Social Impact of World War II Mr. Meester AP European History

The Cost of the War It is estimated that about 40 million people died during World War II. Much of Europe and parts of Asia were devastated by the war. During the war, Britain and the U.S. had a fragile peace with the Soviet Union and following the end it would quickly unravel.

Racism and Hitler Untermenschen, which means sub-human is the term Hitler used to describe the Slavic people. In areas controlled by the Nazis, such as Poland, people were jailed, deported, or killed. During the Russian campaign, Hitler spoke of a war of extermination. It was planned to send in special SS units to go in and kill 30 million Russians.

The Holocaust Hitler had special plans for the Jews (The “Judenrein”). Wanted to completely free Europe of a Jewish presence Originally, he considered exiling all the Jew of Europe to Madagascar. His “Final Solution” was the complete extermination of the Jewish population in Europe. The Holocaust is estimated to have killed 6 million Jews, primarily in eastern Europe and Russia. Only about 1 million Jews remained in Europe at the end of the war.

Polish Jews In Poland, where anti-Semitism had been common for years, Jews living there had often lived in segregated neighborhoods. They were easily identifiable because of their dress and language. The common everyday language was “Yiddish.” Most of the Jews lived in urban centers. They owned small businesses, craftsmen, or worked in factories.

Nazis in Poland Soon after their invasion of Poland, the Nazis began to move against the Jews. In early 1940, the Jews of Poland were forced to move into ghettoes. Jews from all over Poland were forced into these ghettoes. The ghettoes were overcrowded and poor sanitation facilities and food supplies. In 1941, 20% of the population in the ghettoes died of disease and malnutrition. Beginning in 1941, the Germans began the extermination of the Jews of Europe. By 1945, 90% of the Polish Jews had been exterminated.

Explanations of the Holocaust The Holocaust is one of many genocides during the 20th century. Armenian genocide, Purges of Stalin, and Mao. The difference between the holocaust and these other genocides was that it involved the extinction of a group based upon culture rather than political affiliation. Another question is how such an event could occur at all. The long term Anti-Semitism throughout Europe. German culture teaches to obey authority even though you may disapproved of what was happening Trained to follow orders.

The Domestic Front World War II saw the greatest use of human and natural resources used by the belligerent countries in history. Civilians in these warring countries were also mobilized as never seen before. The war impacted people in the various countries differently but all were influenced by various shortages, propaganda, and new political developments.

Germany: From Victory to Defeat Early on most Germans were not influenced much by the war. Food was plentiful and spending continued on domestic projects. 1942, Germany’s economy shifted due to the continued fighting. Albert Speer directed Germany’s economy during this period. From 1942 and 1944, Germany’s military output tripled. More men were drafted into the army, hindering production. Food and consumer product shortages worsened as the war continued forcing rationing to occur.

Nazi Propaganda Propaganda during the war was headed by Josef Goebbels. Nazi used radio and film to promote their cause. Used the propaganda to blame Britain and France for the war. Later on as the war turned against the Germans, radio broadcasts gave false reports of German victories against the Allies. 1944, German officers attempted to assassinate Hitler but it failed. Erwin Rommel was one of the men involved in the coup.

France: Defeat & Collaboration France surrendered in 1940 Germany occupied over half of their country. To prevent French resistance in N. Africa & seeding their fleet to the British they: Setup a new government under the leadership of Marshal Petain in Southern France. Known as the “Vichy” government. Some Frenchmen supported the new government.

France: Resistance & Liberation Most however, did not support the Germans but were demoralized by their defeat. The Vichy government followed many of the same policies of the German government. Anti-Semitism flourished. 60,000 Jews were sent from France to the extermination camps. Under the leadership of General Charles de Gaulle the French National Committee of Liberation was formed (Free French). Promoted underground resistance within France. Eventually, France was freed from German control and on October 21, 1945, and a new constitution was formed creating the Fourth Republic.

Great Britain: Organization for Victory Under the leadership of its new Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the British war cabinet moved to mobilize the country. Scrap metal drives brought in needed resources for armaments. By 1941, British war production outpaced German production. Achieved by increasing work hours and bringing women into the workforce. The British had their own propaganda inside the BBC. Broadcast information to the continent supporting those opposed to the Germans. Unlike most countries the standard of living improved in Britain.

Russia: The Great Patriotic War The Russians were not totally surprised when Germany invaded in 1941. The Soviet Union was the hardest hit of all of the countries during the war. Approximately 16 million dead. As the Germans marched east across Russia, Stalin called upon the Russian people to fight the “Great Patriotic War.” Propaganda was used to instill greater patriotism against the Germans. As the war progressed, the German army was defeated and pushed back west.