GLOBAL IMPACT OF WWII

DEFEAT OF DICTATORSHIPS Germany, Italy, and Japan were occupied by armies of the victorious nations Goal – Democratic, peaceful countries

UNPARALLED DESTRUCTION Global conflict fought in Europe, N. Africa, E. Asia and on the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans More than million people died, much of Europe and Asia in ruins, economies hurt

DRESDEN ATOMIC BOMB

WAR CRIMES TRIALS Allied leaders punished those responsible for “crimes against humanity” Nuremberg Trials tried 22 Nazi leaders, others held in Italy and Japan Leaders can now be held for their actions during war, or as heads of state (Milosevic, Saddam Hussein)

The Nuremberg Trials and Their Legacy_files

DECLINE OF COLONIAL POWERS WWII stimulated desire for self-determination in Africa and Asia, Britain, France, Netherlands and Belgium can no longer resist independence movements

Comparison of Treaties after the World Wars WWI Treaty of Versailles  Punish Germany  German war guilt  Disarmament/reparations  Little done to ensure long term economic stability  League of nations WWII Yalta  Restore Germany  Joint occupation of Allied Forces  Nuremberg War trials  Punish leaders not people  Japan – disarm & Constitutional monarchy  Marshall Plan-1947 milllions in food, equipment and money sent to help rebuild Europe  Stop spread of communism  UNITED NATIONS

UNITED NATIONS

U.N. Seeks to maintain peace and eliminate hunger, disease, ignorance Also promotes human rights and econ. Development U.S, Soviet Union (now Russia), Great Britain, France and China were given permanent membership on the Security Council, which is responsible for deterring aggression Econ. sanctions or military power is used to resolve disputes