The Second World War (1939-1945) was the most devastating conflict of the 20th century, resulting in the deaths of millions of people, the destruction of cities, and the division of countries that is still felt today This global war was fought between the Allied Powers (comprised of the United Kingdom, France, the Soviet Union, the United States, and a number of other nations) and the Axis Powers (led by Germany, Italy, and Japan). The violence and destruction of the war was unprecedented and its impact was felt throughout the world.
The Second World War was an incredibly complex conflict and there are numerous interesting essay topics related to it. Here are five of the best examples:
1. How did the invasion of Poland in 1939 spark the Second World War? While the conflict between Europe’s major powers had been simmering for years before 1939, it was the German invasion of Poland that officially began the war. This essay could explore the causes and consequences of this invasion, as well as its place in the wider history of the conflict.
2. The D-Day landings: With the success of the D-Day landings on the 6th of June, 1944, the Allies secured a major victory and began the process of driving the German forces from France. This essay could explore the planning, implementation and legacy of this iconic operation.
3. Examining the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 remain controversial to this day, both for their role in ending the war and for the tremendous suffering they inflicted on the civilian populations of the two cities. This essay could explore the ethical and moral implications of using such weapons, as well as the long-term impacts of the bombings.
4. The Soviet Union in the Second World War: Despite ultimately emerging as a major victor of the war, the Soviet Union sustained the highest number of casualties of any nation, suffering over 26 million deaths in total. This essay could examine the role of the Soviet Union in the war and analyze the ways in which it was shaped by the conflict.
5. The Holocaust: One of the most horrific atrocities of the Second World War was the Holocaust, in which over 6 million Jewish people were systematically killed by the Nazi regime. This essay could explore the history and legacies of this tragedy, including its impact on the Jewish people and on the world today.
These are just five of the many possibilities for writing about the Second World War. While the vast scope and complexity of the war makes it a daunting subject for an essay, a well-focused topic and the right sources can lead to an incredibly rewarding and thought-provoking project.