Even though most college students are not interested in history, it is one of the most significant subjects that help people learn about their past and take reasonable lessons for the future.
Living in an up-to-date society, students are concerned about what it takes to succeed at college, what you need for dorm kitchen and bedroom, and how to combine studying and entertainment. At the same time, it is hard to find a learner who realizes how many people fought and died for us to enjoy our comfortable and peaceful lives.
If you look back at world history, you will discover that World War II was one of the most devastating and cruel moments that involved the representatives of over 30 countries. Browsing the Wikipedia page, you will have an opportunity to learn the event’s specifications and the contribution certain countries made.
Over 100 million personnel were involved in one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. Most people surely died in the battles, while a considerable number of deaths were caused by genocide, severe diseases, and infections. Officially, the Second World War started on September 1st, 1939, the moment when the Germans invaded Poland. Since then, more and more countries started declaring war. France and the United Kingdom were the first to support Poland and start fighting against Nazi Germany.
For two years, Germany managed to conquer the vast part of continental Europe, forming the Axis alliance with Japan and Italy. That was the point when Italy entered the war, supporting Germany. It is critical to mention that Italy was completely unprepared for war the moment Hitler attacked Poland. That was the most significant reason why Benito Mussolini abandoned the non-belligerent stance of democracies and joined the Germans.
June 10, 1940, was the moment when Italy officially entered the Second World War, implementing the Pact of Steel and declaring war against two of the most powerful and influential countries, including Great Britain and France. The first attack started on June 20 and ended with the victory of the German-Italy ally.
Although the vast majority of historians are convinced that it was Italy that was influenced by Germany, there are many undeniable facts that prove that Adolf Hitler was inspired and motivated by Mussolini and his previous achievements. It is critical to highlight that by the year 1940, Italy featured a powerful, strong, and influential army that could easily invade most countries, winning conflicts.
Impressed by the achievements of Italy in the international arena, Adolf Hitler wanted to start a friendly relationship with Italy, and the non-military alliance they signed was perfect proof of their intentions.
After a few successful battles, the Italian army didn’t stop but rather declared war on Greece, North Africa, and a few other countries. However, all these attempts ended in failure, and by 1941, Italy became completely dependent on Germany. Later, understanding the inability of Italy to achieve the desired results, the leaders of Nazi Germany started discussing a plan on how to take Italy out of war. The only prospective way to make it was by starting an invasion of Sicily. They were convinced that Benito Mussolini would resign, leaving the country. Nonetheless, it did not improve the situation but rather aggravated the conflict and its outcomes.
Losing Sicily, the leader of Italy acknowledged that he had more serious problems to solve. It was obvious that Allies planned to use the island as a starting point for further Italian invasion. Consequently, realizing an inability to resist the Germans, Mussolini had to sign a separate peace with them. Later, Benito Mussolini was dismissed from office and placed under arrest.
Generally, the outcomes of the war were dissatisfactory for Italy and a range of other countries. The Second World War changed the whole world and influenced its political and structural lives a lot. The United Nations was the union established after the war that aimed at finding peaceful ways to deal with international conflicts. It took much time and effort for most countries to recover after World War II, settle the economic, political, and social aspects. A lot of different wars took place after this conflict, but none of them had a similar extent.
