Causes and Effects of World War - II

 Describe the four causes and five effects of World War - II.

Ans: German was the main cause of the Second World War but other countries like Russia, Britain, France, Italy also were equally responsible. It is because the Versailles treaty was treated cruelly and humiliated by Germany.

The major CAUSES OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR are as follows:

a.       Versailles Treaty

b.      Economic crisis

c.       Birth of totalitarians

d.      Rise of nationalism and extremist

e.       Rise of communism

f.        Failure of League of Nations and collective security

g.      German, Japan, and Italy broke the treaty.

h.      Spanish war

i.        Hitler's step against the Versailles Treaty

j.        Immediate cause

a. Versailles Treaty: According to this treaty, Germany had to lose 13% of its land and 6 million people. Germany had to accept all kinds of responsibilities for the destruction of war. The German army and pay compensation of about 660 million pounds. Finally, it became the cause of the Second World War.

b. German, Japan and Italy broke the treaty: Germany started the Second World War by suddenly attacking Poland. In the beginning, Germany defeated all-round its territories. Similarly, in Asia, Japan won almost all of East Asia and reached up to India. Japan captured Indonesia and East Indies, as a result of the USA stopped selling oil and iron ore to Japan. To take revenge, japan attacked the ships on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7th, 1941. Due to this incident, America came back to involve in the war.

c. Failure of League of Nations and collective security: The league which was established to control the war in the world did not work effectively. It was established with the initiation of Amerca but America herself breached the terms and conditions of this league, which became the cause of the Second World War.

d. Immediate cause: Hitler demanded Danzing and Polish Corridor with Poland, Poland rejected it. So, Hitler began the war against Poland on 1st September 1939 named "Blitzkrieg (lightening against Poland) from air and land.

 

EFFECTS OF THE WORLD WAR - II

a.       The effects of the Second World War were as follows:

b.      Loss of life and property

c.       America emerged as a first-rate of Power

d.      The birth of UNO

e.       Truman Doctrine and Marshall plan

f.        COMECON

g.      The national movement for independence

h.      Effects on Nepal

a. Loss of Life and property: Loss of Life: 12 Million soldiers 25 million civilians were killed. 34 million people were wounded and maimed. 160000 Japanese were killed by the atom bomb.

Loss of property: 350 billion of America, 1000 billion of other countries, destruction of innumerable hospitals, schools’ bridges, churches, and airports.

b. America emerged as the first-rate of Power: Many British and French colonies became independent after the 2nd world war and America emerged as a first-rate Power.

c. The Birth of UNO:

To restore peace in the world and to develop mutual understanding among the countries of the world, an international organization called UNO was established.

d. Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan:

Most of the European countries suffered heavy loss of life and properties during the Second World War. The president of America Truman announced to give economic assistance to the free people. This is called Truman Doctrine. Truman Doctrine aimed to prevent the spread of communism in Europe.

According to Truman Doctrine, US Secretary of State George Marshall proposed to provide economic assistance to the countries of Europe to improve their economy. This is called Marshall Plan.

e. COMECON: After the Second World War, almost all countries of the world were divided into two blocks, one block led by America and which introduced the Marshall plan to renovate this block. Another block was led by Russia and she introduced the COMECON to assist the countries of her influence. The main objective of the council for mutual economic Aid (COMECON) was to mutually help the member states to develop their trade and commerce. It was advanced by Russian foreign minister Molotov. So, it is also called the Molotov plan.

f. Movement for Independence: After the Second World War, many Asian and African countries got their independence and many countries of the world raised the voice against colonization.

 g. Effects in Nepal: The Second World War directly affected the social and economic life of Nepal. The Nepalese soldiers showed their bravery in the First and Second World War supporting Britain. The British government awarded Nepalese soldiers with the most prestigious award Victoria Cross for their unique and incomparable courage and bravery. After the Second World War British government gave Rs 33 million to Nepal through Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher and promised to continue Rs 1 million every year.