Q . Though, the second world war was the result of nationalistic tensions and economic depression, the aftermath created a more complicated world. Discuss.(10 marks, 150 words, GS-1, World History)
Answer-
Approach-
- Begin with the 2nd World war.
- Second para to include the causes of 2nd World War.
- Next para could be about the impact and aftermath.
The Second World War (WW-II) was a global military conflict which lasted from 1939 to 1945. The principal belligerents were the Axis powers — Germany, Italy, and Japan—and the Allies — France, Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union, and, to a lesser extent, China.
Causes of War-
- Humiliating Treaty of Versailles imposed on Germany after World War-I. It gave rise to ultra-nationalism in Germany.
- League of Nation formed in 1919 to upkeep the world peace failed in its mandate.
- The Great Depression of 1929 brought about economic distress in almost all parts of the world.
- In 1920s, world saw the rise of fascism which was nothing but the militaristic totalitarianism.
- In 1941 began the Nazi regime with rise of Adolf Hitler in Germany.
- Major European powers like Britain and France began policy of appeasement towards Germany.
Aftermath of World War-II-
- USA and USSR emerged as new superpowers replacing Britain and France and thus changed the world order.
- Many colonial nations began decolonising their colonies as a result of the rise of nationalism and militarism.
- A more universal international organisation, United Nations, was established for keeping the global peace.
- Cold War era began between new superpowers USA and USSR for world hegemony.
- Economic changes too were observed with the establishment of Bretton Woods Twins – IBRD (presently World Bank) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) – in 1945.