campaign AlliesAllies

• BritainBritain• AustraliaAustralia• New ZealandNew Zealand• Commonwealth countriesCommonwealth countries• US (joined the Allies later in the campaign)US (joined the Allies later in the campaign)

Free French exilesFree French exiles• AxisAxis• ItalyItaly• GermanyGermany• Vichy FranceVichy France

North African CampaignNorth African Campaign

Fighting in North Africa started with the Fighting in North Africa started with the ItalianItalian declaration of war on declaration of war on June 10June 10, , 19401940. .

On On June 14June 14, a division of the British army and , a division of the British army and armoured regiment crossed the border into armoured regiment crossed the border into LibyaLibya and captured the Italian and captured the Italian Fort CapuzzoFort Capuzzo. .

This was followed by an Italian offensive into Egypt This was followed by an Italian offensive into Egypt and then in December 1940 by a Commonwealth and then in December 1940 by a Commonwealth counteroffensive, counteroffensive, Operation CompassOperation Compass. .

During Operation Compass, the Italian During Operation Compass, the Italian Tenth ArmyTenth Army was destroyed andwas destroyed and

GermanGerman Afrika KorpsAfrika Korps, commanded by , commanded by Field MarshalField Marshal Erwin RommelErwin Rommel, was dispatched to North Africa, , was dispatched to North Africa, during during Operation SonnenblumeOperation Sonnenblume, to bolster the Italian , to bolster the Italian forces and prevent a complete Axis defeat.forces and prevent a complete Axis defeat.

North African CampaignNorth African Campaign Allied CasualtiesAllied Casualties

•Free FrenchFree French16,000 Killed, Wounded or Captured16,000 Killed, Wounded or Captured

• British EmpireBritish Empire33,000 Killed, Wounded, or 33,000 Killed, Wounded, or

CapturedCaptured• United StatesUnited States

2,715 killed, 8,978 wounded6,528 2,715 killed, 8,978 wounded6,528 missingmissing

North African CampaignNorth African Campaign Germany:Germany:

• 12,808 killed12,808 killed• Numbers wounded unknownNumbers wounded unknown• 101,784 captured101,784 captured

Total Axis: Total Axis: • 950,000 total casualties950,000 total casualties• 8,000 aircraft destroyed or captured8,000 aircraft destroyed or captured• 6,200 guns destroyed or captured6,200 guns destroyed or captured• 2,500 tanks destroyed or captured2,500 tanks destroyed or captured

North African CampaignNorth African Campaign

Reasons for Axis defeatReasons for Axis defeat• Ineffective Italian forces (Mussolini rushed Italian Ineffective Italian forces (Mussolini rushed Italian

participation into the war after being pressed by participation into the war after being pressed by Hitler despite Italy not being ready for war, due to Hitler despite Italy not being ready for war, due to its previous involvement in Abyssinia)its previous involvement in Abyssinia)

• The entry of the United States into the war added The entry of the United States into the war added more firepower to the Alliesmore firepower to the Allies

• Despite early success of Rommel in the desert Despite early success of Rommel in the desert front, lack of logistical and armour support front, lack of logistical and armour support contributed to the Axis defeat (lack of support due contributed to the Axis defeat (lack of support due to Operation Barbarossa in the Soviet Union)to Operation Barbarossa in the Soviet Union)

North African CampaignNorth African Campaign Reasons for Axis defeatReasons for Axis defeat

• Despite Rommel receiving reinforcements Despite Rommel receiving reinforcements from the German High Command, the North from the German High Command, the North African Campaign was later split into 2 African Campaign was later split into 2 fronts:fronts:

• In Tunisia (Battle Of Tunisia, 1943)In Tunisia (Battle Of Tunisia, 1943)• In Egypt (Battle Of El Alamein, 1942)In Egypt (Battle Of El Alamein, 1942)• The Axis forces were totally out-stretched, The Axis forces were totally out-stretched,

out-gunned and out-flanked by the Allied out-gunned and out-flanked by the Allied powers consisting of troops from Britain, powers consisting of troops from Britain, Australia, NZ, South Africa, Free French Australia, NZ, South Africa, Free French forces, United States and British Indiaforces, United States and British India

Battle Of Stalingrad

21st August 1942 to 2nd February 1943

http://www.slideshare.net/guest2a942f/battle-of-stalingrad-221001/

Operation Overlord (Battle Of Normandy)

(D-Day: The Normandy Landings)

6th of June 1944 - 30th of August 1944

Battle Of NormandyBattle Of Normandy Operation Overlord was the codename giveven Operation Overlord was the codename giveven

to the planned invasion of northwest Europe to the planned invasion of northwest Europe during World War II by Allied forcesduring World War II by Allied forces

The operation began with the Normandy The operation began with the Normandy Landings on June 6, 1944 (commonly known as Landings on June 6, 1944 (commonly known as D-Day), among the largest amphibious assaults D-Day), among the largest amphibious assaults ever conducted. ever conducted.

Nearly 160,000 troops crossed the English Nearly 160,000 troops crossed the English Channel on 6 June, landing more than 3 million Channel on 6 June, landing more than 3 million troops by the end of August. troops by the end of August.

Battle of NormandyBattle of Normandy

Allied land forces that saw combat in Allied land forces that saw combat in Normandy on D-Day itself came from Normandy on D-Day itself came from • CanadaCanada• BritainBritain• United States of AmericaUnited States of America• Substantial Free French and Polish forces Substantial Free French and Polish forces

also participated in the battle after the also participated in the battle after the assault phaseassault phase

• Contingents of resistance fighters from Contingents of resistance fighters from Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Greece, the Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Greece, the Netherlands, and Norway.Netherlands, and Norway.

Battle Of NormandyBattle Of Normandy

Objectives of Battle Of NormandyObjectives of Battle Of Normandy• To secure the five beaches along the To secure the five beaches along the

coast of Normandy (codenamed: Gold, coast of Normandy (codenamed: Gold, Sword, Juno, Omaha, Utah)Sword, Juno, Omaha, Utah)

• The five beachheads would be the The five beachheads would be the launching pad to launch the full-scale launching pad to launch the full-scale invasion of German-occupied Western invasion of German-occupied Western Europe and of Germany itselfEurope and of Germany itself

• A the five beachheads, artificial harbours A the five beachheads, artificial harbours (Mulberry harbours) were built to act as (Mulberry harbours) were built to act as the entry point of military logistics, the entry point of military logistics, crucial to the operation.crucial to the operation.


While the Germans anticipated the While the Germans anticipated the invasion, there was disagreement invasion, there was disagreement between the generals and Hitler over how between the generals and Hitler over how fortification and defences should be built.fortification and defences should be built.

Generals like Rommel and Guderian were Generals like Rommel and Guderian were in favour of putting tanks alongside the in favour of putting tanks alongside the bunkers protecting the coastline but Hitler bunkers protecting the coastline but Hitler wanted more focus on stemming the wanted more focus on stemming the Soviet advanceSoviet advance

Though the Atlantic Wall was planned, the Though the Atlantic Wall was planned, the fortifications were not completedfortifications were not completed


Allied troops strength:Allied troops strength:•1,452,000 (by July 25 1944)1,452,000 (by July 25 1944)•3,000,000+ (by end August 3,000,000+ (by end August

1944)1944) German troops strength:German troops strength:

•380,000 (by July 23 1944)380,000 (by July 23 1944)


Allied casualties: Allied casualties: • 46,000 dead, 173,000 wounded and 46,000 dead, 173,000 wounded and

missingmissing• 12,000 French civilian and 12,000 French civilian and

Resistance dead or missingResistance dead or missing German casualties:German casualties:

• 400,000 casualties (50,000 dead, 400,000 casualties (50,000 dead, 150,000 wounded and 200,000 150,000 wounded and 200,000 captured)captured)


The invasion of Normandy would eventually The invasion of Normandy would eventually lead to the liberation of France with the lead to the liberation of France with the surrender of Paris in 25 August 1944surrender of Paris in 25 August 1944

From that point onwards, Belgium and From that point onwards, Belgium and Netherlands were liberated and a full-scale Netherlands were liberated and a full-scale invasion of Germany beganinvasion of Germany began

The Normandy landings not only signalled the The Normandy landings not only signalled the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany, it beginning of the end for Nazi Germany, it heralded in the start of the race for Europe, heralded in the start of the race for Europe, which some historians consider to be the start which some historians consider to be the start of the Cold War (The Race To Berlin)of the Cold War (The Race To Berlin)

The End Of World War 2

The End Of WW2 in EuropeThe End Of WW2 in Europe

The war in Europe ended with the The war in Europe ended with the occupation of Germany by the four occupation of Germany by the four Allied nations; US, USSR, Britain and Allied nations; US, USSR, Britain and FranceFrance

As Berlin was sieged by the Soviet As Berlin was sieged by the Soviet army, Hitler committed suicide in his army, Hitler committed suicide in his bunker on the 30bunker on the 30thth of April 1945 of April 1945

German forces officially surrendered German forces officially surrendered to the Allies on 7to the Allies on 7thth May (Western May (Western Europe) and 8Europe) and 8thth May (Eastern Europe) May (Eastern Europe)

The End Of WW2 in Asia-PacificThe End Of WW2 in Asia-Pacific

In an attempt to weaken Japan, American In an attempt to weaken Japan, American bombers destroyed Japanese cities and bombers destroyed Japanese cities and American submarines cut off Japanese American submarines cut off Japanese imports.imports.

Potsdam declaration (July 11 1945): The Allied Potsdam declaration (July 11 1945): The Allied leaders reiterated the demand for leaders reiterated the demand for unconditional surrender by Japan, specifically unconditional surrender by Japan, specifically stating that “the alternative for Japan is stating that “the alternative for Japan is prompt and utter destruction.”prompt and utter destruction.”

Japan rejected the Potsdam terms and US Japan rejected the Potsdam terms and US dropped the atomic bombs on the cities of dropped the atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and NagasakiHiroshima and Nagasaki

The End Of WW2The End Of WW2

On August the 15th, 1945, Japan On August the 15th, 1945, Japan surrendered and therefore ending the surrendered and therefore ending the Second World WarSecond World War

The end of WW2 also led to the creation The end of WW2 also led to the creation of the United Nationsof the United Nations

The end of WW2 saw the emergence of The end of WW2 saw the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as the United States and the Soviet Union as world superpowers (bipolar world order)world superpowers (bipolar world order)

Creation of spheres of influence in Europe Creation of spheres of influence in Europe (West vs East) which eventually ushered (West vs East) which eventually ushered in the Cold War period (1945-1989)in the Cold War period (1945-1989)

Post-War LandscapePost-War Landscape Emergence of United States as a Emergence of United States as a

superpowersuperpower• Strength of the American economy Strength of the American economy

allowed US to sustain its war effort as allowed US to sustain its war effort as well as financing the reconstruction of well as financing the reconstruction of Europe after WW2Europe after WW2

• American involvement in WW2 and its American involvement in WW2 and its newfound military and economic power newfound military and economic power gave US more clout to promote gave US more clout to promote democratic ideals in Europe and UN democratic ideals in Europe and UN concept (as compared to post-WW1)concept (as compared to post-WW1)

Post-War LandscapePost-War Landscape Emergence of Soviet Union (USSR) as Emergence of Soviet Union (USSR) as

a superpowera superpower• Soviet resistance to Nazi Germany and Soviet resistance to Nazi Germany and

military strength to push the German military strength to push the German army back to Berlin signaled the arrival army back to Berlin signaled the arrival of USSR as a superpowerof USSR as a superpower

• Soviet Red Army advance in Eastern Soviet Red Army advance in Eastern Europe and the ensuing occupation of Europe and the ensuing occupation of these territories would put them under these territories would put them under Soviet influence (these countries would Soviet influence (these countries would turn Communist)turn Communist)

Post-War LandscapePost-War Landscape The beginning of Cold War (Clash between The beginning of Cold War (Clash between

the two emerging superpowers)the two emerging superpowers)• First point of conflict was over the future of First point of conflict was over the future of

occupied Germany and divided Berlinoccupied Germany and divided Berlin• Under Soviet influence, countries occupied by Under Soviet influence, countries occupied by

the Soviets rejected Marshall Plan for Europe the Soviets rejected Marshall Plan for Europe reconstructionreconstruction

• Eastern European countries established Eastern European countries established Communist regime even though under Communist regime even though under pretext of “free elections”pretext of “free elections”

• Korean War (proxy war between Communism Korean War (proxy war between Communism and Democracy)and Democracy)

Post-War LandscapePost-War Landscape

The formation of United NationsThe formation of United Nations• To replace League of Nations as a To replace League of Nations as a

supranational organization that would supranational organization that would ensure collective securityensure collective security

• Victorious Allied Powers in WW2 given Victorious Allied Powers in WW2 given permanent seats in UN Security Councilpermanent seats in UN Security Council

• UN given powers to establish UN given powers to establish multinational defence forces for peace-multinational defence forces for peace-keeping mission in flashpoint areas.keeping mission in flashpoint areas.


Decline of EmpiresDecline of Empires• Despite given permanent seats in the UN Despite given permanent seats in the UN

Security Council, traditional Great Powers like Security Council, traditional Great Powers like Britain and France fell into declineBritain and France fell into decline

• War involvement ruined their economies, War involvement ruined their economies, required Marshall Plan to aid and finance their required Marshall Plan to aid and finance their countries' reconstructioncountries' reconstruction

• To relinquish economic burden and to follow the To relinquish economic burden and to follow the US demands of nations' right to self-US demands of nations' right to self-determination, UK and France began the gradual determination, UK and France began the gradual process of decolonization of their empiresprocess of decolonization of their empires


The Ultimate War DeterrentThe Ultimate War Deterrent• Hiroshima and Nagasaki provided a grim Hiroshima and Nagasaki provided a grim

reminder to the world of the devastating reminder to the world of the devastating effects of the nuclear bombeffects of the nuclear bomb

• Both US and USSR had nuclear weapons Both US and USSR had nuclear weapons in their arsenalin their arsenal

• It's MAD to start another WW3 so both It's MAD to start another WW3 so both superpowers either engage in proxy wars superpowers either engage in proxy wars or diplomacy to engage each otheror diplomacy to engage each other

• MAD = Mutually Assured DestructionMAD = Mutually Assured Destruction


Sowing the seeds of European UnionSowing the seeds of European Union• The destruction and massive The destruction and massive

reconstruction of Europe brought about reconstruction of Europe brought about by WW2 convinced 2 European by WW2 convinced 2 European politicians to suggest the formation of a politicians to suggest the formation of a bloc that would prevent future wars in bloc that would prevent future wars in EuropeEurope

• European Coal and Steel Community -> European Coal and Steel Community -> European Economic Community -> European Economic Community -> European Community -> European UnionEuropean Community -> European Union


Recall what contributed to this new Recall what contributed to this new post-war landscapepost-war landscape• American involvement in WW2?American involvement in WW2?

• Soviet strength of recovery and its advance in Soviet strength of recovery and its advance in Eastern Europe?Eastern Europe?

• Decline of the British Empire due to British Decline of the British Empire due to British sustained involvement in WW2? (Note: Britain sustained involvement in WW2? (Note: Britain is the only Allied power to fight the war from is the only Allied power to fight the war from the beginning till the end)the beginning till the end)

• The factor of economic and military strength?The factor of economic and military strength?


American involvement in WW2American involvement in WW2• What caused the Americans to be able to What caused the Americans to be able to

sustain its involvement in WW2?sustain its involvement in WW2? Economy?Economy? Military?Military? Ideology? (Democracy can prevent the rise of Ideology? (Democracy can prevent the rise of

belligerent authoritarian regimes)belligerent authoritarian regimes)


Soviet strength of recovery and its advance in Soviet strength of recovery and its advance in Eastern Europe?Eastern Europe?

• What enabled the Soviets to recover from the What enabled the Soviets to recover from the initial German invasion and then repel the initial German invasion and then repel the Germans back to their own territory?Germans back to their own territory?

Economy?Economy? Military?Military? Size of the country?Size of the country? Ideology? (Spread Communism)Ideology? (Spread Communism) Security? (Need to create buffer zone for Security? (Need to create buffer zone for

Soviet Union)Soviet Union)


British declineBritish decline• What caused the decline of the British What caused the decline of the British

empire?empire? Drained resources due to prolonged war Drained resources due to prolonged war

involvement?involvement? Massive reconstruction after WW2, dependent Massive reconstruction after WW2, dependent

on American aid?on American aid?


The factor of economy and militaryThe factor of economy and military• How much role did the state of How much role did the state of

economies of the countries involved in economies of the countries involved in WW2 play in the outcome of WW2 and WW2 play in the outcome of WW2 and hence the creation of a new post-war hence the creation of a new post-war landscape?landscape?

• How much role did military play in this How much role did military play in this context and how much was the military context and how much was the military factor co-related with the economic factor co-related with the economic strength factor?strength factor?

key events during world war 2

Education

battle of britain reasons

people of britain

longevity of britain

battle of midway

prime minister of britain

air superiority

royal air force raf

frailties of german