World War II

Alisha Bains, Ed. World War II. Part of the Political and Diplomatic History of the Modern World. 2017. 306p. ISBN 978-1-68048-360-4. Available at 940.4 WOR on the library shelves.

The end of the First World War, which concluded with an armistice and not a capitulation, only masked the pent-up European resentment and anger for another generation. Weimar Germany's government structures were not able to successfully implant themselves following harsh peace terms, and the economic crisis of the 1930s brought the Nazis to power. Bent on German expansion and motivated by racist ideology, the Nazis quickly rearmed Germany and positioned themselves to effectively bully their neighbors. Unfettered by France, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union, the Nazis assembled a greater Germany. Too late did the Western allies decide to oppose Germany, and when the Germans attacked Poland, Europe became engulfed in war.

In the Pacific, meanwhile, Japan had emerged victorious from the ashes of the First World War, and had expanded its colonial reach. Wishing to acquire more resources, the Japanese invaded and conquered parts of China. Witnessing France and the United Kingdom's weaknesses in their fighting against the Germans, the Japanese invaded European colonies in Asia and seized valuable resources. Inevitably, the United States was drawn into the conflict after a surprise Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor.

Over the course of six years, untold death and destruction plagued the world. Death camps were discovered. Major tank battles were fought, and entire cities were obliterated through aerial bombardment. World War II explores the events that led to the Second World War. Organized chronologically and geographically, major battles, events and issues are presented. History buffs will appreciate the conciseness of this volume on the war that redefined Europe and the world.