World War II

Causes, key events and consequences of WWII

World War II (1939-1945)

WWII was the deadliest conflict in history. Nazi Germany invaded neighbours, the Holocaust killed 6 million Jews. The Allies eventually defeated the Axis powers. About 70 million people died.

Example

Key Events

• 1939: Germany invades Poland — war begins • 1941: Japan attacks Pearl Harbor — USA joins • 1944: D-Day — Allies invade France • 1945: Germany surrenders, atomic bombs on Japan SA: fought in North Africa, Italy; supplied materials

Note

Remember

WWII taught the world the dangers of racism, fascism and unchecked power. The United Nations was formed in 1945. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) influenced SA's Bill of Rights.

Key Vocabulary

HolocaustSystematic murder of 6 million Jews by Nazi Germany

FascismExtreme political system with a dictator and no freedom

AlliesCountries that fought against Germany, Italy and Japan

GenocideDeliberate killing of a large group based on ethnicity

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Holocaust

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