World War II

Definition

World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations divided into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis powers. The war had profound effects on global politics, society, and culture, particularly influencing themes of trauma, existentialism, and shifts in gender roles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. World War II was triggered by the invasion of Poland by Germany in September 1939, leading Britain and France to declare war on Germany.
2. The war resulted in an estimated 70-85 million fatalities, making it the deadliest conflict in human history.
3. Major battles included Stalingrad, Midway, and Normandy (D-Day), which were pivotal in turning the tide of the war.
4. The war concluded with the unconditional surrender of Germany in May 1945 and Japan in September 1945 after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
5. The aftermath of World War II led to significant political changes, including the establishment of the United Nations and a focus on human rights issues globally.

Review Questions

• How did World War II contribute to postwar trauma and disillusionment in society?
  • World War II caused widespread devastation, loss of life, and dislocation of communities, leaving many people traumatized. Survivors faced deep psychological scars from witnessing or experiencing atrocities such as the Holocaust. This collective trauma led to a pervasive sense of disillusionment with traditional values and institutions, as individuals grappled with questions about humanity’s capacity for evil and the moral implications of war.
• What role did existentialist writers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus play in shaping literature after World War II?
  • After World War II, existentialist writers such as Sartre and Camus addressed themes like absurdity, freedom, and individual responsibility in a world that seemed chaotic and senseless. Their works reflected the disillusionment felt by many as they questioned the meaning of existence in light of human suffering witnessed during the war. They emphasized personal choice in a world devoid of inherent meaning, influencing postwar literature significantly.
• In what ways did World War II impact feminist poetry and representations of gender roles during its aftermath?
  • World War II significantly altered traditional gender roles as women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers to support war efforts. After the war, feminist poetry began to explore these shifts by challenging established norms surrounding femininity and domesticity. Female poets used their work to address themes of identity, empowerment, and social justice while reflecting on their experiences during and after the war. This led to a more nuanced understanding of gender roles in society and paved the way for future feminist movements.

Related terms

Holocaust: The systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews and millions of others by the Nazi regime and its collaborators during World War II.

Existentialism: A philosophical movement emphasizing individual existence, freedom, and choice, which gained popularity in the aftermath of World War II.

Cold War:

The period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States and their respective allies following World War II, characterized by ideological conflict and competition.