WORLD WAR 2

CAUSES OF CONFLICT

• World War Two began in September 1939 when Britain and France declared war on Germany following Germany's invasion of Poland.
• The treaty of Versailles
• Hitlers actions.

Britain and France declared war on Germany following Germany's invasion of Poland.

Aftermath of WW2
Germany was totally defeated, and the Nazi regime brought down. Its leaders were tried for crimes against humanity at Nuremberg, the former site of Nazi propaganda triumphs. Hitler escaped trial and execution by committing suicide in his Berlin bunker at the end of the war. German cities were in ruins from a massive bombing campaign. Germany was divided into 4 zones of occupation by the victorious powers, pending a more permanent political settlement.

Aftermath of WW2
Japan also was in ruins from extensive bombing. Prominent military leaders were tried and convicted of war crimes, but the emperor was allowed to retain his position.
Japan was temporarily placed under U.S. military rule.

Aftermath of WW2
England was devastated by the war, having experienced extensive bombing during the 1940 blitz by the Germans. The economy depended for recovery upon aid from the United States. England rapidly phased out most of its remaining imperial holdings in the years immediately following the war.
England and France no longer held a status of power comparable either to the United States or the Soviet Union.