world war 2 topics for research papers

World War II Research Essay Topics

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Students are often required to write a paper on a topic as broad as World War II , but you should know that the instructor will expect you to narrow your focus to a specific thesis. This is especially true if you are in high school or college. Narrow your focus by making a list of words, much like the list of words and phrases that are presented in bold type below. Then begin to explore related questions and come up with your own cool WWII topics. The answer to questions like these can become a good starting point for a thesis statement .

Culture and People

When the U.S. entered into war, everyday life across the country changed drastically. From civil rights, racism, and resistance movements to basic human needs like food, clothing, and medicine, the aspects of how life was impacted are immense.

• African-Americans and civil rights. What impact did the war years have on the rights of African-Americans? What were they allowed or not allowed to do?
• Animals. How were horses, dogs, birds, or other animals used? Did they play a special role?
• Art. What art movements were inspired by wartime events? Is there one specific work of art that tells a story about the war?
• Clothing. How was fashion impacted? How did clothing save lives or hinder movement? What materials were used or not used?
• Domestic violence. Was there an increase or decrease in cases?
• Families. Did new family customs develop? What was the impact on children of soldiers?
• Fashion. Did fashion change significantly for civilians? What changes had to be made during wartime?
• Food preservation. What new preservation and packaging methods were used during and after the war? How were these helpful?
• Food rationing. How did rationing impact families? Were rations the same for different groups of people? Were soldiers affected by rations?
• Love letters. What do letters tell us about relationships, families, and friendships? What about gender roles?
• New words. What new vocabulary words emerged during and after WWII?
• Nutrition. Were there battles that were lost or won because of the foods available? How did nutrition change at home during the war because of the availability of certain products?
• Penicillin and other medicine. How was penicillin used? What medical developments occurred during and after the war?
• Resistance movements. How did families deal with living in an occupied territory?
• Sacrifices. How did family life change for the worse?
• Women's work at home. How did women's work change at home during the war? What about after the war ended?

Economy and Workforce

For a nation that was still recovering from the Great Depression, World War II had a major impact on the economy and workforce. When the war began, the fate of the workforce changed overnight, American factories were repurposed to produce goods to support the war effort and women took jobs that were traditionally held by men, who were now off to war.

• Advertising. How did food packaging change during the war? How did advertisements change in general? What were advertisements for?
• Occupations. What new jobs were created? Who filled these new roles? Who filled the roles that were previously held by many of the men who went off to war?
• Propaganda. How did society respond to the war? Do you know why?
• Toys. How did the war impact the toys that were manufactured?
• New products. What products were invented and became a part of popular culture? Were these products present only during war times, or did they exist after?

Military, Government, and War

Americans were mostly against entering the war up until the bombing of Pearl Harbor, after which support for the war grew, as did armed forces. Before the war, the US didn't have the large military forces it soon became known for, with the war resulting in over 16 million Americans in service.   The role the military played in the war, and the impacts of the war itself, were vast.

• America's entry into the war. How is the timing significant? What factors are not so well known?
• Churchill, Winston. What role did this leader play that interests you most? How did his background prepare him for his role?
• Clandestine operations. Governments went to great lengths to hide the true date, time, and place of their actions.
• Destruction. Many historic cities and sites were destroyed in the U.K.—Liverpool, Manchester, London, and Coventry—and in other nations.
• Hawaii. How did events impact families or society in general?
• The Holocaust. Do you have access to any personal stories?
• Italy. What special circumstances were in effect?
• " Kilroy was here ." Why was this phrase important to soldiers? 
• Nationalist Socialist movement in America. What impact has this movement had on society and the government since WWII?
• Political impact. How was your local town impacted politically and socially?
• POW camps after the war. Where were they and what happened to them after the war? Here's a starting point: Some were turned into race tracks after the war!
• Prisoners of war. How many POWs were there? How many made it home safely? What were some long-lasting effects?
• Spies. Who were the spies? Were they men or women? What side were they on? What happened to spies that were caught?
• Submarines. Were there enemy submarines on a coast near you? What role did submarines play in the war?
• Surviving an attack. How were military units attacked? How did it feel to jump from a plane that was disabled?
• Troop logistics. How were troop movements kept secret? What were some challenges of troop logistics?
• Views on freedom. How was freedom curtailed or expanded?
• Views on government's role. Where was the government's role expanded? What about governments elsewhere?
• War crime trials. How were trials conducted? What were the political challenges or consequences? Who was or wasn't tried?
• Weather. Were there battles that were lost or won because of the weather conditions? Were there places where people suffered more because of the weather?
• Women in warfare. What roles did women play during the war? What surprises you about women's work in World War II?

Technology and Transportation

With the war came advancements in technology and transportation, impacting communications capabilities, the spread of news, and even entertainment.

• Bridges and roads. What transportation-related developments came from wartime or postwar policies?
• Communication. How did radio or other types of communication impact key events?
• Motorcycles. What needs led to the development of folding motorcycles? Why was there widespread use of military motorcycles by the government?
• Technology. What technology came from the war and how was it used after the war?
• TV technology. When did televisions start to appear in homes and what is significant about the timing? What TV shows were inspired by the war and how realistic were they? How long did World War II affect TV programming?
• Jet engine technology. What advances can be traced to WWII needs?
• Radar. What role did radar play, if any?
• Rockets. How important was rocket technology?
• Shipbuilding achievements. The achievements were quite remarkable during the war. Why and how did they happen?

"America's Wars Fact Sheet." U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, May 2017.

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205 World War 2 Essay Topics & Examples

Looking for good World War 2 topics to explore? Look no further! In this list, we’ve collected the best topics of WW2 for middle school, high school, and college students. No matter what aspect you’re interested in, you will definitely find here something for yourself.

In addition to WWII topics, we’ve also included some helpful tips and essay examples. Check them out below!

🤫 Secrets of Powerful Essay on World War 2

• 🏆 Best WW2 Topic Ideas & Essay Examples

👍 Good Essay Topics on World War 2

• 🥇 Most Interesting WW2 Topics to Write about

🔎 Simple & Easy World War 2 Essay Topics

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From diplomacy and espionage to battlefield events and the fate of nations, World War 2 essay topics are broad in range and require their writer to have an in-depth knowledge of various details.

Thus, writing a World War 2 essay may seem daunting due to the weight of the necessary historical analysis. However, writing an excellent paper is as easy as keeping in mind a few minor but cornerstone circumstances.

WWII Topics: Important Events

Everyone knows about the Atlantic and D-Day, but World War 2 essay prompts go further than the standardized level of knowledge. Paying due attention to the topic of the Eastern Soviet front, the French Vichy government, and the Blitz over Britain should be essential centerpieces of your essay.

All Ally members, just like all Axis partners, had their crucial moments and roles to play, and focusing on standalone countries does a disservice to a war that involved more than 30 countries.

Even if your central theme centers on a single country, you can gauge the independence of their politics and tactics per its allies. Remember that all events are interconnected and each action creates a reaction!

Creating a timeline, or finding one, will help you understand the continuity of the war’s narrative.

You should frame for yourself the time between events, the countries affected by them, and their outcome. Doing so, regardless of the problem you are tackling, will make your paper flow smoothly from one subject to another, touching upon interconnected ideas.

Topics of WW2: Prominent Personalities

When writing about World War 2, most essayists focus only on Adolf Hitler’s adverse role and outright criminal actions. However, you can and should go beyond even Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Joseph Stalin, and Winston Churchill.

Focus on the country that you are tackling; find what connections it had, and what tactics it pursued, and note its leader.

For example, if you are writing about the Eastern front, then mentioning the characters of Zhukov for war-related events, Molotov for diplomacy, and Kalinin for internal affairs will illustrate that you have a comprehensive knowledge of various interconnected topics.

Do your research keeping in mind the essentiality of the personal factor, even in worldwide affairs.

WW2 Topics: The Positive and Negative Consequences

Even today, there are demographic implications and political repercussions of the war. Thus, World War 2 essay questions should demonstrate all consequences of such an event, if possible with vivid examples.

Use quotations, studies, and book and journal titles to support the information you are presenting.

From the accounts of the event’s contemporaries to photo materials and recordings, there are millions of sources on the circumstances of World War 2, many of which are readily available online.

Let your bibliography be representative of your academism and include relevant, credible, and varied sources in it.

Paper Structure

Creating an outline for your paper in the pre-writing stages will help you overview the planned working process and see its weak aspects. Doing so includes seeing what themes are underdeveloped and which you have overpowered with information, as well as correcting this issue promptly.

Furthermore, doing so gives you an understanding of excellent World War 2 essay titles, which are pivotal in getting your readers interested in your work.

If you feel like your paper is lacking something, structurally or informatively, then you can read sample essays on similar issues and judge for yourself what you can apperceive from them.

Does your paper still feel daunting? Let IvyPanda give you some inspiration! Get motivated, writing, and graded “excellent”!

🏆 Best World War 2 Topic Ideas & Essay Examples

• The World War 2 Positive and Negative Repercussions The Effects Of The 2nd World War: The fall of world major powers: The war did not just end, but it had some positive and negative effect to the countries both involved and those that […]
• Could the US Prevent the Start of World War II? Some believe that the United States of America could prevent the outbreak of the war. Therefore, it is possible to assume that the USA could not have prevented the start of the Second World War […]
• World War 2 Consequences The major causes of this Great War were the unresolved issues that resulted from the World War 1. Another thing that led to the World War 2 was the failure of the League of Nations.
• Miscommunication Problems: the US and Japan in World War II At the beginning of 1945, the leaders of such countries as the United States, the United Kingdom, and China offered the document that outlined the conditions of the Japanese surrender under which Hirohito could stay […]
• World War II Propaganda Posters in America The imagery of the boot stepping on the American church is not just a threat to the religious ideals of the country but a threat to freedom itself as the church often doubled as the […]
• Shintoism and World War II in Japan The impact of religions on the world throughout history is undeniable, it can be seen how different religions include in their teachings all of the life aspects and affect them in a way or another.
• Causes of World War II Therefore the desire by the Germans under Hitler to conquer other countries and the desire by the Japanese to expand their territory was the key cause of the war in Europe and subsequently the World […]
• Effects of the Pact of Steel Agreement on World War II He was a strong believer in the strength of the people as the backbone of the country and not the strength of the individual.
• World War II Innovations Named as the Manhattan Project during World War II, the nuclear program of the Allies led to catastrophic consequences for the Axis forces, particularly in the context of the bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which […]
• How Cars Changed the United States After World War II The national rail network allowed the farmers to become part of the national economic recovery that started at the beginning of the Second World War and continued throughout 1960.
• Propaganda During World War II The Second World War was a complicated time for both the general public and the authorities since while the former worried for their safety, family, and homeland, the latter needed to maintain the national spirit […]
• World War 2 Leaders Comparison: Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler World War 2 remains one of the most significant and historically important events in the entire world because the United States of America, Japan, and the majority of European countries were involved in it.
• Nationalism in World War II Another critical “nation-statehood making” is the break of the Soviet Union and the end of cold war between Soviet Union republic and the United States.
• The Neutrality of Vatican City During World War II Despite the moves made by the Pope Pius XII for the Vatican City to remain neutral in the World War II, the actions he made were seen as a great violation of stance.
• Causes of WWI and WWII: Comparing and Contrasting In the following paper, Kenneth Waltz’s levels of analysis will be used for the comparison and contrast of causes of WWI and WWII. The second similarity refers to the distribution of power and the division […]
• The World War II: Impact and Consequences The Allies and the Axis were reluctant to follow any line that risked running into the antagonism of the other for fear of alienating their ally and therefore endangering one of the precepts of their […]
• World War II Propaganda and Its Effects The purpose of this paper is to examine the confrontation between the German and the Soviet propaganda machines during the period of the Second Patriotic War, outline the goals and purposes of each, and identify […]
• American Women in World War II: Oral Interview In fact, the participation of women in the event was prepared during the First World War. Interviewee: Yes, I will give you any information that you may want because I was part of the historical […]
• Dwight D. Eisenhower: World War II Hero and U.S. President In addition to his leading role as a peace and desegregation crusader, prior to his election as the 34th American president and even after his rise to the top seat, Eisenhower was a well known […]
• World War II: A Very Short Introduction The questions addressed in the book were not very often discussed previously, as the author states in the introduction; Weinberg examines Germany’s responsibility for World War II, the reasons behind the eventual victory of the […]
• WWII History: How Hitler Died From the onset of the war, Hitler proved to be a trustworthy leader. In the US, tests done on a part of the skull purported to be Hitler’s have given unconvincing results.
• Development Theories After Second World War Consequently, the rate of growth and development could be measured by the level of savings and investment in physical capital in the country. This theory has included changes in technology into the model of growth […]
• World War II in “Slaughterhouse-Five“ Novel by Kurt Vonnegut To make a detailed description of the expressed opinion and to prove it, we should consider the characteristic features of the heroes and the general perception of novels which are directed at the description of […]
• Women in World War II The involvement of women in the war was quite significant to the women as they were able to have a strong arguing point after the war and this made it possible for the women to […]
• War Crimes During the World War II It is clear that the holocaust was a war crime by the fact that, these were innocent civilians who were targeted specifically because of the hatred that Hitler had for them.
• World War II, Causes and Outcomes: Lesson Plan It includes the key concepts, objectives, materials, and the description of the activities that teachers can use to introduce new material to the students in the 11th and 12th grades.
• The Role Played by Texans in World War II Involvement in the war was expected because the US was against Japan’s entry into Middle East, and colonization of Africa and certain regions of Europe by Germany and Italy. The US was greatly perturbed after […]
• Child Labor, Great Depression and World War II in Photographs The impression is of isolation and yearning for daylight, freedom, and a childhood foregone, in the midst of a machine-dominated world.
• V-2 Rocket and Its Impact on World War II and Today US Army The V-2 rocket was influential not only in the Second World War but also shaped the concept of the future of the US Army and is the prototype for many modern weapons.
• US Holocaust Policy During World War II However, the anti-Nazi campaign was not successful, and the main reason for this was the harsh foreign policy of the USA.
• Canada’s Role and Experiences in World War II The book emphasized the painful experiences the victims of the soldiers went through and the traumatizing memories they had. In the accompaniment of readers, the authors describe strategic bombing as a series of military activities, […]
• The Bonds or Bondage World War II Poster Analysis The current paper explores an example of a poster created in the early years of the war. During WWII, tax increases did not cover the military spending enough, and Henry Morgenthau, Jr, Secretary of the […]
• Important Questions on America Since World War II A significant part of Truman’s failures happened due to the inconsistency of his actions and his unwillingness to commit to social change.
• The US Foreign Policy in the Post-World War II Era In other words, rather than concentrating on maintaining peace in the region, the government deployed military troops to alleviate the domination of any power hostile to the US and its citizens.
• German Strategy During the Beginning of WWII The German’s use of the Nine Variables – Elements of Strategy aided them with great success at the beginning of the war from 1939 – 1941, and the failure to accurately access the Nine Constants […]
• The Office of Strategic Services Operational Groups in World War II The study of the importance of O.S. To investigate the impact of O.S.
• World War II and the US Decision to Stay Out The United States was not involved in the war until 1941 since it had a Neutrality Act which established limits to the sale of weapons to fighting parties.
• The Result Japan’s Fall in World War II The Allies needed to stop the advance of the Imperial Japanese army along the Solomon Islands and prevent the occupation of New Guinea.
• The Role of Propaganda During World War II The poster encourages men to enroll in the army to protect the peaceful lives of women and children. By manipulating emotions and feelings, propaganda influenced people to enroll in the army or work harder.
• Researching of Turning Points in WWII The most discussed battles that possibly created or marked the momentum of the remaining part of the war are the battle of Midway, where the United States were able to gain advance, and the battles […]
• The Effectiveness of WWII Bombing Campaigns The German trial with two-engine fighters was a failure; the American one, on the other hand, was notably effective in the Pacific because of the broader range.
• Wartime Conferences of World War II The wartime conferences of World War II were genuinely significant in deciding the strategy undertaken by the Allies but also helped shape the world order during and in the aftermath of the world.
• D-Day: The Role in World War II By the end of 1944, Paris was released after the Allies approached the Seine River. D-Day became a significant event that influenced the pace of World War II.
• Promoting Production During World War II As the fighting continued, there arose the need to produce equipment to sustain the war: this came to be called wartime production.
• The World War II Discussion: The Convoy Tactics The last year of the war accounted for 60% of the total volume of military supplies that passed along the path of the polar convoys.
• The World War II Propaganda Techniques All the parties to the war, including Germany, the Soviet Union, and Britain, invested many resources in propaganda, but the present essay will focus on the United States’ effort. Furthermore, propaganda messages were created to […]
• World War Two and Its Ramifications The United States imposed economic sanctions on Japan in order to deter Japanese aggression and force the evacuation of Japanese soldiers from Manchuria and China.
• South Africa During World War II Years Clark’s topic is the impact of World War II on the independence of South Africa. The main point of the author is that South Africa’s history during and immediately after World War II is underresearched.
• Contribution to World War II of Chinese and Native Americans Despite the dire conditions many of them lived in and white Americans’ discrimination against them, they used the war as the opportunity to prove themselves as loyal patriots.
• The Role of the United States in World War II The policy worked under the terms that the United States could sell arms provided that the buyer could pay in cash and seek their means of transportation.
• Doing Academic World War II Research Researchers can use the information on the authors at Britannica to determine the reliability of the information provided on the website.
• The Use of Radio in German Propaganda During the World War II One of the techniques used by the Nazis to persuade German people and shape their worldview was the use of such media as radio.
• Arguments Against the Use of Nuclear Weapons in World War II The firebombing campaign was against the use of atomic weapons in the form of nuclear bombs as it was aimed at urban centers and completely discriminatory.
• The European Theatre of Operations in WWII The Eastern front fought against the Western front, demonstrating various air and land campaigns. Battle of the Bulge.
• The Significance of the Iron Curtain at World War II and the Cold War Churchill encouraged the US and the UK to unite and ensure that they ended the actions that the Soviet Union was exercising.
• Soviet and American Perspectives on World War II Through Movies The theme is the same to show the rise and fall of the German Nazi empire. The first remarkable feature of the movie is the humor with which Mikhail Romm, the director of the movie, […]
• Pre-World War II South Africa: Centuries-Old Exploitation Afrikaners: from agriculture to “white-collar” work 1970s: 90 per cent of state top executive and managerial positions are taken by Afrikaners.
• Wikipedia: Posts About World War II There have been arguments voiced against the reliability of internet sources such as Wikipedia as a source of scholarly information. Wikipedia commands a huge following on the internet as a source of information.
• Winston Churchill, a Leader During the World War II He faced this disorder before the development of effective medication, and hence had to live with untreated Bipolar Mood Disorder throughout his life.
• Battle of Kursk: Germany’s Lost Victory in World War II Although the fighting efficiency of the Nazi troops decreased due to a decrease in the number of available equipment and the transfer of auxiliary units to the front, it was still a formidable force.
• The Decolonization in Asia and Africa in the Post-WW2 Period According to Tignor et al, WW2 resulted in the following – the war itself left the unresolved issues of WW1 and heightened them, such as plans of Germany and Japan to expand their political impact […]
• Kurt Vonnegut. Wailing Shall Be in All Streets and Slaughterhouse-Five. Reflections on World War II The two literature pieces under consideration in the following paper can be acclaimed as a strong attack to the motives of those participating in the World War II along with the use of powerful irony.
• Comparing World War II to September 11th Both attacks were condemned on a global scale, and a huge fraction of the rest of the world rallied behind the US. Over 16 million soldiers were deployed to settle the score with the Japanese, […]
• Americanization in Germany Post WWII Most of these changes have indeed played a major role in improving the status of Germany only that the Germans now have little to be proud of in terms of heritage as most of it […]
• World War Two Marked the End of Modern Age All major countries in the whole world were eventually involved in the war that remarkably led to the transfer of the title of the ‘world’s superpower’ from Western Europe to USSR.
• Women in Canada During World War II The analysis of the role of Canadian women in the most devastating war of the century presents special interest for us due to nontrivial results concerning the place of women in history that can be […]
• World War II and Germany’s Invasion Plans The invasion of Great Britain was important to Adolf Hitler because in this way the great air force power of Great Britain would have been destroyed.
• American Culture in the Post World War II Years Further still, the improvisation of Jazz music set a stage for new music culture in the American society that incorporated and appreciated the works of the black population.
• Women’s Role in World War II The significance of this event is not only due to the destruction and the great number of people that were killed in the said conflict but also the numerous precedents that help changed the course […]
• The Nature of the Fighting in World War I and World War II So, the results of this war were awful, but still, speaking about the losses of the World War II, it can be said, that it was the bloodiest conflict in human history. The most obvious […]
• Soviet Strategy Before World War II A closer look at the soviet strategy before WWII reveals that the government has almost destroyed the ability of the people to become the army as the program of collectivism, hunger, and the increasing dissatisfaction […]
• The Influence of the Second World War on the 20th and 21st Centuries’ Cinema The movie follows the lives of a German Wehrmacht infantry platoon as they are shuttled from the North African front to Italy and finally to the Russian front where they find themselves part of the […]
• Anti-Japanese Propaganda During World War II The content of propaganda was much the same as that of broadcast propaganda: emphasis on the Allies’ growing war potential, ridicule of the more preposterous assertions of the National Socialists, evidence of self-contradictions in the […]
• American Economic History After World War II In the beginning, it’s been the United States displacing Great Britain as the world’s largest economy and in the end it’s the globalization that made the biggest noise.
• Politics and Warfare of World War II Realism in the background of international relations includes a diversity of hypotheses and advances, all of which allocate a belief that states are chiefly inspired by the desire for military and financial power or safety, […]
• WWII to 1965: Administration, Policies, Preeminence The legislation that created it aimed to unify and streamline the governance between the whole army while in turn maintaining the individuality of the various army units.
• Issue of World War II Regarding Comfort Women In 1991, the issues regarding comfort women exploded in the public when a woman from South Korea came out to the public and testify the issue regarding comfort women.
• Culture and Customs of Japan After WWII It must be admitted, however, in the interests of truth, that the traditional mode of living and ways of thinking, both good and bad, are deeply rooted in the life of the Japanese people of […]

🥇 Most Interesting World War 2 Topics to Write about

• Impacts of the Pacific War and World War II in Japan Japan surged with the inversion trend undeterred, in 1937, it launched a large-scale inversion of China and four years later in 1941, it attacked the US, triggering the entry of America to the Second World […]
• Could the World War II Have Been Avoided? First of all, arguing on the matters of the inevitability of World War II it is necessary to point out, that the causes of it take the roots at the end of World War I, […]
• Nazi’s Crimes Against Jews During World War II The holocaust of the 20th century was the worst persecution of the European Jews by the Nazis in German between 1933 and 1945.
• Newspaper Coverage of Japan-America Internment in WW2 and the Civil Rights Movement The media covered this because this movement persuaded whites to join them in their mass protests and they were killed in the event.
• Post-World War II Propaganda Art According to Arendt, the “who” is revealed in the narratives people tell of themselves and others. We humanize what is going on in the world and in ourselves only by speaking of it, and in […]
• The United States From the World War II to the 1990s From the economic boom enjoyed in the 1950s, to the rise of civil rights movement in the 1960s, to the concern about the Vietnam War in 1970s, to the end of the Cold War in […]
• Politics, the Israel-Palestine Conflict, and Oil: After the WWII In retrospect, the current situation regarding the confrontations between the ME and Israel, as well as the tensions in the ME’s political arena, can be seen as the inevitable side effects of the self-determination process.
• Shifting Images of Chinese Americans During World War II Therefore, it is important to elaborate on the history of relationships between Japanese Americans and Chinese Americans in the period between 1920 and 1940. Thus, the tendency for the distinguishing and distancing of the Chinese […]
• World War II and Its Impact on Asian Americans In general, most Asian Americans benefited from war as the Filipino, the Chinese, and Indians were wartime allies of the United States.
• Atomic Bomb as a Necessary Evil to End WWII Maddox argued that by releasing the deadly power of the A-bomb on Japanese soil, the Japanese people, and their leaders could visualize the utter senselessness of the war.
• Women Photojournalists During World War II Her photographs worked as evidence of indignities at the camps, and due to this, her work was greatly censored by the then government.
• The Marshall Plan’ Effects on Post WW2 Design To, some extent, the impacts of the Marshall on design can be explained by the economic situation in Europe at that time, and especially the necessity to reduce the costs of production.
• Deindustrialization After the World War II The battle for equality in different working environments led to the passage of the Fair Employment Practices Commission. The tightening labor market in the country also resulted in new employment patterns.
• “Western Renaissance” in Europe After World War II Modernization in the economical sphere, particularly in trade and agriculture created an opportunity to improve the activities of such countries as Italy, Great Britain, Western Germany, and the USA. However, the problems remained and in […]
• The Major Pivot of Post-WWII American History Nowadays, it became a commonplace assumption among many Americans that the causes, behind the rise of the Civil Rights Movement, during the course of the 20th century’s sixties, had to do with the fact that […]
• World War II Facts in Wikipedia Article This article will use the information from the article written by Harris to evaluate Wikipedia’s article on World War II with the aim of establishing if the information from the site can be regarded as […]
• Civilians as Victims of World War II The aim of this paper is to explore the suffering of civilians in the pursuit of victory in World War II.
• Post-World War II and Modern Women in the US I would be used to the things that, according to Dubois and Dumenil, the society demanded of women at the time, and I would readily stay at home and take care of my children, husband, […]
• Racism in the United States: Before and After World War II The U.S.government went from supporting racism against African Americans in the New Deal era to fight against racism by the 1960s because of World War II.
• Australian Workforce Changes After WWII It should be noted, however, that the Australian male breadwinner model is of particular concern, as in the early fifties the model was totally revaluated.
• Roosevelt’s New Deal and Joining World War II It led to the restructuring of the American economy and the establishment of the new model of relations between business, labor force, and the state.
• American Homefront During World War II The people who remained at home also had to change their lives to suit the war. On the same note, the people left at the homefront had to work together in order to survive.
• France Before World War I and After World War II To overcome the negative consequences of the Franco-Prussian War, France needed to focus on new perspectives for the state’s economic and political development, and such an approach could provide the state with the necessary resources […]
• Hitler’s and British Policies in World War II Britain was among the countries that did not welcome the idea of another war due to the bloodshed that had ensued in the World War I.
• Invasion of Normandy in World War II One of such legendary operations is the one that happened on D-Day, the day that shifted the balance of powers of the whole war, the put the beginning to the victorious march of the armies […]
• World War II in “Our Secret” by Susan Griffin The details she provides about various events and the manner in which she chooses her words clearly points out that this is not a work of fiction.
• Japanese Americans Internment During the WWII Besides, the treatise reviews the historical dynamics that allowed for the internment of Japanese Americans and the impacts of internment in the Japanese American communities during and after the end of WW II.
• World War II in Eurasia and America The war ended with the defeat of the far rights; however, conflicts of interests of the winners led to the tension that persisted for long years after the war.
• The Life of a Freedom Fighter in Post WWII Palestine As World War II was coming to an end, the Zionist Movement leaders were hopeful that the British government would amend the White Paper policy, allow the Jews to migrate to Eretz, Israel, and govern […]
• Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Role in World War II That is why historians and the public pay much attention to the discussion of the role in this war of those personalities who persistently led the Western anti-Hitler coalition to the victory over Nazi Germany […]
• Has Security Been the Main Driver Behind European Integration Since World War Two? Backed with the spirit of its member states and the United States, the Union has continuously executed its mandate and enlarged in order to advance and augment its efficacy in its operations.
• The Post World War II Nuclear Arms Race Costs The nuclear arms race led to a monumental increase in the military expenditure of the US and the Soviet Union.
• Peace and Normalisation Treaties Signed After World War II The treaty that was signed by Japan and Taiwan and the one between Japan and Korea had the same specificity. Treaties signed between Japan, Korea, Taiwan and People’s Republic of China each have unique characteristics […]
• The Art of Being Lonely: A Portrayal of the Lives of Chinese Women of the Post-WWII Generation. Wang Anyi’s “The Song of Everlasting Sorrow” Analysis Because of their being not ready for the shift from a WWII to the post-WWII environment and the change in values, Chinese women were highly susceptible and extremely vulnerable to the lures of the “New […]
• WW II and Hitler’s Army After the massive defeat and deaths of the German army in the war that took place in the eastern side, it was evident that the traditional groups of the army were no longer working as […]
• “The Second World War: A Short History (Struggle for Survival)” by Robert Alexander Clarke The author traces the cause of the war from the Europeans and the Germans who were the key participants in the crisis.
• Was the American Use of the Atomic Bomb Against Japan in 1945 the Final Act of WW2 or the Signal That the Cold War Was About to Begin Therefore, to evaluate the reasons that guided the American government in their successful attempt at mass genocide of the residents of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, one must consider not only the political implications behind the actions […]
• Japanese Soldiers in the World War II Japanese recruits were forced to torture and maim their victims by their seniors to display their commitment and loyalty. Japanese soldiers thought they were highly respected by other Japanese civilians because of their willingness to […]
• United States – China Relations During World War II The war involved the greatest number of nations with all the major countries in the world playing a role in the war.
• Military Fascism in Pre-WWII Japan The military fascism was a way of expressing the Japanese economic, power and policy dissatisfaction by the west, and it hence contributed in some ways to the rise of World War II.
• Nazi Germany and Jewish Question The main theme of the entire speech made by SS in which we shall be analyzing in this section of the paper is about this group’s mission and strategies towards the implementation of orders handed […]
• The Influences of Neutral Countries in WW2 The validity of this suggestion can be illustrated, in regards to what historians know about the influences of the mentioned countries on WW2: Sweden Up until the year 1944, Sweden used to be in the […]
• Motivation in Combat: The German Soldier in World War II Omer Bartov’s Hitler’s army: Soldiers, Nazis, and war in the Third Reich represents a good example of such a literature, because in it, the author had made a point in trying to reveal the conceptual […]
• “The Blitzkrieg Myth: How Hitler and the Allies Misread The Strategic Realities of World War II” by John Mosier In order to present a clear picture of German participation in the war and the reasons, which provoked these people to fight and kill, it is necessary to concentrate on various sources and perspectives and […]
• Role of WWII in Shaping America’s History Boost to the Economy The entry of the United States into WWII was a major boost to the economy that was still reeling from the effects of the Great Depression of 1930.
• Controversies of World War II It is believed that Roosevelt wanted to engage Japan in war and the only way to achieve this was by allowing Japan to attack the Harbor.
• The Causes and Consequences of World War Two Some studies reported that the war caused around 62 to 80 million deaths, and this made it the deadliest fighting in the global history in terms of reported number of deaths compared with the world […]
• Western Women in World War Two The only means to win the war was to involve large population of women in employment since millions of men were at war and the rest of the male population was not enough to occupy […]
• Critical Analysis of “Walking Since Daybreak: A Story of Eastern Europe, World War II, and the Heart of Our Century” by Modris Eksteins The author presents a story of a people mixed with fear, anxiety and hope as the main characters of the book are caught in the traumatic experience of the war.
• World War II History The consequences of the war had an impact on the political affairs of the world and resulted in a major change of the course of the history of the world.
• New Zealands Diplomatic Relations With China Since World War II The Interaction between China and New Zealand became formal in 1976, as a mechanism for curbing USSR influence.”This event was marked when Muldoon travelled to Peking in 1976 to meet Mao Zedong”.”It was plainly stated […]
• Historical and Geographical Dynamics That Had Shaped China by the End of World War II The end of the World War II was made possible by the initiation of the so-called development processes in the nations that had been involved in the rapid wars, i.e, the implementation of policies that […]
• The Arab States After the Second World War and the Six-Day War The paper will also discuss the events that led to the six-day war, the major events of the war, the outcome of the war and its contribution to the current political situation in the Middle […]
• World War II as the Most Devastating War in World History The devastation of the war was mainly due to the advanced military weapons used, from the infantry on the front line to the ships in the sea and the planes in the sky, these weapons […]
• The Impacts of the Second World War on Asia The period after the Second World War saw the emergence and expansion of the world economies. Countries such as Japan and China started rebuilding their economies so as to compete with the rest of the […]
• World War II and Humanism Considering the problem of the effects of the World War II in the long term period it is also possible to find the remnants of the humanistic effect, if it was, or to come across […]
• The Second World War Unrest The Second World War was the greatest world unrest in the history of humanity. The war came at the time in which the global economy was recovering from a deep depression.
• European History During World War II This concept was crucial in the Second World War in Europe as there was a “large-scale mobilization of state resources for war to anticipate the modern concept of total war that was typically associated with […]
• The Major Powers of the Second World War After the First World War, the victors stated that they would do everything to preserve peace in the world. The countries that resisted Hitler’s ambition were referred to as the Allies of the Second World […]
• The Effects of the Second World War on US The war provided Americans with an opportunity to take control of the world and stamp authority in regions that belonged to other world powers.
• Analysis of Some US Documents in the Second World War The importance of this speech is in the statement of the reasons of the war, the development of the USA before its intrusion in the war and the betrayal of Japan which attacked the USA […]
• United States and the Second World War According to article 25-1, the attack on the Pearl Harbor was one of the reasons that forced the US to join the war.
• America in World War II – Experiences and Impacts During the World War II, aggression of Adolf Hitler and Nazi party led to persecution of Jews who lived in Germany.
• American History During World War Two The Nazi under the leadership of Hitler is ready to kill all the Jews as witnessed in the atrocities against them.
• Use of Arts in the Second World War by Nazi The films featured several themes such as the virtue of the Nordic or Aryan, the strength of the military and the German industry, and the evils of those who were perceived to be enemies.
• Second World War in U.S. History Studies on the Second World War have yielded varied perspectives; according to Erdelja, “there is no other experience that was more crucial to the development of the U.S.and Europe in the 20th century than the […]
• Race in World War II During the war and after the incarceration of the Japanese Americans, the American public was shown video footage and pictures that justified the confinement of Japanese Americans in the concentration camps.
• Pearl Harbor in the World War II Pearl Harbor is very significant in the history of the World War II because it is the place where the war started. This was another factor that contributed to the World War II, which began […]
• Political Causes of WWII for America and Germany This paper is an examination of the causes of involvement of America and Germany in the WWII. He is, in fact, said to be the person responsible for the start of the war.
• Thinking Government: Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism in Post World War II Canada This leads to the second implication which was summarized by political scientists in the following statement: “nothing can be guaranteed in life and that all individuals are also free to fail, to stumble to the […]
• Challenges and Suggestions That British and American Government Faced After the Second World War In order to overcome these problems, the British politician insists on the necessity to singly out clearly the purposes, to grant simplicity of the decisions made, and declare the human rights and freedoms on the […]
• Foreign Policy: What Has Been the Main Emphases of America’s Foreign Policy From World War 2 to the Present Day? The main emphases of the foreign policy of the United States from World War 2 to the present day have been the containment of the Soviet Union and its allies, military domination, expansion of economy, […]
• Baby Boomers After World War II The government is campaigning for extension of retirement age, as this would boost the capacity of the social security trust fund to pay retirees.
• The Bombing of Dresden in World War II The first planes from the Royal Air force started the journey from 1,100 kilometers away and they were tasked with the role of identifying Dresden and releasing Magnesium flares to light up the areas that […]
• Developing Economy in Russian Federation After World War II Despite the presence of the war, Russia was able to sustain production in parts that were not affected by the war and this trend continued even after the war.
• Japanese Internment in the US During World War II The Japanese moved fast to occupy the territories previously in the hands of the US, and the more than 110,000 people of Japanese ancestry in the west coast raised issues for the president’s cabinet.
• Sexual Slavery and Prostitution During WWII and US Occupation in Japan He is the sole author of five titles, all of which are related to wars of the past and crimes against persons committed during the time.
• Was the Second World War Necessary?
• Why Did the British Government Decide to Evacuate Children From Britain’s Major Cities in the Early Years of the Second World War?
• Was London Prepared for the Outbreak of the Second World War?
• What Role Technology Played in the Second World War?
• How Far Did the Aims of Nazi Propaganda Change During the Course of WW2?
• Was the Second World War Inevitable and What Caused the Second World War?
• How the Relationship Between Australia and Japan Changed After WW2?
• Why Did the United States Fail the Second World War?
• Was Hitler Primarily Responsible for the Outbreak of the Second World War?
• How Did the Treaty of Versailles Help Contribute to the Start of WW2?
• How the Great Depression Ended by United States Entry Into the Second World War?
• How Did WW2 Affect American Society?
• How Did Germany Lose WW2?
• How Did WW2 Start?
• Was the Holocaust Planned During the Second World War?
• What Were the Cold War Fears of the American People After the Second World War?
• How Responsible Was Hitler for the Outbreak of WW2?
• Why Did Germany Lose WW2?
• How Did the Second World War Affect America?
• Why Did Germany Lose the Second World War?
• Was the Second World War a Consequence of Appeasement as an Aggressive German Foreign Policy?
• How Did WW2 Impact Canada?
• Were Japan and Germany Treated Differently by the United States During the Second World War?
• Was the Cold War in Europe the Direct and Logical Outcome of the Second World War?
• Which Factor Was the Most Important in Causing the End of the Second World War?
• How the United States Got Involved in WW2?
• How Did the First World War Set the Global Stage for the Second World War?
• How Did the Second World War Affect Family Life in Britain?
• How Did the Roles of Women Change During WW2?
• Women’s Contributions to World War II
• Battles and Strategies in the War against Japan
• The Complex Factors That Triggered World War 2
• How Technology Impacted Warfare and Military Strategies in WWII
• The Holocaust and Its Horrific Consequences
• How the Battle of Stalingrad Became the Turning Point of WW2 on the Eastern Front
• The Atomic Bomb and Its Impact on the Second World War
• The Nuremberg Trials and the Post-War Pursuit of Justice for War Crimes
• The Role of Propaganda in Shaping Public Opinion During WW2
• The Home Front and Civilian Experience During World War II
• Resistance Movements and Underground Networks during World War II
• The Global Economic Consequences of World War II
• The Strategies of Allied Commanders
• The African-American Experience in World War 2
• Espionage and Intelligence in World War 2
• The Scientific Legacy of Technology Transfer During WW2
• World War II and the Birth of the United Nations
• How Did Civilians Survive the German Air Raids?
• Post-War Reconstruction of Europe and Japan
• The Impact of World War 2 on Art and Popular Culture
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157 World War 2 Essay Topics + Examples

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• Pacific Theater of World War II
• World War II Was a Continuation of World War I
• Consequences of World War I and World War II
• World War II Was Avoidable
• World War II, Its Origins and Consequences
• World War II: Causes, Objectives, and Lessons Learned
• Realist Theory View on World War II
• World War II-Occupations: What New Jobs Were Created? This paper discusses occupations in civil activity, in national defense, and to farm labor, and the evolution of unusual occupations from world war II military designation.
• Social Changes Caused by World War II This essay examines the most common social changes stemming from World War II and the reasons behind their occurrence.
• World War II, Its Causes and Long-Term Effects World War II resulted in a decisive power shift away from the leading European states to the Soviet Union and the United States.
• Japan After World War II: Main Events and Modifications This paper aims to investigate the situation in which Japan found itself after the events of World War II and how it influenced its society, culture and economic development.
• WWII and Iraq War Comparative Analysis This paper critically analyzes the use of theories to compare and possibly contrast the two wars, World War II and the War in Iraq.
• World War II: Why Germans Lost and Allies Won World War II began with Germany’s attack on Poland in 1939 and ended with the attack on Japan’s Hiroshima in 1945 with the atomic bomb.
• The Outcomes of World War II: Impact of Technology World War II’s scientific and technological accomplishments were among the most significant and long-lasting effects of a struggle that affected every aspect of society.
• Political, Cultural, Economic, and Social Implications of WWII for Germany This paper aims to analyze the transformation that happened to Germany after WWII: Political, cultural, economic, and social implications.
• Japan’s Transformation After World War II Despite the high technological level and dynamism, the economy of Japan remained as an economy of an industrial country and continued developing based on industrial dominants.
• Why World War II Was Inevitable The paper states that World War II was the most global war in human history. The war was inevitable and would start sooner or later.
• South Africa in World War II The paper states that without South African ports, thousands of Allies’ troops of World War II would not have reached the Middle East theatre.
• The Battle of Britain During World War II The Battle of Britain was the first large-scale military campaign in history to be fought exclusively in the air. It was part of World War II.
• Russian Climate and German Progression in WWII The country’s climate is close to generally continental, even though as it rises from west to east, the influence of the Atlantic Ocean reduces.
• Churchill’s Leadership as a British Prime Minister During World War II The objective of this paper is to analyze Churchill’s leadership qualities, characteristics, and leadership traits that contributed to his success during the Battle of Britain.
• The World War II Recruitment Poster Analysis This paper discusses a poster that was created during World War II to recruit men and women for the Women’s Army Corps and the U.S. Marines.
• World War II: Impact on American Society World War II had a tremendous impact on people, and its end promoted the middle and working-class Americans to live a better life than they lived before the war.
• Social Effects in the West After World War II The post-war period was marked by changes in all spheres of social life including social security reforms and employment.
• History of Aviation in World War I and World War II Aviation history has various periods that crafted its unique story. It began before the seventeenth century and is known for several momentous events that led to its development, such as World War I and World War II.
• Escape from Sobibor: World War 2 Holocaust Escape from Sobibor is one of the many movies that focus on the mass murder of Jews in German concentration camps.
• Women in the Workplace After WWII To understand how the position of women in the workplace changed after World War II was over, it is necessary to understand what conditions there were before the end of this war.
• World War II: The Influence on Japan Japan experienced a major shift in its economy, politics, legal framework, culture, and society as a direct result of World War II.
• Japan’s Position Regarding World War II The history of Japan in the Second World War is ambiguous. The main debate in this area is the position of Japan in the conflict.
• How and Why the US Entered World War 2?
• Cinema During the Great Depression and WWII
• Why Were the Japanese So Cruel in World War 2?
• Jewish Resistance During World War 2
• Relationship Between World War 1 and World War 2
• How the Versailles Treaty Helped Cause World War II?
• Europe After World War 2
• American Foreign Policy Since World War 2
• The Battle Between Russia and Germany During the WW2
• Australia and World War 2
• Crime Rates During World War II
• American Families During WW2
• How Did American Foreign Policy Change After World War 2?
• The Changing Foreign Policy and Alliances During WWII
• Innovations During World War 2
• The Holocaust and the Nazi Regime During World War 2
• Poland Was the Aggressor in World War II
• How Was Air Security Changed After World War 2?
• Women and Society After WWII
• Benito Mussolini and His Impact on World War 2
• Japanese Internment During World War II Japanese-American internment refers to the forced relocation of numerous Japanese Americans to detention camps by the United States Government during World War II.
• World War II Effects on American Women and Minority Groups The Second World War had a mixed impact on women and minority groups while some minority groups became even more oppressed.
• American Women in World War II American women in World War II became engaged in numerous missions that’s why the importance of the role and objectives of American women in World War II should be investigated.
• Effects of World War II on the Economy and Culture of the U.S. The paper states that WWII affected the U.S economy negatively more than it positively contributed to its growth and sustainability.
• World War I vs. World War II Differences The paper states that there is often a discourse among military historians that the First and Second World Wars are one event or two different ones.
• World War II: Holocaust and Discrimination of the Jews The research paper aims to review several primary and secondary sources discussing the World War II and specifically the discrimination faced by the Jews.
• The Role of the Nazi Ideology in World War II World War II is characterized by the growth of the Nazi ideology, which became the primary factor leading to genocide, civilian murders, and violence peculiar to military actions.
• Changes in Practices of Warfare Since World War II The most important and striking trend in the change in the practice of warfare in the world is that the number of armed conflicts has significantly decreased.
• Las Pachucas During World War II World War II led to social changes and the destruction of old formations with the subsequent creation of new ones. This tendency may be traced to the example of Pachucas.
• World War II and Communism Impact on the US Over the decades, the central economic policy that contributed to the significant growth index in America has been capitalism.
• Fighter Planes: The Role in World War II Fighter planes played the most important role during World War II. These planes were the fastest and easiest to maneuver as they even could be controlled remotely.
• Air Defense Artillery in World War II The history of Air Defense Artillery as an independent branch of the United States Army started on the 20th of June 1968.
• “Battle of Tinian” Role in World War II The Tinian Island in World War II represented one of the core strategic areas that were central to the U.S. army’s success in fighting the enemy.
• American Presidency During World War II and the Cold War World War II and the advent of the Cold War taught many lessons regarding the American presidency, especially on matters of foreign military policies and strategies.
• “Children in the Holocaust and World War II” by Holliday The book “Children in the Holocaust and World War II” describes what difficulties a brother and a sister experienced in the Lodz Ghetto in Poland during World War II.
• World War II Atrocities: Crimes Against Humanity This paper focuses on the crimes against humanity in World War II. The crimes are not on the battlefield and are unconnected with specific military activities.
• World War II: Maskirovka Military Deception and Denials Operations This paper investigates the impact of maskirovka military deception and denials operations, a component of information warfare. The case study is set during World War II.
• The United States and the World War II: Fighting on Two Fronts The Second World War became the most significant conflict in human history because more than 50 million people were killed, including civilians and jews.
• World War II in the Pacific Region While it is a belief that the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on February 7, 1941, was a massive success for the Axis forces, Imperial Japan failed to achieve all its objectives.
• The Role of American Women in World War II World War II empowered women and opened their liberties as equal citizens of the U.S. Women played a critical effort in the war, reducing the gap in industrial labor.
• The Rise and Fall of Communism After World War II Czechoslovakia’s communism was flawed and destined for failure, being devoted to the Russian paradigm and unsuited for a better-industrialized society.
• Battle of the Midway During World War II The Battle of Midway Atoll was a major naval battle of World War II in the Pacific in June 1942. The victory of the US Navy marked a turning point in the Pacific War.
• Post-World War II Civil Rights Movements The post-war time period was essential for all the minorities who chose to protest for their rights to be established and protected by the US government.
• The United States’ Participation in World War II While the United States had significant resources and influence in the West, the country could not have prevented the occurrence of the Second World War.
• World War II: The History of Hiroshima and Nagasaki World War II was a global war that perpetrated the greatest struggle for mankind. This paper undertakes a critical review of why the United States deployed atomic bombs on Japan.
• What Effect Did the World War II Wartime Experience Have on African Americans? World War II was the battle of all races: white, Asian, and Black people. This essay will discover whether they were treated differently during and after the initial strife.
• World War II: “Once Upon a Time” Book by Humphrey The paper reviews Humphrey’s book Once Upon a Time: The 99th Division in World War II based on the USA’s patriotism, internal divisions, and unity of purpose themes.
• Divisions Between the Soviet Union and the USA at the End of the WWII The current paper uses examples to present the issues that led to the division between the United States and the Soviet Union after the Second World War.
• Communism in Europe and America After World War II A review of the factors leading to communist growth in Europe and its failure in the United States is valuable for understanding this critical historical period and its outcomes.
• Camps for Displaced Persons After the End of World War II In the years after the end of World War II, there were many camps for displaced persons – the liberated people had nowhere to return, or it was challenging to do.
• Change of Population in the USA Since World War Two The population of the minorities since World War II experienced a notable increase. The minority group is consists of Hispanics, Asians, and the growing American Indian people.
• African Americans During World War II During World War II, African Americans served in every capacity while simultaneously struggling to advance their status in society and gain more civil rights.
• Nazis Prosecution for the World War II Crimes The violence introduced to the world by Nazi Germany deserves a transformation of the war crime notion. It is the only privilege the participants of criminalistic schemes deserve.
• Nazi Germany’s Resources and Demise in World War II The efforts of different countries managed to deliver victory after Nazi Germany became unstable and incapable of supporting the ongoing war.
• The United States and East Asia Since World War II World War II changed the world forever for the key players. While the USA and the Soviet Union fought together against the Nazi regime, the relationship between the two remained tense.
• Atomic Bomb Technology and World War II Outcomes The Hiroshima bombing, the event that ultimately led to the surrender of Japan, was an indication of the level of technological advancement.
• American-Japanese Military and Race Conflicts in the Book “War Without Mercy: Race and Power in the Pacific War” The issues of prejudice, tunnel vision and inability to see the situation from all sides are described in the present book.
• The Fall of the Grand Alliance Against the Axis Powers Before the End of WWII War is political. International politics have an influence on global wars. The Second War was a war of actions, words, and fierce battles between the UK, US, former Soviet Union and the Nazi rule.
• How World War Two Affected Black Immigration? The black population benefited from World War Two in various ways but they also faced untold sufferings at the hands of people who considered them as none or less human beings.
• Post World War II Artist Big names in the sculpture industry as David Smith of the United States of America also could arguably be named as the most influential artists in the industry general.
• Impact of World War II on Balkan Nationalism, States and Societies To the Balkans, the impacts of World War II were enormous on states and societies. The interplay of military and political events from the war affected the region both positively and negatively.
• Women’s Backlash in the 1950s due to WWII The Second World War provided many horrors of war. The perspective of a woman’s position was changed forever. During WWII many women had jobs and were gaining independence.
• World War II: Internment of the Japanese Americans President Roosevelt at the peak of World War II authorized the internment of Japanese citizens living in the United States.
• Social and Economic Problems After World War II Having borne the brunt of the Great Depression and World War II, the American people experienced serious social and economic problems.
• Great Depression and World War II Impact on the United States Economy Both the Great Depression and World War II heavily impacted the US economy in the first half of the previous century.
• Battle of the Bulge During World War II In retrospect, the Battle of the Bulge can be seen as one of the largest strategic mistakes made by Germany due to the false assumption of military superiority.
• Great Depression and World War II for Americans The Americans encountered numerous problems during the period of the Great Depression. The Second World War also led to many problems in the United States.
• World War II Impact on Racial Issues in the United States The situation with Japanese-American internees during World War II represents a unique and distinctive experience in American history.
• American Women in WWII-Related Film and Poster This paper examines the film “Casablanca” and the poster “It’s a Woman’s War Too!” in the context of determining the role of women, emphasizing contribution during wartime.
• Women’s Representations Before and After World War II This paper analyzes two paintings representing young women performing leisurely activities and shows the differences between the painting, as well as their common theme.
• United States-Japan Relations During World War II The development of relations between the United States and Japan, which led to the outbreak of war between the two countries, was a very complicated process.
• American Foreign Policy Since World War II This paper is a book review of American Foreign Policy since World War II, by Hook and Spanier. An acclaimed literary work, researchers have used the book in educational and political fields.
• History: American Foreign Policy since World War II The post-Cold War era in the American society can be deemed as an essential epoch in the U.S. history, as it allowed for retrieving the answers to some of the most complicated questions.
• World War II, The Cold War and New Europe The WWII and its aftermath resulted in the development of another opposition of superstates. The former allies were not able to able to determine the spheres of their influence and make a compromise.
• US – Japan Economic Relations in WWII The paper studies international relations between Japan and the USA, Japanese aggression and its role in World War II, and Japan’s economic growth.
• World War II Role for the United States World War II led to changing the women’s roles in the family and society, the general social pattern, and to worsening the economic situation in the United States.
• History of Post WWII Every leader had own plan for the Yalta Conference: Roosevelt claimed for Soviet support in the U.S. Pacific War against Japan, particularly invading Japan.
• The Crete Battle of World War II World War II consisted of various battles among them, the Crete battle in which Germany invaded the territory that was hitherto controlled by the British and Greece troops.
• What Happened in Egypt During World War 2?
• Why Did Japan Get Involved in World War 2?
• Who Defeated Japan in World War 2?
• What Role Did Military Intelligence Play in World War 2?
• Did the Soviets Win World War 2?
• What Are the Roles of African Americans During World War 2?
• How Did World War 2 Change the Attitudes of Women and Minorities Toward Their Status in American Society?
• How Did The Versailles Treaty Help World War 2?
• How Did World War 2 Affect Surgical Procedures?
• What Made Japan Lose World War 2?
• Why Did France Surrender to Germany at the Beginning of World War 2?
• How Did World War 2 Come to an End in Europe?
• What Was the Significance of D-Day to the Outcome of World War 2?
• Did Nordic Countries Recognize the Gathering Storm of World War 2?
• What Effect Did World War 2 Have on Life in Barking and Dagenham?
• Why Did Germany Keep Fighting in World War 2?
• How Did World War 2 Begin and End?
• Were the Atomic Bombs Used in World War 2 Justified?
• How Did World War 2 Affect Women’s Rights?
• What Was the Development Process of Atomic Bomb Which Leads Its Impact on World War 2?
• Was Bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki Necessary to End World War 2?
• How Did World War 2 Affect Medical Treatment in Tennessee?
• When Did the Soviet Union Turn Against Germany in World War 2?
• Which Country Won the War 2?
• Was the Cold War Inevitable After World War 2?
• What Country Has the Most Deaths in World War 2?
• Why Were British Troops in Egypt in World War 2?
• Which Country Was the Most Important in World War 2?
• Did the Bretton Woods Conference Help the World Economy After World War 2?
• How Did World War 2 Transform American Society and Government?
• The major battles of World War II.
• The Holocaust during WWII.
• The role of the Manhattan Project in WWII.
• Propaganda in WWII.
• Civilian support during World War II.
• Codebreaking in World War II.
• Resistance movements during WWII.
• War crimes in World War II.
• The Pacific theater of WWII.
• The impact of technology on the WWII course.
• The Battle of Stalingrad—the turning point in the Eastern Front.
• The impact of the Yalta Conference decisions.
• The Battle of Kursk—the largest tank battle in history.
• The challenges of the Allied invasion of Italy.
• The role of African Americans in WWII.
• WWII and the Chinese resistance.
• The costs of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
• The implications of the Tehran Conference.
• Long-term psychological effects of WWII on veterans.
• The Soviet partisan movement during WWII.

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These essay examples and topics on World War 2 were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 20, 2024 .

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World War 2 Research Topics

February 19 2024 10:29 AM

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They say that it is wise to learn from one's own mistakes. Indeed, analyzing one's past and realizing what went wrong helps avoid making the same mistakes. For this reason, good WW2 essay topics are extremely important, as they deal with a disastrous event in humanity's history. While choosing one of the World War II paper topics, remember that every detail matters, and no place in the world has not been affected by the war.

That's why history students usually get an assignment to write a history paper on WW2. That's why our company offers the best history paper writing service for all students. We can write papers on WW2 or any historical topic. Just look at some history papers samples we have written for our clients.

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List the good World War II research topics you might use to research and compose your paper.

World War II Research Topics

• The history of the creation of The Allies of WWII.
• Zygmunt Berling and his contribution to the anti-Nazi movement in Poland.
• Participation of the U.S. in World War II: ambivalent motives.
• The army of India during WWII: 2,5 million volunteers who fought for freedom.
• The position and participation of Australia in World War II.
• German occupation of Belgium during WWII: how the civilian life was organized.
• The role of Polish military shock troops in the battles of WW2.
• The reasons for Japan's joining the Axis in World War 2.
• Creation and effectiveness of the Korean Liberation Army. How the concept of the Korean army changed after the end of World War II.
• Governments of different countries committed War Crimes during World War II.
• The role of Belgian resistance groups in the course of the war within the country: the impact on nation's views and attitudes.
• The Axis in WWII: Military involvement of different countries during the war.
• The Bretton Woods system was a necessary measure of dealing with the destructive consequences of WWII.
• Changes in the political and economic systems of Yugoslavia during World War II.
• Ideological principles used by the Axis. The literature and philosophy are used as a basis for their actions.
• Norwegian Campaign: the brightest attempt for liberation during World War II.
• Hungarian position in WWII: collaboration with Germany and the attempt to make peace.
• Social and economic conditions in Italy during the years of WWII.
• Polish military forces in USSR: contribution to the course of the war.
• The passive participation of Egypt in World War II: the country's land was used as a battlefield.
• 1943 Bengal famine: the tragic outcome of the war on an unbelievable scale.
• Hitler and Mussolini's debates over Austrian Nazis: the interests of each party.
• The Nazi's extermination camps: organization, activity, importance.
• USSR leaders' intention to join the Axis. Why it did not happen: a research into the details.
• Molotov-Ribbentrop pact and its significance for the course of the war.
• The political and economic changes introduced by Reichskommissariat Ukraine.
• The controversial position of Thailand during WWII: ambivalent values and interests of the country's government.
• List the countries that maintained total neutrality during the war. Is it ethically approvable for you to stay out of a conflict of the world's scale?
• Resistance movement in Denmark during World War II: subtle work on political agenda spreading.
• Joseph Stalin's changing position regarding the Nazis during WWII.
• The idea of the Latin Block was created in Spain during WWII.
• Division of the territory of France during World War II.
• The reasons for the Pearl Harbor attack and its impact on WWII course.
• How the modern world would look if the Axis gained victory in World War II?
• Leaders of the Axis: personal qualities as a key factor in forming the history of humanity.
• The concept of Blitzkrieg, its participants, and philosophy.
• Operation "Barbarossa": How it was organized.
• World War II in the Islamic world.
• How WWII impacted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• Social and economic changes in the British Empire during WWII.
• Shifts in the U.S. social moods during the Great Depression and WWII.
• Forced participation of Chinese laborers in World War II.
• Soviet Partisan movement: subtle fight behind the battlefield.
• Red Army strategies and military innovations.
• Biological weapons developed in Japan during World War 2.
• The economic situation of the opposing parties in World War II.
• Ambitions of Hitler: The goals Fuhrer aimed at.
• The phenomenon of the Holocaust during WW2: geography, scope, numbers.
• European Settlement: the aftermath of the World War II.
• Myths and stereotypes about the Nazis army.
• Shocking stories of the Red Army's interaction with civilian Germans.
• Lithuanian Revolution of 1940: political reforms during the war.
• The impact of WWII on the environment of the Earth.
• The Baltic States in World War II.
• Battle of the Bulge: A detailed analysis of the military episode.
• Europe was a field for Hitler and Stalin's competition.
• The opposition of the USSR and Finland in 1940. The Finnish resolution.
• Hirota foreign policy and its significance in the conditions of World War II.
• Jewish children: destinies of the Holocaust. Analysis of the documented cases.
• Personalities of the generals appointed by Stalin.
• The power of the Third Reich during World War II.
• War design: how Hitler planned WWII.
• 1941 Campaign: a turning point during the war for the USSR.
• The fall of Berlin: reasons, participants, the aftermath.
• The closest circle of Hitler: a view of his plans from within.
• Nazi massacre in Rome: human factor in the global tragedy.
• Pacific War in the conditions of World War 2. Political rearrangements of the participating
• Volunteer armies in World War II: the motivation of civilians to achieve fairness.
• Information encoding in secret messaging during World War II.
• Mussolini's position and motives in World War II.
• Comparison of economic and political powers in Europe before World War II and after the end of the war.
• Is the current conflict between Israel and Palestine in any way rooted in the Second World War?
• The recent rise in Anti-Semitism – Have we learned nothing from World War 2?
• Examine the role of the Secret Service during WW2.
• The role of women in World War II.
• Was the attack on Hiroshima justifiable?
• Rights of African Americans and WW2.
• The impact of World War 2 on ordinary people.
• The effect of WWII on Canada.
• Effect of Propaganda during the Second World War.

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World War 2 Essay Topics: 50+ Ideas and Examples for Your Paper

by  Antony W

December 5, 2023

Perhaps the most difficult part about writing an essay on World War 2 is to find a title. Brainstorming ideas and doing preliminary research to determine if a topic is good can take a lot of time. To make the ideation process easier for you, we’ve put together a list of 50+ topics that you might love.

World War II is a broad subject. So you want to make sure you first read the assignment brief and narrow down your focus on a specific area that you can cover within the scope of the assignment.

Of course, a list of 50+ prewritten topics means you have an unlimited option when it comes to topic selection. Yet, given that you can cover only one topic at a time, it’s best to single out what topic would be best for you to explore and then develop it based on the assignment brief.  

Key Takeaways

• While World War II is a broad area with hundreds of History essay topics , your focus should be on a specific topic that you can explore within the scope of the assignment.
• Choose a topic that you find fascinating, especially if falls within a theme that you’ve always wanted to explore.
• Refer to the assignment prompt if you’re in doubt about your topic, or seek guidance from your teacher for further clarity.

50+ Best World War 2 Essay Topics: 50+ Ideas for Your Paper

The following is a list of some of the best World War II topics for your next essay assignment:

Economy and Workforce Topics

The United States was already struggling to recover from the Great Depression, which means that World War II did have a severe effect on the economy and workforce of the states. Here are some topic ideas to consider.

• You can write an essay on how food packaging evolved during the war and the changes that occurred in advertisements.
• What were the newly created job roles, and who filled these new positions during the war
• Explain how the society reacted to the war’s propaganda, as well as the underlying reasons for these responses.
• How did Word War II alter the production of toys during the period that it lasted?
• What were the new products introduced that became part of popular culture during and after the war?

Culture and People Topics

Your essay can focus on the drastic changes to life after the United States of America got into World War II. From racism and civil rights to basic needs and resistance movements, here are some example topics to consider:

• What changes occurred in the rights of African-Americans during wartime?
• Did horses, dogs, birds, or other animals hold specific significance or functions in World War II?
• Was there a rise or decline in domestic violence cases during this period?
• Explain how the children of soldiers cope with the impact of the World War II.
• What changes did civilian fashion undergo during World War II and what were the impacts of the alterations?
• What do letters reveal about relationships, families, and gender roles during the World War II period?
• How was penicillin used, and was there any medical progress during and after the war?

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Technology and Transportation Topics

World War II contributed quite significantly to the development of transportation and technology . This change the way news spread, how people entertained themselves, and the way human beings communicated. Here are some topic ideas that fit into this area:

• What advancements in transportation infrastructure emerged from wartime or postwar policies, specifically in bridges and roads?
• Explain how radio or other communication methods influence significant events.
• Write about the needs that drove the creation of folding motorcycles and why military motorcycles in use wide use by the government?
• State the technologies that originated from the war and explain their implementation after the World War II.
• Which TV shows drew inspiration from the war, and how accurate were they?
• Can we attribute the progress in jet engine technology to the World War II?
• How crucial was rocket technology during this period?
• Why and how did remarkable shipbuilding accomplishments occur during the war?

World War II Argumentative Essay Topics

An argumentative essa y topic on the Second World War requires you to take a side and use evidence, statistics, and reasons to defend that position. You’ll have to look at both sides of the arguments, but then use the strongest pieces of evidence to explain why you believe your take on the topic (or issue) is more believable than the other is.  Here are some examples:

• Did the World War II even alter the global balance of power?
• Evaluate the roles played by nationalism, imperialism, and totalitarianism in causing WWII.
• Are there controversies surrounding the use of atomic bombs during the World War II?
• Look at the factors that facilitated the Holocaust on a massive scale during the Second World War.
• Did women have a strong contribution to the World War II and was their fight for equality during the time reasonable?
• Did propaganda affect public perception during the World War II?
• The World War II did not play a big contribution to the technological and scientific progress at the time.
• Was the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II a violation of their civil rights?

World War II History Topics

• How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to and influence the outbreak of World War II?
• Explain the factors that led to the ascension of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.
• Assess the importance of the Battle of Britain in halting German advancement.
• What role did Winston Churchill play in guiding Britain through World War II?
• Examine the tactics and significant battles in the Pacific during World War 2.
• Analyze how resistance movements in occupied Europe contributed to the Allies’ success.

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Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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144 WW2 Essay Topics & Examples

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• ⚔️ W2 Topics for Presentation

❓ World War II Research Topics & Questions

💣 world war 2 topics for debate, 🪖 ww2 essay topics, 🎖️ interesting ww2 topics to write about, 📢 world war 2 discussion questions.

World War II, the most widespread war in history, lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved more than 100 million people from more than 30 countries. In a state of “total war”, the participants threw all of their industrial, economic, and scientific capabilities behind the war effort. Marked by mass deaths of civilians, including the Holocaust and the strategic bombing of population centers, it resulted in 50 to 70 million deaths. WW2 had a profound impact on the course of history, shaping the world in ways that are still felt today.

If you’re looking for interesting WW2 topics for your argumentative essay, research paper, discussion, or debate, you’re in the right place. We’ve prepared an extensive collection of World War II research topics that can be used for any project. There also are World War II essay examples written by straight-A students.

• Wars in the USA after the World War II The end of the World War II saw the beginning of other wars in the USA such as the war against racial inequality, male dominance, and the Cold War.
• The First and the Second World War Comparison The similarities in the First World War and the Second World War justify why the events are considered two parts of the same war.
• World War II People in "Hitler's Army Bartov’s "Hitler's Army: Soldiers, Nazis, and War in the Third Reich" contains some valid ideas, but overall it sounds significantly affected by author’s political biasness.
• The Treaty of Versailles in World War II History The treaty of Versailles contributed largely to the outbreak of the Second World War. The convention had imposed much restriction on Germany in extraordinary ways.
• The United States in the Second World War The involvement of the United States into the Second World War was evident, despite the strategy of isolationism; however, the American government was waiting for the reason to start the war.
• Minority Civil Rights in the US After WWII After World War II, the minority groups could access employment opportunities and vote. These developments were realized through advocacy for their civil rights.
• Japanese American Life During and After the World War II The Second World War affected every country and nation in the world. Millions of victims of the war suffered from injustice and the aggressive actions of different parties.
• The Second World War Impact on the USSR This paper proves that after the Second World War, the Soviet Union gained economic and political control at the new territories to spread communist ideology there.
• Discrimination in America Essay This essay on discrimination in America compares Irish vs. Vietnamese immigrants in pre-World War II era and African vs. Native Americans in post-World War II era.
• Women in Combat in the United States' History The history of women in combat roles in the United States military takes us back to the periods of the revolutionary war, civil war, WWI, and WWII.
• American Women in History of World War II There is a gap in data concerning the inclusion of American women in military operations during World War II. Approximately 350,000 women joined the Armed Services in 1941-45.
• American Women in War and Society The history of American women in the military is shorter than that of men. Prejudice and physical differences contributed to women’s limited presence in the armed forces.
• Women in History of World War II: Retrospective The role of women in modern history, particularly since the era of industrialization is extensive but remains understudied in academia and underestimated by the broader society.
• World War II: Picking the Pieces of a Global War World War II exposed how the atrocities of war can alter the course of civilization and redefined the political, technological, and social development of the world after.
• Germany in the World War II The World War II was neither political nor economic war. It was the war against people who did not meet the standards imposed by Hitler.
• Impact of the World Wars on Canadian-American Relations Discussing the Canadian – American relations within the time frames of the First and Second World Wars, the issue of the impact of those wars on both countries should be analyzed.
• Happening and Impact of World War I and II to Britain the First World War made Britain more powerful with so many colonies and empires. At this time it was considered to be great imperial power.
• World War II and Situation in Countries-Participants After the War The end of World War II had heralded along and protracted competition for military and economic supremacy between the United States and the Soviets Union.
• Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Purpose and Effect The first purpose of bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki was the US President Harry S. Truman's desire to win the war as soon as possible.
• Roles Played by U.S Foreign Policy in the Outbreak of the World War II This paper shall discuss how the Foreign policy of the United States contributed to the outbreak of World War II.
• Austria and France: Impacts and Causes of World War I and World War II This discussion has clearly indicated that the first and second World Wars had an adverse impact on the social, political, and economic well-being of Austria-Hungary and France.
• Domestic Processes in the US During World War II During World War II in the United States there are various significant events that were a test for the nation and people of color, Japanese Americans.
• The Impact of U.S. Foreign Policy Between WWI and 1950s The shifts from isolationism to interventionism had both positive and negative consequences for American society that will be described further in detail.
• United States’ and the USSR’s Political and Economic Concerns at the End of World War II
• World War II: Pacific Theater Overview and Pearl Harbor
• Industrialization and Social Change During World War II
• Japan and China Relations During the End of World War II
• Concentration and Deaths Camps in World War II
• The Historical and Religious Significance of the Bombing of Civilians in World War II
• Civil Rights Movements During the World War II
• Rise of Fascism and the Nazi Party: World War II
• Soviet Union Totalitarianism and Its Impact on the World War II
• The Air Defense Technologies and Aircraft Manufacturing Industry During World War II
• The European Union-China’s Trade Relationship The study explores the trade relationship between the EU and China with a focus on the existing challenges of making it sustainable.
• National Identity and Immigration During World War II
• Adolf Hitler and His Anti-semitism Campaign During World War II
• Sir Winston Churchill and His Pivotal Role in World War II
• Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party Caused the World War II
• Nuclear Weapons and Its Effects on the World War II
• Nazi Germany and Mussolini ‘S Italy During World War II
• Justifications for the Use of Atomic Bombs on Japan in World War II
• Building Hitler’s Europe: Forced Labor in the Danish Construction Business During World War II
• The Civil Rights Movement and World War II
• Australia and Japan’s Relationship Since World War II

⚔️ WW2 Topics for Presentation

• The Factors Caused Poverty After World War II and the Policies to Address Poverty
• Auschwitz Concentration Camp During World War II
• American-Soviet Relationship After World War II
• Changing World Politics During World War II
• America and Post World War II Era: New Left Versus Right
• African American Ideologies During World War II
• Major Innovations and Occurred During World War II
• American Women and the World War II Factory Experience
• Human Nature and Behavior: Jews and World War II
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin – The Big Three Who Were the Most Powerful Leaders After World War II
• Discrimination and Its Effects on the Military During World War II
• Cultural and Political Revitalization of Post-world War II Europe
• Adolf Hitler and His Influence on the World War II
• Childhood Circumstances and Adult Outcomes: Evidence From World War II
• Nazi Experimentation During World War II
• Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombings as the Events That Ended World War II
• Technological Innovations During the World War II
• Atomic Bomb and Its Effects on Post-world War II
• Economic Policies During the World War II and Economic Reconstruction After
• Arab Military Performance During the World War II
• How Was Adolf Hitler Responsible for World War II?
• Did New Deal and World War II Public Capital Investments Facilitate a Big Push in the American South?
• How Did Australia’s Relationship With the USA Develop in World War II?
• Why Were the Major Cities of Britain Bombed by the Germans in World War II?
• How and Why the United States Emerged as the Dominant Global Superpower After World War II?
• How Has World War II Affected the Growth of Information?
• How Did the Involvement of the United States Affect the Outcome of World War II?
• How Did the Corfu Incident Affect the Outbreak of World War II?
• Did the Atomic Bomb End World War II?
• How and Why Yugoslavia, Greece, Poland, and Czechoslovakia Became Involved in World War II?
• Why Was the Versailles Treaty Ineffective at Preventing World War II?
• Why Did the British Government Evacuate Children From Major Cities at the Start of World War II
• Did the Soviets Cause the Defeat of Germany in World War II?
• How Occupied France Financed Its Own Exploitation in World War II?
• How Was America Able to Recover and Rise to Economic Prosperity After the World War II?
• How Lean Manufacturing Evolved After World War II?
• Did Technology and Strategy Affect the Outcome of World War II?
• How Have Family Structures Changed Since World War II?
• How Have the Rights and Freedoms of Women Changed in the Post World War II Era?
• How Did World War II Transform American Society and Government?
• Did the Bretton Woods Conference Help the World Economy After World War II?
• Did Nordic Countries Recognize the Gathering Storm of World War II?
• How the Nuclear Arms’ Race Has Changed the Nature of Warfare Between World War II and Present?
• How Did World War II Change the Attitudes of Women and Minorities Toward Their Status in American Society?
• How the Political and Economic Concerns of the U.S. And the U.S.s.r. Impacted New Governments and Reconstruction in Germany and Japan Post-world War II?
• How Britain Influenced and Shaped Nazi Germany Defeat During World War II?
• Why Did Germany Lose World War II Despite Its Victories Early in the War Term?
• How Did Hitler’s Foreign Policy Lead to the Outbreak of World War II?
• How Europe’s Economy Was in Shambles After the End of World War II and How It Recovered?
• What Role Did the Concentration Camps Play in the Holocaust During World War II?
• The rise of authoritarian regimes in Europe as a cause of World War II.
• The major events and battles of World War II.
• The role of political leaders in World War II: Adolf Hitler, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Joseph Stalin.
• The Holocaust and extermination of minority groups by the Nazi regime.
• The use of propaganda by the Axis.
• The role of women in World War II.
• The impact of the war on civilians.
• The role of technology in World War II: new weapons and strategies.
• The liberation of concentration camps and the liberation of occupied territories by Allied forces.
• The aftermath of World War II.
• US involvement in World War II
• Soviet Union’s role in World War II
• Japan’s role in World War II
• Decolonization after World War II
• Resistance movements in World War II
• Civilians in resistance movements
• Prisoners of war in World War II
• Economic factors in World War II
• Intelligence gathering and espionage in World War II
• Impact of World War II on cultural movements
• What Were the Main Causes of World War 2?
• How Did World War 2 Start, and Where Did It Begin?
• Who Were the Major Axis Powers During World War 2?
• Did More Germans or Jews Die in World War II?
• How Did World War 2 Impact the Global Economy?
• Why Was Japan So Cruel During WW2?
• Who Were the Major Allied Powers During World War 2?
• Could World War 2 Have Been Won Without the United States?
• What Was the Significance of the Treaty of Versailles in Relation to World War 2?
• How Did Adolf Hitler Rise to Power, and What Role Did He Play in World War II?
• What Was the Battle of Stalingrad, and Why Was It a Turning Point in World War 2?
• Is Germany Still Being Punished in the Present Day Due to World War 2?
• Was It Ever Possible for Germany to Win World War 2?
• How Did WW2 Impact the Home Front in the United States?
• What Was the Role of Winston Churchill in World War 2?
• How Was Japan’s Economy Affected After World War 2?
• Who Were the Worst Generals in World War 2?
• Could Britain Have Survived World War 2 Without the USA?
• What Was the Significance of the Battle of Midway in WW2?
• Which Was the Cruelest Army in World War II?
• Did the USA Cheat in World War 2?
• Why Is World War 2 Called “World” War 2 if It Didn’t Affect the Whole World?
• Who Were the Big Three Leaders of the Allied Powers During World War 2?
• How Did World War 2 Affect Japan, Both During and After the War?
• Why Did the German Army Fight to the Bitter End in World War 2?
• What Were the Major Consequences of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombings in World War 2?
• Why Did the US Enter World War II?
• How Did World War 2 Impact the Art and Culture of the Era?
• What Was the Role of Espionage and Spies During World War II?
• How Did Stalin’s Purge Affect the Red Army’s Efficiency in WW2?

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World War 2 Essay: Outline + 100 WW2 Research Topics

This time you have to write a World War II essay, paper, or thesis. It means that you have a perfect chance to refresh those memories about the war that some of us might forget.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

So many words can be said about the war in that it seems you will simply get lost in a variety of WW2 research topics and questions.

Still, you do not know what to write about in your World War 2 essay for middle school. Of course, you may look through several free essays in search of ideas. However, you may find our suggestions interesting or get instant writing help right here.

• 🔝 Top 10 Topics
• 🎓 Essay Topics for Student
• 🎖️ WW2 Argumentative Essay Topics
• 💡 More Topic Examples
• 📑 Outline Examples
• 💁 General Info

🔗 References

🔝 top 10 ww2 essay topics.

• Was the battle of Dunkirk a failure? 
• WWII technologies that changed our lives 
• The outcome of the Nuremberg trials 
• Medical experiments during the Holocaust
• Battle of Midway as a turning point in WWII  
• Why is penicillin a wonder of World War 2? 
• Why is the Bataan Death March a war crime?
• The impact of propaganda during WWII 
• Racial segregation in the armed forces during WWII 
• What makes the Battle of Stalingrad the deadliest in WWII? 

🎓 WW2 Essay Topics for Student 

• Contributions of women pilots in World War II  
• “Gesture Life” and “Maus”: post-World War II injuries  
• The federal government’s actions during World War II  
• Rebuilding Europe after World War II  
• World War II in Europe: development and costs  
• World War II: maskirovka military deception and denials operations  
• World War II in the Pacific region  
• The second World War’s historical aspects  
• The rise and fall of communism after World War II  
• South Africa in World War II  
• Battle of the Midway during World War II  
• World War II: the history of Hiroshima and Nagasaki  
• What effect did the World War II wartime experience have on African Americans?  
• The battle of Britain during World War II  
• World War II was a continuation of World War I  
• Communism in Europe and America after World War II  
• Camps for displaced persons after the end of World War II  
• Nazis prosecution for the World War II crimes  
• World War II was avoidable  
• Nazi Germany’s resources and demise in World War II  
• The United States and East Asia since World War II  
• Japan after World War II: main events and modifications  
• Atomic bomb technology and World War II outcomes  
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• World War II in “The Rape of Europa” documentary  
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• Great Depression and World War II impact on the United States economy  
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• Escape from Sobibor: World War 2 holocaust  
• World War II: why Germans lost and allies won  
• World War II impact on racial issues in the United States  
• Women’s representations before and after World War II  
• United States-Japan relations during World War II  
• Second World War: cause and technology  
• American foreign policy since World War II  
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🎖️ WW2: Argumentative Essay Topics

As it happens quite often, teachers like to ask students to write an essay on World War II. However, don’t expect it to be easy. It should be something more narrow than the essay about the causes of World War II.

You can use some practical techniques to come up with a suitable topic. For instance, some of the most popular ones are mind mapping and brainstorming. Don’t forget to use questions to create a perfect thesis statement.

But we have made your life so much easier and prepared this comprehensive list of WWII argumentative essay topics. There are also short hints to help you start with your paper.

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

🔫 World War 2 Essay Topics: Military

• Exploring the effects of WWII on life in Hawaii. Research the impact of those events on the social life of families living there.
• Family memories of the Holocaust . Dig deep and see if you have any (distant) relatives who were the witnesses.
• Something unique about Italy in WWII. Look into some exceptional circumstances that occurred there at the time of the war.
• The origins of the phrase “Kilroy was here.” It is quite a controversial topic, so you might want to study all the sources you can find.
• Nationalist Socialists: examine the importance of the movement in the US. What was its social impact since the war? Describe this in your WW2 essay.
• Write about your town/city. Conduct research to find out about the political changes in your hometown related to war.
• The transformation of the prisoner-of-war camps . Write about what happened to the POW camps after the end of the war.
• The fate of the prisoners of war. Study the documents to get to know what happened to them and whether they continued their healthy lives.
• Describe the spies that participated in WWII . Who were they? What usually happened to those who were caught by different sides?
• The role of women . Discover the contribution of the weaker sex in warfare and write about the most surprising facts.
• How important were the weather conditions for the outcomes of WWII ? Find out which battles were lost or won due to the weather.
• War crimes: consequences. Conduct research to answer the questions about the war crime trials, their outcomes, and the most notorious cases.
• Research the role of the US government in WWII . Compare it to the other governments and analyze the strategies they were using.
• The sense of freedom during the war. For this WW2 essay topic, you would need to look critically at how freedom was suppressed or expanded.
• What was so special about the movements of the troop? Here, you would be expected to provide the answers concerning the secrecy and challenges.
• The experiences of the attack survivors. Find out what was happening during the attack on the military units and the planes.

🤖 World War 2 Essay Topics: Technology

• The role of the submarines in the war. This World War II research topic is all about the importance of the submarines.
• Estimate the destruction in the UK. Find out how many historical places were wiped out as a result of the war.
• Was Winston Churchill prepared for it? Write about the background of that influential leader and how it helped him at the wartime.
• Write about the time the US entered the war . Are there any facts that we still don’t know well enough? What about the timing?
• The miracle of the radar. This WW2 essay topic would be interesting for those who are fascinated by technology. What was the role of that device in WWII?
• Rocket technology and the war. Write about the importance of the rockets and what the moment when they changed the course of the war.
• Building the ultimate warship. What was the driving force of the developments in the field of shipbuilding during WWII?
• Describe the main means of communication during the war. Don’t forget to mention the radio and its impact on the major events in your World War 2 essay.
• The development of bridges and roads. What were the main technological achievements in this field that still impact our everyday life?
• Explain the rise of the popularity of motorcycles during the war. Feel free to mention the folding bikes and their invention.
• The technology we have thanks to the war. Dedicate your WW2 essay to the inventions we can’t live without nowadays that were created during the war.
• What about TVs? You can narrow down this World War II essay question as you wish. For example, write about the shows dedicated to the war.
• The jet engines developed by the needs of war. Look into the reasons why those engines were created during WWII .

💰 WW2 Research Topics: Economy

• What about propaganda ? This WWII essay should describe how people in the US were reacting to the war and why.
• The product of war: pop culture elements. Think about products that became popular and maybe even stayed a part of culture after the war ended.
• Toy story: WWII edition. Find out how the war influenced the toy production and whether it was a part of propaganda.
• The major changes in the job market sponsored by WWII. What new roles suddenly appeared on the job market, thanks to the war?
• The power of advertising . To narrow it down, you can even mention how the food packaging was adjusted and why.

🎨 WW2 Research Topics: Culture

• Discover the world of fashion during the wartime . It is one of the cool WWII essay topics. It should be about the new trends for civilians at the time.
• The analysis of artworks created during WWII . Choose a piece of art inspired by war and analyze it. What is its story?
• New times require new family traditions. How were the customs inside the families changed by the war? What about raising children? Highlight these issues in your World War 2 essay.
• The secrets of the love letters during the war. This short essay would require you to dig into the archives and find out what the letters could tell us about the relationships back then.
• What was the unique role of animals in WWII? Dedicate your writing to some type of animal and discuss how they were used.
• The rights of African-Americans during the time of war . Write about how their civil rights were changed and try to find the root causes.
• Food preservation methods: another revolution. This example is all about food and how it was packed and preserved during the war.
• The cases of domestic violence during the cold war. Were the rates higher at the time? Did political tension cause it? This is also a great World War 2 essay topic.
• Expanding the vocabulary. Just like any other part of life, the language also went through some changes. What were the new words that emerged?
• The troubled life of housewife during WWII . Describe the work women used to do at the wartime and how it was changed.
• Still resisting: the movements created by families. Here, you should concentrate on the experience of the families that live in the occupied territories.
• Lifesaving food: the role of nutrition in WWII. Try to research and find the battles that were lost or won due to the availability of food.
• The impact of food rationing on soldiers and families. Write your WW2 essay about the struggles of families and different groups of people.
• What were the common sacrifices of families during the war ? In this essay, you would need to look into the negative changes in families’ lifestyles.
• The miracle of penicillin : WWII. This research aims to uncover the importance of penicillin or any other medicine of your choice.
• The clothes that saved lives. Write about different types of clothing and materials that were used to help the soldiers on the battlefield.

💡 World War 2 Essay: More Topic Examples

Below, other suggestions on what you might write about in essays on World War II are presented:

Present in Your World War 2 Essay Alternative Decisions That Could Have Changed the Course of the War Dramatically

Such World War 2 essay will aim to explore some of the greatest decision making mistakes of the world leaders. We do not mean that you should discuss some miraculous history events like “what if Hitler had a heart attack.” In the World War 2 essay devoted to this problem, give realistic alternative decisions that were considered but not realized. Analyze those alternatives that could have changed the end of the war.

“In Your World War Ii Essay, Try to Answer the Question “When Did Hitler Lose the War?”

When did Adolf Hitler lose his chance to win World War II ? What was it? These are the World War 2 essay questions you have to answer. Analyze different viewpoints of historians and present your opinion in the essay on World War 2.

Cover the Themes of Atrocity and War-Crimes in the World War 2 Essay

Acts of genocides and atrocity against civil population occurred in such countries as Japan, the Soviet Union , and Germany. Some of them were so horrific and immense that they changed the psyche of many people and different nations. When disclosing this theme in the Second World War essay, tell about Nazi concentration camps, “Death-camps,” the Holocaust , etc.

If you are interested in other  history essay  topics, read our hints for writing terrorism essays . And don’t forget to tell us in comments below your opinion about the World War 2.

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📑 World War 2 Essay: Outline Examples

The next is creating a neat outline, which would become a massive help for you during the process of writing. Find examples of World War II essay outlines below!

Example 1. Analyze how some alternative decisions could have changed the course of World War II

Try to pick something realistic. Merely writing that if Hitler suddenly died and the war had never happened is just dull. Get creative and maybe take as a basis some real facts that were considered but never came into life.

• In your World War II essay introduction , present the chosen decision. Include your thesis statement in this part as well. It should be your hypothesis concerning the topic.
• In the main body , give at least three arguments why and how that decision would have changed things. Here, you prove your hypothesis to be right. You may add one counter-argument if you wish. For instance, include the opinion of a historian saying that it wouldn’t change anything.
• In conclusion , state your opinion once again, which is now supported by arguments.

Example 2. When did it happen that Germany lost the war?

Think about when Adolf Hitler might have missed his chance to win World War II. What was it? Include some details. Once again, do your research and consider the opinions of different historians.

• In the introduction to this World War 2 essay , present your point of view. In the thesis statement, write the answer to World War II essay questions clearly and coherently.
• The main body here is for you to include three to five pieces of evidence that may prove you right. If you decide to write an argumentative essay, you might add some contradicting facts, too.
• In the last part of your writing, focus on paraphrasing your thesis statement.

Example 3. World War II: discuss war crimes and atrocity

This essay title is related to all acts of cruelty against the civil population, including genocides. You may want to narrow it down according to your preferences. For instance, you can talk about how concentration camps created by Nazis have changed the people’s psyche.

• Introduce this WW2 essay topic by stating how people have changed after surviving the Death Camps. It might be a good idea to include a sentence at the beginning that may serve as a hook to make your readers interested.
• In the body , present not less than three examples of what you think might be relevant. Those should be proven historical facts if you want your essay to be persuasive.
• Conclude by providing a summary of the facts presented in the main body. Add the paraphrased thesis statement.

💁 World War 2: General Information

World war ii: timeline.

Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. And on September 3, 1939, France and Britain, fulfilling their obligations to Poland, declared war on Germany and World War II began.

However, the beginning of World War II was preceded by some events, inextricably related:

• September 18, 1931. Japan attacked Manchuria
• October 2, 1935 – May 1936. Fascist Italy invaded Ethiopia, conquered and annexed it
• October 25 – November 1, 1936. On October 25, Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy concluded a cooperation agreement. November 1 announced the creation of the “ Rome-Berlin Axis “
• November 25, 1936. Nazi Germany and imperialist Japan concluded the Anti-Comintern Pact, directed against the USSR and the international communist movement
• July 7, 1937. Japan invaded China. The World War II began in the Pacific
• 11-13 March 1938. Germany joins Austria (the so-called Anschluss)
• September 29, 1938. Germany, Italy, Great Britain and France signed the Munich agreement obliging the Czechoslovak Republic to cede Nazi Germany to the Sudetenland (where the critical Czechoslovak fortifications were located)
• 14-15 March 1939. Under pressure from Germany, the Slovaks declared their independence and created the Slovak Republic. The Germans broke the Munich agreement , occupied the Czech lands, and established the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia

• March 31, 1939. France and the United Kingdom provided guarantees of the inviolability of the borders of Poland
• 7-15 April 1939. Fascist Italy attacked Albania and annexed it
• August 23, 1939. Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed a non-aggression pact and a secret annex to it, according to which Europe was divided into spheres of influence

Some scientists think that the World War II was a continuation of the World War I ended in 1918.

September 2, 1945, is the date when the World War II ended. Japan, agreed to unconditional surrender on August 14, 1945, officially capitulates, thereby putting an end to World War II.

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World War II: Key Facts

• Perhaps, the World War II was one the most destructive wars in modern history. About 27,000 people were killed each day from September 1, 1939, to September 2, 1945.
• The primary opponents were Nazi Germany, fascist Italy, Imperial Japan on the one hand, and the Soviet Union, Great Britain, France the United States , and China on the other.
• Germany capitulated on May 7, 1945 . At the same time, Japan continued to fight for another four months before their capitulation on September 2. Atomic bombs, dropped by American troops on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, were first used against Japan.
• The end of the war was marked by Britain losing most of its empire . At the same time, World War II accelerated the revival of the US and Soviet economies as global superpowers.
• After the end of the World War II, the “Cold War” between the US and the USSR started.

World War 2: Casualties

The exact World War II casualties remain unknown. However, historians name that the total number of victims was over 60 million people including military and civilians killed. Below you’ll find the list of states suffered the highest losses:

• 42,000,000 people–USSR
• 9,000,000 people–Germany
• 4,000,000 people–China
• 3,000,000 people–Japan

World War II: Causes

Perhaps, there were many prerequisites for World War II:

• Japan’s victory over Russia in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-05) opened the door for Japanese expansion in the Asia-Pacific region
• The US Navy first developed plans to prepare for a naval war with Japan in 1890
• The Great Depression, and the global recession that followed
• The coming to power of Hitler and his statement about the injustice of the Versailles Treaty, signed in 1918
• The creation in 1935 of the Luftwaffe, as a direct violation of the 1919 treaty
• Remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936
• Anschluss of Austria and the annexation of part of Czechoslovakia
• Italy’s desire to create a Third Rome and Japan’s goal to create an independent state with the Pan-Asian sphere of influence

World War II: Results

The results of World War II are not limited to losses and destruction. As a result of the war, the face of the world changed: new borders and new states appeared, new tendencies of social development emerged, and significant inventions were made.

The war gave a strong impetus to the development of science and technology. Radar, jet aircraft, ballistic missiles, antibiotics, electronic computers and many other discoveries were made or entered into widespread use during the war. The foundations of the scientific and technological revolution were laid, which transformed and continued to change the postwar world.

The ideology of fascism, Nazism, racism, colonialism thoroughly discredited itself; on the contrary, the ideas of anti-fascism, anti-colonialism, democracy, and socialism gained wide popularity.

The human rights recorded in the UN Charter are internationally recognized. The influence of parties and groups that fought for democracy and social transformations–communists, socialists, social democrats, Christian democrats and other democratic forces, has sharply increased.

In many countries, significant reforms carried out: partial nationalization of industry and banks, the creation of a state system of social insurance, the expansion of workers’ rights. In some countries, including France, Italy, Germany, Japan, have adopted new, democratic constitutions. There was a profound renewal of the society, democratization of state and public institutions.

The colonial system disintegration was another significant result and consequence of the Second World War. Before the war, the vast majority of the world’s population lived in colonies, the area, and population of which many times exceeded the metropolitan countries: Britain, France, Holland, Belgium, Italy, and Japan.

During the World War 2 and after its end, part of the dependent and colonial countries (Syria, Lebanon, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Burma, Philippines, and Korea) declared itself independent. In 1947, India became independent, divided into two dominions: India and Pakistan. The intense process of liberation of the colonial peoples began, which continued until the complete abolition of the colonies in the second half of the twentieth century.

As a result of the war, the balance of forces in the world has changed dramatically. Germany, Italy, Japan were defeated, for a time turned into dependent countries, occupied by foreign troops. The war destroyed their economy, and they for many years could not compete with their former competitors.

Compared with the pre-war time, the positions of France and even Great Britain weakened considerably. The USA came out of the war significantly strengthened. Having surpassed all other countries economically and militarily, the United States became the sole leader of the capitalist world.

The second “superpower” was the Soviet Union. By the end of the war, the Soviet Union had the most massive land army in the world and substantial industrial potential. The USSR Armed Forces were in many countries of Central and Eastern Europe, East Germany and North Korea.

Some countries liberated by the Soviet Union took the road of non-capitalist development. After the liberation from the occupiers in Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, people’s democratic governments were established with the participation or under the leadership of the Communists, who began profound social transformations. By the Yalta agreements , these countries were considered to be the sphere of influence of the Soviet Union and were in fact under its control.

If the United States became the leader of the capitalist world, then the Soviet Union led the social forces that opposed capitalism. Two main poles of attraction of the world forces, conventionally called the East and the West, were formed; began to build two ideological and military-political blocs, the confrontation of which largely determined the structure of the post-war bipolar world.

The anti-fascist coalition split. Its participants came into conflict with each other, and the “ Cold War ” that lasted more than 45 years, until the collapse of the USSR.

This might be interesting for you:

• Interesting History Essay Topics and Events to Write About
• A List of History Websites for a Perfect Research
• Essay on India after Independence: How-to Guide and Prompts
• World War II Research Essay Topics: ThoughtCo
• Coming in from the Cold: The Newsmagazine of the American Historical Association
• A guide to historical research (BBC)
• Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time: The New York Times
• Why Hitler’s grand plan during the second world war collapsed: The Guardian
• Historical Research: ECU
• Humanities Research Strategies: Historical Methodologies (USC Libraries)
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Thanks for these ideas for essays on World War II. These are what I need for my paper about WWII. Now I can start writing my essay on World War II.

To write World War II essays is very instructive – to know the reasons, the course of war events, the results. These all are necessary to comprehend and debar World War III as humanity won’t go through it!

Understanding the Scope of World War 2

World War 2 wasn’t just a series of battles. It was a global phenomenon that reshaped nations, cultures, and the very fabric of human civilization. To fully grasp the magnitude of this war, students must appreciate the broader picture— from the major events to the aftereffects that ripple into today’s geopolitics.

World War 2 wasn’t just a series of battles or mere dates in history textbooks; it was a transformative epoch that shifted the 20th century. It was a global phenomenon that reshaped nations, cultures, and the very fabric of human civilization.

The stories from the frontlines, while pivotal, are just one dimension. From the intense political maneuvers and espionage missions to the socio-cultural transformations that ensued, there’s an ocean of World War 2 topics to explore.

In my experience, many students get so engrossed in the prominent WW2 research topics that they sometimes overlook the profound societal and technological shifts. The war expedited technological advancements, leading to innovations and even the space race.

Choosing the Right Topic for WW2 Research Paper

The first and perhaps most crucial step is selecting your focus. While there are countless World War 2 consequences topics to explore, choosing one that genuinely piques your interest is essential. From the intricacies of military strategies to the socio-cultural impacts, every WW2 topic offers a unique perspective. According to general IB criteria, aligning your genuine interests with academic standards often yields the best results.

Going Thorough Research for WW2 Research Paper

As I know, thorough research forms the backbone of any compelling research paper. Primary sources, firsthand accounts, and authentic records give a factual foundation. On the other hand, secondary sources provide analysis and interpretation. Be sure to frame some pertinent research questions about World War 2 to guide your exploration.

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How to write an essay on army values, making a strong thesis statement for ww2 research paper.

Every IB student understands the weight of a robust thesis statement. Your thesis should reflect your chosen WW2 research topic and provide a fresh viewpoint. For instance, if your focus is on WW2 project topics related to technological advancements, your thesis might revolve around how these innovations changed the course of battles.

Structuring World War 2 Research Paper

A clear structure is paramount. Start with an engaging introduction where you present your World War 2 research topic. In the body, dissect key events, figures, or consequences in detail. And in conclusion, tie all your findings together, highlighting the broader implications.

Revising and Proofreading World War 2 Research Paper

As any seasoned writer would advise, revisiting your work with fresh eyes can make a difference. It ensures factual accuracy, logical flow, and overall coherence.

Top WW2 Research Paper Topics to Consider

Drawing from my extensive background in the subject, and with a little help from our team of expert History essay writers , here are some intriguing topics to ignite your curiosity:

• Military Strategies & Tactics: The Art of War.
• The Political Landscape: Alliances and Treacheries.
• Women in WW2: Beyond the Home Front.
• Technology’s Role: From Enigma to the Atomic Bomb.
• The War’s Aftermath: The Dawn of the Cold War.
• WW2’s Influence on Modern Pop Culture.
• Propaganda’s Power: How Nations Were Moved.
• World War II’s Unsung Heroes.
• The Evolution of Warfare: Comparing WWI and WWII.
• The Human Cost: Stories Beyond the Battlefield.
• The Home Front: Mobilizing Industries and Morale.  
• Resistance Movements: The Underground War.  Tales of bravery from resistance fighters across Europe.
• The Holocaust: The Darkest Chapter. The most harrowing part of WW2.
• World War 2 and the Global Economy.  Economic shifts and consequences that laid the foundation for today’s economic order.
• Naval Warfare: The Battle of the Seas.  Understand the strategic importance of naval dominance.
• Intelligence and Espionage: Secrets of the War.  Stories of spies, their tactics, and their role in the war.
• Asian Theatre: Japan’s Expansion and its Impact.  Delving into the Pacific battles and Japan’s wartime strategy.
• The African Front: The War Beyond Europe’s Borders.  Exploring the lesser-known battlegrounds.
• Children of the War: Youth Amidst Conflict.  The tales of the youngest affected by the war.
• Medical Advancements and Challenges.  How did medicine evolve in the cauldron of WW2?
• Prisoners of War: Life in Captivity.  Personal accounts of soldiers taken captive.
• Aerial Battles: Dominance in the Skies.  Chronicling key air battles and their significance.
• The Role of Artists and Writers in WW2.  How did creatives contribute to the war effort?
• Allied Powers: Dynamics and Differences.  Delving into the unity and tensions between allies.
• Decoding War Communications.  Understanding wartime coding and the significance of breaking them.

Each of these topics not only represents an interesting WW2 topic but can lead to a nuanced understanding of the broader historical context. The depth and breadth of World War II offer countless avenues for study, and these topics are just the tip of the iceberg. 

World War II remains an inexhaustible reservoir of research topics ripe for exploration. Tapping into this rich tapestry of events, characters, and consequences is more than just an academic exercise. It’s a journey into understanding the human spirit, resilience, and the complexities of global geopolitics. If ever you find yourself lost amidst the vast topics about World War 2, remember: it’s about finding a unique voice in the vast chorus of history.

In all other cases at Writing Metier , there is a team of writers who can help with World War 2 research papers . And always, always keep your passion for learning alive.

Free topic suggestions

Laura Orta is an avid author on Writing Metier's blog. Before embarking on her writing career, she practiced media law in one of the local media. Aside from writing, she works as a private tutor to help students with their academic needs. Laura and her husband share their home near the ocean in northern Portugal with two extraordinary boys and a lifetime collection of books.

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Subject-Focused Encyclopedias

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The Reference Collection includes a variety of different sources, such as: subject-focused encyclopedias, handbooks, almanacs, maps/atlases, statistical compendiums, dictionaries, and more.   Look here to find introductory articles on subject-related topics. The broad perspective offered by such articles often proves helpful for narrowing research topics before pursuing more in-depth information.  

This guide provides some recommendations for encyclopedias and other reference resources that might provide helpful information relating to your topic.

Recommended Subject-Focused Books

Glory in Their Spirit

Electronic Resource

Citizen Internees

Daily Life in Nazi-Occupied Europe

Tragedy and Triumph

Unsung Heroes of World War II

War at the Margins

Rethinking World War Two

The Red Army and the Second World War

Innocent Witnesses

Recommended online reference databases.

The following databases provide access to online encyclopedias covering multidisciplinary topics. Remember, these subject encyclopedias are great sources of background information on countless topics.

Working from off campus?  If so, you will need to log in with your Kean Google username and password.

Recommended Multimedia Databases

Recommended statistics databases.

The following databases provide access to statistics and other kinds of data.

Working from off campus? If so, you will need to log in with your Kean Google username and password.

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• Last Updated: Mar 7, 2024 3:36 PM
• URL: https://libguides.kean.edu/worldwarII

World War II: American perspectives

• American perspectives
• Foreign perspectives
• WWII: Databases
• WWII: Books
• Battle of Britain
• Library home page

Choosing a topic

• Research Starters
• World War II - History.com
• World War II: Newspapers.com
• World War II Research Essay Topics

Overview websites

• Guide to WWII Materials A compilation of online resources available from the Library of Congress and from external websites.
• Learn More about World War II A long bibliography of websites and books, to support the PBS documentary The War. There are a number of links to veterans' organizations at the bottom of the page.
• Military Resources: World War II Links to a number of online resources, from the National Archives.
• Refseek Refseek is a document search engine that locates otherwise hard-to-find websites and documents.
• The War in Europe by the Numbers Look here for statistical information about different aspects of the war.
• The War in the Pacific by the Numbers Data about the war in the Pacific, from the National WWII Museum.
• World War II Resources A collection of links to primary and secondary sources from Ibiblio.

Primary sources

• American Presidency Project A comprehensive collection of presidential papers, speeches, executive orders, etc. from President Washington through the current president.
• America on the Homefront Large collection of documents, images and audio files from the National Archives.
• Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum Photos and short video memoirs, from the museum located in New Orleans.
• Digital Public Library of America Large index of digitized materials from many collections and institutions.
• Eyewitness to World War II Memoirs, documents, radio broadcasts, etc. from the US and abroad during World War II.
• Franklin: Digitized Collections Primary source documents from the FDR Presidential Library and Museum.
• HyperWar Links to primary source documents from American and Great Britain.
• The Institute on World War II and the Human Experience Links to digitized collections of letters and memoirs from American servicemen and servicewomen.
• Internet Archive Large collection of historic images, text, sound files and video/film.
• Japanese American Relocation Digital Archives Primary sources related to Japanese internment.
• LoC: World War II Resource Guide The Library of Congress collection of a wide variety of materials related to World War II.
• National Archives World War II Records Collection of primary sources related to WWII from the National Archives.
• On the Homefront Posters and illustrations from WWII, compiled by the Library of Congress.
• Political cartoons research guide A link to the Political Cartoons research guide. Look for cartoons in the relevant time period.
• Roosevelt: A Call for Sacrifice The full text of Franklin D. Roosevelt's April 1942 speech.
• A Visual History: 1940–1963 : Political Cartoons by Clifford Berryman and Jim Berryman Cartoons illustrating issues during WWII and the early Cold War.
• Words of Peace, Words of War Treaties, declarations, words of surrender, etc., organized by year.
• World War II (Docs Teach) A collection of primary sources and lessons to teach analysis of these sources.
• World War II by the Numbers Statistical data on the war.
• World War II Documents A collection of primary source documents from the Yale University Avalon Project.
• World War II Sourcebook Documents from before, during and after World War II. Includes materials from Europe, Asia and the United States.

Jewish immigration to the US

• How Many Refugees Came to the United States from 1933-1945? Immigration data from the US Holocaust Memorial Museum
• Immigration Policy in World War II Data from the Gilder Lehrman Institute.
• Jewish Virtual Library Background information and current news about Judaism and Israel.
• Jewish Women's Archive Use this encyclopedia to find information about Jewish women authors.
• A Ship of Jewish Refugees Was Refused U.S. Landing in 1939 Background information about the St. Louis.
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Information about the Holocaust from the museum in Washington DC.
• Voyage of the St. Louis Primary and background information.

Atomic bomb

• Atomic Bomb and the End of WWII A collection of primary sources from the National Security Archive.
• Hiroshima and Nagasaki Large collection of documents related to the Trinity project and later testing of nuclear weapons. Includes government documents, photographs, data charts, and video footage.
• Hiroshima Peace Site Website for the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
• Tale of Two Cities US War Department footage of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

United Nations

• Formation of the United Nations Overview information from the US Department of State.
• History of the United Nations An overview of the origination of the UN, with links to important documents.
• UN History Project Educational resources for researching the history of the United Nations, developed by educators at Harvard University.
• United Nations Oral History Audio interviews and transcripts of memoirs important contributors to the work of the UN, including people who attended the 1945 San Francisco Conference.
• United Nations Documents Links to primary sources, from Yale's Avalon Project.
• Dr. Seuss Went to War Political cartoons drawn by Dr. Seuss during World War II.
• Powers of Persuasion A collection of WWII poster art from the National Archives.
• World War II Poster Collection Images from a Northwestern University collection.

African Americans in WWII

• Breath of Freedom A 2014 Smithsonian Channel television program about the post-war civil rights experiences of African Americans, available through a number of TV and online subscriptions.
• History of Black Women in WWII Information from the National Women's Memorial.
• Pictures of African Americans During World War II Images from the National Archives.
• Tuskeegee Airmen Documents and papers about the famed group.
• Why African-American Soldiers Saw World War II as a Two-Front Battle An article from Smithsonian Magazine.

Women in WWII

• Experiencing War: Women at War Audio and video interviews of women who participated in four different wars, including WWII.
• The History of Wartime Nurses Describes the roles of nurses serving in combat arenas from Revolutionary times through the Vietnam War.
• Women Airforce Service Pilots Read letters written by female US military pilots during WWII.
• Women of World War II Describes the roles of women in a variety of military branches.

Mexican Americans in WWII

• Fighting on Two Fronts: Latinos in the Military An article from the National Park Service.
• Hispanics in Service Library of Congress collection of hispanic veterans' narratives.
• Hispanics in the U.S. Army Historical information from the Army website. Scroll down to WWII.
• Mexican American Soldiers In World War Two Fought Abroad To Win At Home An article from the Huffington Post with links to data.
• US Latino & Latina World War II Oral History Project This is an archived copy of an online project. Not attractive but the links work.
• Next: Foreign perspectives >>
• Last Updated: Mar 1, 2023 11:45 AM
• URL: https://library.menloschool.org/ww2

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Top 200 WW II Topics To Write About

World War 2 Paper Topics for Middle School

World war 2 research topics for high school, wwii topics for research paper in college, world war ii research paper topics for grad school, controversial ww2 research paper topics.

When writing any assignment, you always want to make sure you choose a good topic. These WW2 argumentative essay topics are great for students that are still learning skills in researching and writing. The WW II topics listed below don’t require a lot of in-depth academic research and can be dealt with by doing some easy background research on the web:

• Why did the United States enter the Second World War?
• What were the major countries in the war?
• What are the most important figures in the war?
• What role did Russia have in winning the war?
• How were women’s lives impacted by the war?
• Why did the U.S. wait before helping its allies?
• Why did the battle of Midway matter so much?
• How did aerial advancements impact the war?
• What role did women have in supporting the war?
• How did the U.S. discriminate against African Americans during the war?
• Why did the U.S. force people into internment camps?
• Did African Americans have equal rights during the war?
• Why did Italy align itself with Germany?
• What impact did the war have on U.S. citizens?
• Why did Austria support Germany in the war?
• Why were trains so important to the military?
• In what ways were animals used during the war?
• How did the French invasion occur so easily?
• How did England fend off the German air raids?
• How was Russia able to win the Eastern front?
• Did Germany make a mistake by pushing far into Russia?
• How did the war influence artists at the time?
• Why was communication so important during the war?
• What role did Australia have in the war?
• Why did some European nations refrain from entering the war?
• What impact did Churchill have on England’s war efforts?
• Why was D-Day such an important event?
• How was Hitler able to rise to power?
• What mistakes did Hitler make to lose the war?
• How did rations help the U.S. war effort?
• Why is WWII considered the golden age of aviation?
• What impact did WWII have on the quest to put a man on the moon?
• What were the most important battles of WWII?
• What impact did the Tuskegee airmen have on the war?
• Why was the battle of Midway so important?
• In what way did the U.S. invasion of Normandy change the war?
• How accurate are war films showing the Normandy invasion?
• How did life across the country change when the U.S. entered the war?
• How did the war impact civil rights for African Americans?
• How did the atomic bomb change how the U.S. interacts with allies?

Middle school students can generally finish with any of these WWII topics within a couple of days. It’s still a good idea to get started right away so you aren’t overburdened the night before the assignment is due.

By the time you’re in high school, you would have had some experience writing argumentative papers. The following World War 2 topics are a little tougher than anything you might have seen. But they are challenging for a reason: they get you to do more in-depth research:

• Why weren’t African Americans allowed in Caucasian military units?
• What were African Americans not allowed to do during the war?
• In what ways was propaganda used to generate war funds?
• How did food packaging change at the start of the war?
• Did propaganda play a part in the number of people who enlisted?
• Why was propaganda so important to fund the U.S. war efforts?
• How did the manufacturing of toys change because of the war?
• How did the U.S. economy recover at the start of the war?
• How did propaganda differ between U.S. and England?
• What were the new jobs that were created because of the war?
• How did food consumption change during the war?
• What impact did horses have in the second world war?
• Did people have to change the way they dressed to support war efforts?
• How important was the use of heavy metals in war?
• How did the British beat the German submarine attacks?
• What art movements were inspired by WWII?
• How did the war help the U.S. emerge from the Great Depression?
• Why was it so important for women to enter the workforce?
• How did advertisers change the way they sold products?
• What did young people do during the war?
• Why is America’s entry into the war so significant?
• What factored into the U.S. entering the war so late?
• How did life change in England because of the war?
• What impact did the interception of the Zimmerman letter have on the U.S.?
• What interests did England have in entering the war?
• Is Hitler the only person to blame for the outbreak of WWII?
• How did the second world war affect society in the U.S.?
• What role did China play in WWII?
• What role did women play to generate support for the war?
• Could the second world war have been avoided?
• Had the U.S. aligned with Germany would the Axis have won?
• What would have happened if the U.S. had not entered the war?
• How did the U.S.’s foreign policy change because of the war?
• How strong was the U.S.’s relationship with its allies?
• What was the biggest tragedy of the second war?
• How did the Third Reich use propaganda to gain support?
• How did the U.S. use advertisements to support the war effort?
• How did advertising change in the United States?
• What role did Walt Disney have in generating support for the war?
• How important was it to have the latest military technology?

All of these WWII topics for research will require you to read academic works such as books and journals. You can’t rely on online research alone and should emphasize library research.

The following WWII debate topics are more difficult and designed specifically for college students. Most essays at this level will require a lot more research primarily done at the library where access to academic books and journals is better:

• Why did England and France allow Germany to annex Austria?
• Why did Italy decide to get involved in the conflict?
• How did Italy affect the direction of the war for Germany?
• Why did the U.S. decide to use atomic bombs against Japan?
• How was Germany fortunate by Italy’s choice to enter the conflict?
• If it wasn’t for the atomic bomb could Japan have defeated the U.S.?
• How did the U.S. manage to regain control of the Pacific?
• Were the post-war sanctions against Japan fair?
• Why did Germany have a hard time rebuilding after the war?
• How did Germany’s fall lead to the start of the Cold War?
• Should the Western Allies have done more to stop the Soviets from gaining so much power?
• What impact did the women’s workforce have on the U.S. economy?
• What actions did Britain take to keep Germany from invading?
• Why did France fail to hold Germany from invading the country?
• What were the deciding factors of the Battle of Berlin?
• What was the role of women during the Second World War?
• How did the French Resistance influence other countries?
• What role did secret services during the Second World War?
• Did prisoners of war get appropriate treatment?
• What did we learn from the way massive invasions occur?
• Are civilian deaths during war acceptable collateral damage?
• How did the allied bombing of Dresden affect the war?
• Was the invasion of Poland a justifiable act?
• How did Polish propaganda lead to Germany’s invasion?
• How did the events of WWI lead to the start of WWII?
• How did the German depression lead to the rise of the Nazi Party?
• Why was D-Day so important in changing the war?
• Should the U.S. have waited to see if they could win by using the atomic bomb?
• What are the major components of the Treaty of Versailles?
• What was the most important battle of the war?
• Did the Treaty of Versailles lead to the start of the war?
• Did Japan have justification for bombing Pearl Harbor?
• How was the U.S. able to regain control of islands along the Pacific Rim?
• How did the second world war impact life in Hawaii?
• What was the outcome of the Munich Conference?
• What was the outcome of the Yalta Conference?
• How was the second world war different from the first world war?
• Did the Allied Forces commit any atrocities?
• Why was the Battle of Blitzkrieg?
• What led to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party?

If you want to earn a high score on your assignment, you need to be sure you select one of these World War 2 research paper topics that you are sure you can adequately find sources to support your argument.

As you can see, these topics on WW2 require students to conduct thorough research. While a lot of information is available online, it’s better to do most research at the school library where you will have access to reputable and trustworthy resources.

• How did Adolf Hitler use propaganda to gain support?
• What was the purpose of the League of Nations?
• Which job industry grew the most during the war?
• What impact did African Americans have on the workforce?
• What happened to German officials after the war?
• How effective was the use of the A-bomb to end the war?
• How did Australian society change after the war?
• How did the war impact Britain’s economy?
• What actions did the U.S. federal government take to empower women?
• What did the U.S. Navy do to recover from the Pearl Harbor attack?
• How was the wartime different between England and the U.S.?
• Why were people of Japanese descent targeted for detainment?
• Could the U.S. grow its economy during peacetime?
• Why weren’t people of German or Italian descent targeted for detainment?
• Did England’s and Russia’s economies expand during the war?
• What role did Oscar Schindler play in saving the lives of Jewish people?
• What impact did Benito Mussolini have on Adolf Hitler?
• How did Joseph Stalin affect the way Russians fought the war?
• What role did aircraft play in winning the war?
• How was the strategic bombing of high-population areas justified?
• Was over 50 million civilian deaths collateral damage?
• How was Germany able to gain control of the majority part of Europe?
• Why did Germany launch attacks against civilian ships?
• How was Germany able to ally with Japan during the war?
• What was the fate of both Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini?
• Was the bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima justified?
• How did the First World War influence Hitler’s rise to power?
• What role did Zygmunt Berling have in Poland’s anti-Nazi movement?
• What were the terms of Berlin’s occupation after the war?
• Would the Holocaust have been avoided if the U.S. would have intervened earlier?
• What influenced Mussolini’s position in the war?
• Why was the U.S. so ambivalent about joining the war?
• What were the economic and political impacts of the war in Europe?
• How was Canada involved in the war?
• Why was nationalism important in Germany?
• How was Britain able to break the Enigma Machine code?
• What needed to happen for the Allies to form?
• What was the turning point of the war?
• How important was it for Australia to join the war effort?
• Why did the Nazi Party ban western-influenced literature?

No matter which of these WW2 essay topics you choose, you should plan on spending several days conducting research. Get started early so that you aren’t fixing errors the night before the assignment is due.

Controversial topics are a great way of generating debate between opposing sides of any question. These WW2 topics for research paper will certainly get noticed by others and which could lead to a higher grade:

• Why was it important to sacrifice the Pacific to defeat Germany?
• How did Japan’s military strategies lead to its eventual defeat?
• What were some of the anti-Jewish laws in Germany before the war?
• How did Italians discriminate against Jewish people in the country?
• Why was Italy quick to transfer Jewish people to Germany?
• How did Germany’s military strategies eventually lead to its defeat?
• How did Americans treat people of Japanese descent after the war?
• Was Germany treated fairly after the war?
• What were some of the cruelties of the Japanese Internment camps?
• How did other Asian-Americans suffer during the Second World War?
• What mistakes did Americans make that prolonged the war?
• What role did Canada play in supplying weapons to England?
• Was the Holocaust as widespread as what historians have claimed?
• What was the largest battle in the Pacific?
• Was the U.S. neglectful of the Holocaust and treatment of Jewish people?
• What is the origin of the phrase “Kilroy was here”?
• What made concentration camps so effective?
• How were German soldiers using rape and murder against Russians?
• What mistakes did Britain make that prolonged the war?
• Which battles were lost because of a lack of available food?
• What was the Potsdam Declaration and why was it important?
• Was the United States’ reaction to the Holocaust appropriate?
• Was food rationing different for different communities?
• What was the U.S.’s reaction to the events occurring in Asia in the 1930s?
• Did the U.S. only enter the war because of the attack on Pearl Harbor?
• What impact the second world war have on society?
• How did life for African Americans change after the war?
• What were the factors of the war crimes tribunals for Germany?
• Did the U.S. mistreat its prisoners of war?
• Why did the refusal of Japanese to the terms outlined by the United States?
• How did music change during the war to generate support?
• How did Germany attempt to eliminate Jewish culture by stealing artifacts?
• How could have the US prevented the attack on Pearl Harbor with better intelligence?
• How did the relationship between Churchill and Roosevelt impact their alliance?
• What were the diplomatic effects across Europe after the war?
• What led to the Axis collapse and the Allied victory?
• Why was the Penicillin black-market a way of profiting?
• Was the use of submarines on civilian ships a war crime?
• How did businesses profit from the outbreak of war?
• How do the Japanese remember their side of the war?

This last set of World War 2 essay topics bring interest because they are naturally controversial. They ask your audience to consider ideas that cause great debate and often challenge their opinions.

If you need more World War 2 topics for research papers, we can put you in contact with one of our academic experts trained in the subject. They can provide you with professional US history homework help . We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Send us an email or call us by phone, we are always glad to help.

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How to Write about World War 2 – Essay Topics & Examples

The Second World War was a turning point in history that changed the world as we know it. Over two thousand days of hardship, courage, victory, and loss still fascinate and influence historians, filmmakers, novelists, and politicians worldwide. You may be asked to write a research paper or an essay on this 20th century conflict as part of your coursework. Our team has prepared several fascinating ideas you may explore in your writing.

• 🎖️ Top 10 World War 2 Topics
• 💡 Interesting WW2 Topics
• 🏆 Best WW2 Research Topics
• 📚 Research Questions
• ✒️ World War 2 Essay Questions
• 📝 World War 2 Essay Examples
• 🪖 General Information about WW2

🔗 References

🎖️ top 10 world war 2 essay topics.

We’ve compiled the topics that can inspire you to write an essay. To make the process simpler, we have included the main messages of each paper.

• Could the Axis powers have been defeated without opening the second front? Explore how the war would have gone without the invasion of Normandy.
• Why did Japan decide to side with Germany and Italy? List the social and political reasons that pushed the Empire of Japan to become an Axis power.
• Explore the impact of the battle for Stalingrad on the course of WW2. Show how the battle of Stalingrad turned the tide of war on the Eastern front.
• What were the causes of Germany’s military success in 1941? Name the main causes of Germany’s successful assault on the Soviet Union.
• Discuss the dissolution of the British Empire after WW2. Talk about the leading consequences of disbanding the British Empire in its former colonies.
• What led to the start of WW2? Explore political and economic factors that caused the start of the Second World War.
• Was the US justified in using nuclear weapons against Japan? Explain the reasoning behind USA’s decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
• Discuss the role of the Munich Agreement in the rise of Nazi Germany . Explain how the Munich Agreement became one of the precursors of WW2 and the occupation of Western Europe.
• Explore the crucial battles of WW2. Discuss the pivotal conflicts of both the Western and Eastern fronts.
• Discuss the initial losses of the USSR in 1941-1942. Assess the reasons behind the colossal losses of the USSR in civilian and military casualties.

💡 Interesting WW2 Argumentative Essay Topics

Look at our list of the most intriguing titles dedicated to the cultural and military developments before, during, and after World War 2. You may find WW2 argumentative essay topics that will resonate with you and help you write an exceptional paper.

WW2 Essay Topics: Culture

Here, we unearth how World War II impacted the world’s cultures, making it a captivating subject for social studies enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of this transformative era.

• Explain the cultural impact of WW2 on the movie industry. Tell your readers about how WW2 influenced the American cinematic landscape in movies like Casablanca .
• How WW2 impacted American culture during the Cold War . Explore how the war’s events influenced American society, including its vehement anti-communist sentiment.
• The role of traditional culture in WW2 Japan. Discuss the role of bushido and other traditional elements in Japan’s wartime culture .
• Explore the changes in the USSR’s culture during the war period. Show how WW2 shaped different cultural aspects in the besieged USSR.
• How WW2 influenced the 20th-century music scene. Determine how the war influenced the music scene of the 1940s.
• The cultural impact of WW2 on modern video games. Explore the influence of WW2 on modern video games such as Call of Duty , Wolfenstein , and World of Tanks .
• Art and propaganda in Nazi Germany . Explain how Nazi Germany used art and movies such as Triumph of the Will in its propaganda machine.
• How WW2 changed attitude towards art and architecture. Tell about the main changes in architecture and art in the post-war period.
• Explore Germany’s post-war culture. Explore the cultural landscape of West and East Germany after the war.
• Discuss the cultural differences in North and South Korea after WW2. Show how cultures developed differently on different sides of the Korean peninsula.
• Veteran narratives in WW2 literature: An examination of memoirs and fictional works. Analyze how veterans’ stories, whether based on personal experiences or fictionalized, contributed to the cultural understanding of the war and its enduring impact on society.

WW2 Essay Topics: Military

This section delves into military records. It offers diverse ideas, inviting you to explore the strategic and tactical facets of the Second World War’s unparalleled military campaigns and conflicts.

• Which factors helped launch the German war machine? Explain the laws and decisions that made Germany the military powerhouse of Europe.
• What gave the Japanese superiority in the Pacific Theater? Detail the tactics, strategies, and weaponry that helped the Japanese army wage war in the Pacific.
• How the Lend-Lease Act helped the Soviet war effort. Show the significance of American aid in the USSR’s battles across the Eastern front.
• Explore the main reasons for Italy’s military losses in Africa. Tell about the tactical and strategic factors that caused Italy’s defeat in Africa.
• Compare the Soviet and German military in 1941. Give a rough comparison of the different army types both sides possessed at the start of their conflict.
• Discuss the significance of operation Bagration. Describe the main results of Operation Bagration and its role in the liberation of Belarus and Poland.
• Explore the results of the invasion of Normandy in 1944 . Explore the preparations, execution, and aftermath of D-Day .
• Could Germany have won WW2 with nuclear weapons? Analyze a scenario when Germany got hold of WMDs before the war ended and its consequences.
• Which military innovations spelled the turning point in the war? Tell about the most powerful weapons that helped the Allies win.
• Explore the military tech that was pioneered during WW2. Describe the most remarkable military technology that was developed during the conflict.

🏆 Best WW2 Research Paper Topics

We hand-picked a collection of interesting topics that will make your research paper shine and inspire you to write a great thesis statement . These WW2 research paper titles explore economic transformation and scientific developments during this period.

WW2 Research Paper Topics: Economy

Amid the tapestry of 20th-century wars, World War II emerged as a pivotal economic challenge. We present various research paper topics delving into the war’s economic dimensions. Expand your general knowledge by exploring the profound impact of economics on the global stage during this transformative period.

• What was the economic situation in Europe before WW2? Explore what the economy of European countries was before the war.
• Explore the factors that led to Germany’s economic rise in 1932-1939. Tell how Germany rose to economic power despite the catastrophe of the Weimar Republic .
• Discuss the causes of economic growth in post-war Japan . Describe laws and policies that caused the Japanese economic boom after WW2.
• What were the main factors of US post-war prosperity? Explain how the US enjoyed decades of prosperity post-conflict through generous loans to the suffering parties.
• Assess the impact of the war on the Italian economy. Describe the leading causes of Italy’s economic growth post-WW2.
• Explain the leading causes of industrialization in the pre-war USSR. Tell about the major decisions and policies that led to the USSR’s rapid industrialization in the 1930s.
• Discuss WW2’s impact on the developing world. Explore how the war impacted the developing countries outside the US and Europe.
• Which policies were used to fund the reconstruction of the European economy? Assess policies that led to progress in rebuilding post-war Europe, including the Marshall Plan .
• Explore the impact of war bonds on US military capacity . Showcase how war bonds were crucial in funding the US efforts in the Pacific and other war theaters.
• How the USSR funded its war machine. Explore the sources used for building and maintaining the Soviet military capacity.
• The global economic order and enduring issues: Post-World War II Bretton Woods Conference. Analyze how the decisions made at Bretton Woods, including the creation of the IMF or World Bank, continue to shape global economic policies and financial stability today.

WW2 Research Paper Topics: Science & Technology

Embark on a journey of historical research as we unveil captivating research paper topics in science and technology. You can explore remarkable breakthroughs, like innovations in the construction of planes.

• Could the atomic bomb have been made without WW2? Explain how World War 2 impacted the process of the creation of the atomic bomb.
• The role of German scientists in the NASA space program . Discuss the involvement of German scientists in various NASA projects, including the moon landing project.
• Explore the impact of jet engine development on aviation . Show how the creation of jet engines changed military and commercial aircraft.
• Discuss the impact of the first electronic computers made after WW2. Explore how the first ENIACs were used after WW2 and their influence on modern machines.
• Assess the main scientific breakthroughs of the post-war period. Showcase the main innovations that came around after WW2.
• How did WW2 influence the post-war automobile industry ? Describe the influence of the war on the car manufacturing business.
• What were the leading causes of the American post-WW2 tech boom? Assess the main reasons behind post-war technological advancements in the US.
• Did the invention of the atomic bomb prevent future major wars? Explore how nuclear weapons helped prevent future global wars but still couldn’t stop lesser-scale conflicts.
• Discuss the importance of radar technology during and after the war. Show how radar technology was used during the war and beyond.
• Explore the impact of WW2 on developing body armor technology. Talk about the influence of the war in developing sufficient body protection for police, military, and civilians.
• Naval warfare in World War II: The role of technological advancements in shaping maritime strategies. Discuss how innovations reshaped naval tactics, affected maritime supremacy, and influenced crucial battles in the Pacific and Atlantic theaters.

📚 Top 8 WW2 Research Questions

• Did the US decide to enter the war only after Pearl Harbor?
• Who were the most important political figures during the conflict?
• What were the main events that caused World War 2?
• Which World War 2 battles were the most significant?
• Why is D-Day a significant historical event?
• Which countries participated in World War 2?
• What was the strategic significance of the battle of Britain for the Allied powers in WW2?
• When and how did World War 2 end?

✒️ Top 8 World War 2 Essay Questions

• What are the most impactful technologies that came out after WW2?
• Did the US play a major role in defeating the Axis powers?
• Which countries had the worst casualty rates?
• How were POWs treated by different sides?
• How WW2 changed the world?
• Is there one particular party to blame for the conflict?
• Who lost World War 2?
• How many lives were altered by World War II?

📝 Second World War Essay Examples

We have listed several essay examples to guide you and serve as real examples for your future work. They cover cultural, military, and political aspects in the aftermath of the war for the US and Japan. Each offers an extended response into what post-war societies looked like in these countries.

• Cultural Changes in America after World War II This paper explores several things that defined the 1950s, including the budding civil rights movement, the baby boom, and the rise of anti-communist propaganda. These things shaped the cultural landscape, from arts and literature to music and movies.
• American Power During World War 2 and the Cold War The essay centers around the height of America’s power after the end of WW2 and its inevitable clash with the communist ideology of the Soviet Union. It explores some less reputable tactics the US used to undermine the USSR’s influence on the world.
• Japan and World War II Led by old rivalries with its neighbor China, Japan entered WW2 as a military powerhouse. The paper discusses its initial success in the war theater and the subsequent disastrous results.

🪖 World War 2: General Information You Should Know

Before you start working, it’ll be helpful to learn about the causes and consequences of World War II. These facts will help you better establish the theme of your future essay or research paper. Prepare to dive into one of the most critical periods and learn more about it.

World War 2: Significant Events

World War 2 was the biggest in the history of humankind. During over 2000 days of the conflict, several important events happened:

• September 1, 1939 . Germany invaded Poland and started the war.
• April 9 to June 22, 1940 . Most of Western Europe fell under German jackboots.
• July 10, 1940 . Germany began a massive bombardment campaign in the United Kingdom.
• September 22, 1940 . The signing of the Tripartite Pact and the birth of the Axis Powers.
• December 7, 1941 . Japan launched the attack on Pearl Harbor.
• December 8, 1941 . The US declared war on Japan.
• December 11, 1941 . The US got into military conflict with Italy and Germany.
• June 4 – 7, 1942 . America won the Battle of Midway .
• July 9, 1942. The Allies invaded Sicily.
• September 8, 1943 . Italy surrendered, but its northern territory was still occupied.
• June 6, 1944 . The US launched a landing operation in Normandy.
• August 25, 1944 . Allies liberate Paris.
• December 16, 1944. Germany launched a counterattack known as the Battle of the Bulge .
• February 19, 1945 . US Marines stormed Iwo Jima .
• March 22, 1945 . American troops crossed the Rhine River.
• April 1, 1945 . The US military arrived on the island of Okinawa.
• April 25, 1945 . Soviet and American troops encircled Berlin.
• May 8, 1945 . Germany surrendered to the Allies, ending the war in Europe.
• August 6, 1945 . The US bombed Hiroshima with a nuclear warhead .
• August 9, 1945 . America dropped the atomic bomb on the city of Nagasaki.
• September 2, 1945 . The Japanese surrendered to the Allies.

World War 2: Crucial Facts

In this part, we present crucial facts about the war that shaped the world as we know it. Take a look at the most momentous events of this conflict:

• The war involved 30 countries.
• It was the biggest war waged on the European continent.
• Europe was rebuilt through the Marshall Plan, which invested $12 billion in its economy.
• The Holocaust resulted in the death of almost the entire Jewish population in Europe.
• Germany occupied most of Western Europe and a big part of the USSR.
• Stalingrad became the turning point in the war for the Allies.

World War 2: Casualties

WW2 was one of the bloodiest conflicts in history , not even in military casualties. It was the first war that deliberately targeted civilians in various countries. Scientists and historians still can’t determine the exact number of deaths. Several countries paid the most horrific price in this conflict.

World War 2: Causes

Here, we highlighted the main factors that caused the global conflict and launched World War II. Take a look at its leading causes:

• The unjust Treaty of Versailles . The leading cause of the war lies in the humiliating conditions Germany faced after WWI. Part of its territory was annexed, and the country had to limit its army seriously. The following 20 years of economic and cultural downfall became one of the factors for the rise of Nazism.
• The failure of peace agreements. After WWI, there was a lot of hope for the League of Nations organization . Its main goal was ending wars and leading countries to solve their disputes diplomatically. Unfortunately, all of the efforts failed as military conflicts slowly but surely engulfed the world.
• The rise of authoritarian movements. The failures of diplomacy and democracy in Europe made many nations abandon these principles. It caused the rise of many authoritarian governments in Spain, Italy, and Germany.
• The formation of the Axis powers . In 1940, Italy, Japan, and Germany signed a political and military alliance, forming an anti-communist coalition of countries. They were the primary enemies of the Allies formed by France, the United Kingdom, Canada, the USA, and the USSR.
• German aggression in Europe. Even before the official start of WW2, Germany conducted military operations on the continent. In 1938, it fully annexed Austria and took Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia in the autumn of the same year.
• The Great Depression . The European economy was highly indebted to the US. Governments in Germany, Italy, and France couldn’t manage economic growth sufficiently. On October 29, 1929, the US suffered the crash of the New York Stock Market and recalled all foreign loans soon after.

World War 2: Consequences & Results

World War II had long-lasting consequences that changed the world. This segment examines the major social, political, and economic transformations caused by this event.

• End of the euro-centric international power structure. WW2 ended the hegemony of Western Europe. The United States became less isolationist and more involved in global affairs.
• Start of the Cold War . After the Second World War, the US and the USSR became the leading political poles of the world. Both sides wanted to curb the spreading influence of their opponent.
• The end of empires . WW2 saw the disbanding of the French, British, Dutch, Portuguese, and Belgian empires. Many of their former colonies became independent states.
• Democratization of foreign policy . After destroying authoritarian regimes, the US turned to a more democratic foreign policy regarding its close and distant neighbors. It was greatly formed by local and world public opinion.
• A movement for independence in many countries . The fall of European hegemony worldwide caused many of its former territories to struggle for independence . Most prominently, it gave birth to the state of Israel.

We hope you found the right topic in the sea of WW2 research paper topics we offer in this article. Be sure to use our examples and short guide. Share this article with friends who’ll find it helpful.

• World War II in Europe. Timeline with Photos and Text. – The History of Place.
• World War II Timeline Experience. – American Battle Monuments Comission.
• Chronological Timeline of the War. – D-Day, Normandy and Beyond.
• War in the Pacific. – Crown, New Zeland History
• 6 Little Known Facts About WWII. – History, AETN UK
• Human Cost of WWII: A Breakdown of Military and Civilian Deaths. – Kane Dane, Southwest Journal
• World War II Fast Facts. – Cable News Network
• World War II Fatalities By Country. – Kiegan Barron, WorldAtlas
• What Caused Germany to Start Another War? – American Historical Association
• International Relations Since 1945 (INTR-5106). Impact of World War II on Global Politics. – Adeel Hassan, University of Sargodha

World War II Research Paper: Home

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Assignment Details

Research Paper Assignment 

Battle of Britain Alan Turing: WWII Code Breaker Battle of Stalingrad Auschwitz Kristallnacht Medical Experiments at Dachau Your final product will be a research/argument paper in which you discuss the impact of a figure or event on Western Civilization. You must cite THREE sources within your paper.  

Timeline for project:

• Formative 3.1 – A third source with a brief explanation on how it will help your paper and why it is a credible and reliable source.

Due end of class_________________

• Formative 3.3--Typed outline with thesis statement, sources cited, section on opposing viewpoint/rebuttal
• Formatives 1.1 & 3.4--Typed draft of paper and works cited page

***Drafts will be graded formatively and reviewed between 4/17-5/1, and will then be handed back for revision***

***Second draft with revisions will be due one week from the date the first draft is returned.   This will potentially be your final summative assessment for this project.  In the event that further revision is needed, you will be required to submit a third draft for your summative assessment***

Targets and Competencies

English Learning Targets Addressed:

1.1 I can write a multi-paragraph exposition with introduction that ends with a thesis statement, body paragraphs with evidence and elaboration, paragraph unity, transitions, and a conclusion.

3.3 I can integrate evidence selectively to maintain the logical order of ideas including considering opposing viewpoints, providing appropriate rebuttals and effectively answering a research question.  3.4 I can document sources using proper internal citations and a works cited to avoid plagiarism.

Western Civilization Target Addressed:

2.6 I can analyze the key events that led to the defeat of Nazi Germany.

4.6 I can analyze how the Nazi use of terror, ideology and propaganda led to the process of dehumanization that culminated in the Holocaust.

Library Databases

Gale World History in Context Extensive resources on this period in history including videos, primary sources, reference materials, and news.

Gale Virtual Reference Library Large collection of full text reference books including primary and secondary sources on the time period and on legal decisions.

Gale Biography in Context Biographical information on important people from this movement.

Tutorial on the notes and highlighting features in Gale products.

Encyclopedia Britannica General information provides a great overview of the people, actions, and influences of this time period.

Encyclopedia Britannica Original Sources Find narrative and primary sources relating to the Civil Rights movement here.

EBSCO ​ General research database which includes biography, primary sources, encyclopedia entries, magazine and newspapers.

Web Resources

Sweetsearch

Google Scholar

The Smithsonian

The Internet Archive

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Women in the Armed Forces

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A list of archival materials and collections related to women's service in the armed forces, both at home and abroad, during World War II. 

• Jane Barton (1918-2005) Jane Barton attended officer training for the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) at Mount Holyoke College. She was stationed in Washington, D.C., where she coordinated housing for WAVES officers and oversaw public relations for the Potomac River Naval Command and the U.S. Naval Barracks. She was editor of two newsletters for WAVES personnel, The Havelock and Scuttlebutt , and in 1947 initiated the first reunion of WAVES personnel. She served in the U.S. Naval Reserve until 1968, where she trained women recruits and oversaw public relations in the Albany, New York, area. During her naval service, Barton rose in rank from an Ensign to a Commander. This collection includes correspondence, scrapbooks, clippings, printed material, radio scripts, photographs, Naval Reserve recruiting brochures, and issues of The Havelock and Scuttlebutt. The collection documents her years as a WAVES officer during World War II, her role in organizing later reunions of the WAVES, and her service in the USNR from 1948 to 1968.
• Ruth P. Boehner Ruth P. Boehner, a teacher from Webster, Mass., enlisted in the Women's Army Corps in 1943. This collection consists of a typed letter from Boehner describing her first months in the Women's Army Corps; also a note concerning Boehner's subsequent career.
• Nona Baldwin Brown (1918-2014) Nona Baldwin Brown received an advanced degree in journalism from Columbia University (M.S. 1940) and was immediately hired by the New York Times . Brown temporarily left her job and joined the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) in the United States Naval Reserve, serving from 1942 to 1945 as a public relations press officer. In 1944, she married Clinton Bleecker Duma Brown in New York City, both in their military uniforms. Brown left the WAVES and returned to the New York Times Washington Bureau in 1945.
• Bertha Marie Strittmatter Clark Corporal Bertha Strittmatter enlisted in the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC), later known as the Women's Army Corp (WAC). She was stationed at Stout Field, Indianapolis, Indiana. Strittmatter was a columnist for Wactivities and the Fielder . This collection consists of When WAC Was a Dirty Word, a personal account of Strittmatter's experiences as a WAC. Anecdotes illustrate unfavorable attitudes toward WACs, problems they encountered in their personal and work lives, and how sentiments changed with increasing recognition of their contributions to the war effort.
• Winifred Quick Collins (1911-1999) Navy captain Winifred Quick Collins was commissioned as an ensign in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) in August 1942, and in 1948 she was in the first group of women commissioned in the United States Navy. In 1957 she was appointed Chief of Naval Personnel for Women, the most senior position for which women were eligible; she was the only woman line officer with the rank of captain. She retired in 1962 and was active in a number of organizations, including the National Navy League, in which she was the first woman elected vice-president and director (1965).
• Ernestine R. Etienne (1921-1996) Ernestine R. Etienne was an African American member of the Women's Army Corps during World War II. Etienne, from New Roads, Louisiana, enlisted in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in Houston, Texas, on December 17, 1942, when she was 21 years old. She trained at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, and worked as a baker for the 1550th Station Complement at the Women's Army Corps facility at Fort Knox in Kentucky. This collection includes a service record book with entries from Etienne about her personal experiences, a United States Army Separation Qualification Record, and photographs primarily depicting African American military members.
• Vivian M. Gammons (1922-2000) Vivian M. Gammons lived in Quincy, Massachusetts, and joined the Women's Army Corp (WAC) in 1943. She served in France and was promoted to sergeant. The collection consists of a wooden WAC box with Okerfelt's name and identification number stenciled on it; letters to her, mostly from her boyfriend Joseph Wisnowski, a soldier stationed in the Pacific; photographs; and other materials from the war.
• Marjorie B. Healey Marjorie B. Healey served in Europe during World War II with the Army as a dietitian. This collection consists of letters, mostly to her parents, from Healey's service abroad.
• Harriet R. Hulett Harriet R. Hulett joined the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in 1942 and was sent to Des Moines, Iowa, and Nacogdoches, Texas, for training. This collection consists of a (disassembled) scrapbook including WAAC brochures and memoranda, programs, photographs, postcards, and clippings.
• Katherine M. Keene (1919-2013) Katherine Mildred Keene enlisted in the U.S. Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in December 1942, and in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) in August 1943. From September 1943 to May 1945, she was stationed in London, England, working for the secret intelligence and research and analysis branches of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Following Victory in Europe Day, Keene became secretary to the head of the OSS Research and Analysis Branch in the European Theatre of Operations and served in briefly in Paris, France, before being stationed in Germany. She was demobilized in October 1945 and returned home to Seattle. This collection contains correspondence, diaries, photographs, a WAC uniform, and ephemera documenting Keene's service.
• Harriette Gould Myerson (b. 1919) Massachusetts native Harriette "Hat" Gould Myerson entered the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in August 1942, reporting to the Training Center at Fort Des Moines, Iowa. In 1943, she went to Adjutant General's School at Fort Washington, Maryland, and after completing her training was sent to the Army Administration School in Richmond, Kentucky, to be a Classification and Assignment Officer. Myerson worked at various posts before she was discharged from the Army in 1946. She later attended Radcliffe College, graduating from the Management Training Program in 1947. This collection includes photographs, WAAC graduation programs, military decorations, correspondence between Myerson and fellow WAACs during World War II, and her military personnel file.
• Ruth Thompson Peirce (1911-1994) Peirce, a native of Boston, Mass., was recruited by the FBI in 1941 to work as an undercover agent. She joined the Women's Army Corps in August 1942 and was one of the first women intercept operators for the Boston Intercept Command. She was later stationed as a flight dispatcher in Bangor, Maine, and at Mitchell Air Force Base, Long Island, New York. She was discharged from the military in 1945. Throughout her life she retained an avid interest in women in the military, collecting clippings and other information on the subject.
• Radcliffe College Archives War Records This collection includes information about Radcliffe College students who served in the armed forces in World War II. It is arranged by class (1936-1943) and by individual, and includes clippings, photographs, certificates, newsletters, postcards, correspondence, and a reminiscence by Mabelle Gertrude Lutze (1983).
• Elizabeth Reynard (1898-1962) Elizabeth Reynard was assistant director of the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) during World War II. This collection includes correspondence, articles, reports, newsletters, manuals, photos, clippings, phonograph records, and other material reflecting Reynard's career in the Navy, including her assignments with the WAVES at WAVES training school, the Naval Training School, and on the U.S.S. Hunter. It also includes information about WAVES personnel and organization regulations, and about other units of military women in the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain.
• Josephine Biase Schinto [in Jeanne Schinto] Josephine Biase Schinto served with the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) during World War II. This collection includes documents and photographs pertaining to her service.
• Lavonne Shand (1910-1997) Lavonne (Howerton) Shand was a telephone operator in Longview, Washington, when her husband enlisted in the Navy in 1943. She signed on with the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) and was trained at the U.S. Naval Training School in the Bronx. Other postings were in Rhode Island; Milledgeville, Georgia; Camp Parks, California; and Camp Douglas, Utah. The collection consists of one scrapbook documenting her time in the WAVES and includes newsletters, programs, correspondence, photographs, clippings, cartoons, sheet music, and other memorabilia.
• Ruth Streeter (1895-1990) In 1943, Ruth Cheney Streeter became the first woman to attain the rank of major in the United States Marine Corps and became the first director of the United States Marine Corps Women's Reserve. She retired in 1945 as a colonel. This collection contains a typescript copy of History of the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve: A Critical Analysis of Its Development and Operation, 1943-1945 , written for the Department of the Navy by Streeter and Colonel Katherine A. Towle, assistant director and later director of the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. Also included is a 1981 article about Streeter and two images from Streeter's self-published book, Tales of an Ancient Marine .
• Katharine Wolcott Toll (1913-2007) Katharine Wolcott Toll was a social worker and lieutenant in the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). While the bulk of her World War II material is housed in other archives, the collection does contain some correspondence pertaining to her service in the WAVES.
• United States Naval Reserve Women's Reserve The Women's Reserve of the U.S. Naval Reserve, formerly known as the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES), was established on July 30, 1942. This folder contains biographies of Captains Winifred Redden Quick and Louise K. Wilde; a history of the WAVES; and papers of a conference of women District and Air Command Assistants.
• Dorothy Warren (1905-2008) Dorothy Warren served as Director of Training and Records Officer for the United States Women's Army Corps (1942-1946). The collection includes a copy of Dorothy Warren's birth certificate, resumes, letters of recognition, correspondence, and manuscripts of an article Warren wrote. Most of the collection relates to Warren's military service, and includes clippings, orders, memos, training manuals, photographs, and printed material.
• Hazel Hitson Weidman (b. 1923) Medical anthropologist Hazel Marie Hitson Weidman joined the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) in 1943; she attended boot camp at the U.S. Naval Training School at Hunter College, Bronx, New York. After taking aptitude tests during boot camp, Weidman was sent to the Atlanta Naval Air Station to learn to instruct pilots in celestial navigation, which encompassed instrumental flight and radio navigation. During the war she served at several naval air bases including the New Orleans Naval Air Station and the Alameda and Livermore Naval Air Stations in California. Included in the collection are love letters received by Weidman during World War II, which offer glimpses into the lives of Navy and Army pilots during the war and the difficulties of maintaining long-distance romances during wartime.
• Women's Overseas Service League Transcripts Founded in 1921, the Women's Overseas Service League (WOSL) is a national organization of women who served overseas with the United States Armed Forces. In 1983 WOSL began a project entitled "Carry On: An Oral History of Women's Overseas Service League Members." This collection consists of transcripts of seven interviews as well as one publication regarding the WOSL.
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The Second World War Research Paper

View sample The Second World War Research Paper. Browse other  research paper examples and check the list of research paper topics for more inspiration. If you need a religion research paper written according to all the academic standards, you can always turn to our experienced writers for help. This is how your paper can get an A! Feel free to contact our research paper writing service for professional assistance. We offer high-quality assignments for reasonable rates.

1. The Second World War: A Narrative

World War II was an event of massive significance. For at least fifty years after its end in 1945 it continued to condition societies and ideas throughout the world. Much of the politics of the second half of the twentieth century can be read as occurring in an ‘after-war’ context. The war exacted a death toll of at least 60 million, and probably tens of millions more than that (figures for China and the rest of Asia are mere guesses and the USSR’s sacrifice has risen from seven to 20 to 29 or more million as time has passed, circumstances varied, and the requirements of history altered). A majority of the casualties were civilians, a drastic change from World War I when some 90 percent of deaths were still occasioned at the fronts. Moreover, the invention of the atom bomb during the war and its deployment by the USA at Hiroshima and Nagasaki (August 6 and 9, 1945) suggested that, in any future nuclear conflict, civilians would compose 90 percent or more of the victims. When this apparent knowledge was added to the revelations of Nazi German barbarism on the eastern front and the Nazis’ massacre of European Jewry, either in pit killings or when deliberately transported to such death camps as Auschwitz-Birkenau, Treblinka, Sobibor, Chelmno, Belzec, and Majdanek, another casualty of the war seemed to be optimism itself. Certainly at ‘Auschwitz’ and perhaps at Hiroshima, ‘civilization,’ the modernity of the Enlightenment, the belief in the perfectibility of humankind, had led not to hope and life but instead to degradation and death.

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This more or less open fearfulness, with its automatic resultant linking of a pessimism of the intellect to any optimism of the will among postwar social reformers, may be the grandest generalization that can be made about the meaning of World War II. Big history, however, should not lose sight of microhistory. Actually World War II was fought on many fronts, at different times, for different reasons, and with different effects. In this sense, there was a multiplicity of World War II’s.

In September 1939, a war broke out between Nazi Germany and authoritarian Poland. The liberal democratic leadership of Britain and France intervened saying that they would defend Poland, although in practice they made do with ‘phoney war’ until the Nazi forces took the military initiative, first in Denmark and Norway, and then in the Low Countries and France in April–May 1940. In June 1940, Fascist Italy entered the war as had been envisaged in the ‘Pact of Steel’ signed with its Nazi ally in May 1939. War now spread to the Italian empire in North and East Africa and, from October 1940, to the Balkans. Italian forces botched what they had hoped would be a successful Blitzkrieg against Greece and the effect over the next year was to bring most of the other Balkan states into the conflict. Often these fragile states dissolved into multiple civil wars, the most complicated and the one of most lasting significance began in Yugoslavia from March–April 1941.

On June 22, 1941, the Nazi Germans invaded the Soviet Union, commencing what was, in some eyes, the ‘real’ World War II, and certainly the one that was inspired by the most direct ideological impulse and which unleashed the most horrendous brutality. In the course of the campaign in the east it is estimated that the Germans sacked 1,710 towns and 70,000 villages. During the epic siege of Leningrad from 1941 to 1944, a million or so of the city’s inhabitants starved to death. In their invasion, the Germans were joined by an assortment of anticommunist allies and friends, including military forces from authoritarian Romania and Fascist Italy. Many Lithuanians, Latvians, and Estonians, and quite a few anti-Soviet elements within the USSR (Ukrainian nationalists, people from the Caucasus, and others) acted an auxiliaries of Nazi power. The Nazis were even embarrassed by a ‘Russian’ army under General A. A. Vlasov, willing to fight on their side against Stalin and his system. Volunteers also came from pro-fascist circles in France, and from Spain and Portugal, states ruled by clerical and reactionary dictators who hated communists but were not fully reconciled to the radical thrust of much Nazi-fascist rhetoric and some Nazifascist policy.

On December 7, 1941, the war widened again when the Japanese airforce attacked the American Pacific fleet at anchor at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. In the following weeks, the Japanese army and navy thrust south and east, dislodging the British from Singapore by January 15, 1942. They went on to seize the Philippines and Dutch East Indies (later Indonesia) and were in striking distance of Australia before being checked at the Battle of the Coral Sea in June 1942. They simultaneously continued the terrible campaign that they had been waging in China since 1937 (or rather since 1931, when they had attacked Manchukuo or Manchuria). In their special wars, the militarist Japanese leadership tried to throw off what they called the imperialist yoke of US capitalism and the older ‘white’ metropolitan empires. The purity of their antiimperial motives was damaged, however, by their own commitment to empire and by their merciless killing of Asians. Moreover, as in Europe, their invasions often touched off varieties of civil war provoked by the highly complex stratification of society in the region. At the forefront of such campaigns were often local nationalists who imagined communities subservient neither to European powers nor the Japanese.

On December 11, 1941, Germany and Italy, loyal to the terms of the anti-Comintern pact, had also declared war on the USA, somewhat ironically so, given that Japan, checked by military defeats in an unofficial war against the USSR at Khalkin Gol and Nomonhan in 1938–9, had now engaged with other enemies. The Italians would find out the implications in North Africa, the Germans after the Allied invasion of France on ‘D-Day’ (June 6, 1944), as well as in Italy from September 8, 1943 (the Fascist dictator, Benito Mussolini, overthrown on July 25, was thereafter restored as a sort of German puppet in northern Italy; allied forces moved slowly up the peninsula from the south, liberating Rome on June 4, 1944 but only reaching Milan at the end of the war in late April 1945). Of the participants in the war, the USA, once fully mobilized, possessed the biggest and most productive economy, and was therefore of crucial importance in the eventual defeat of the anti-Comintern powers. The campaign the Americans fought with the most passion, and with an evident racism of their own, was the war against Japan. In another sense, the USA had a relatively soft war, not disputed on its own territory and not requiring the sort of physical or spiritual sacrifice obligatory from most other combatants. The USA’s special World War II was not really a visceral one.

If the war was fought in many different ways, it is equally true that the variety of conflicts did not all end at the same time and in the same way. The Nazi armies surrendered on May 8, 1945, the Japanese on August 15. But matters were more complicated than that. France’s special World War II would commemorate ‘victory’ from the date of the liberation of Paris on August 25, 1944 (and General Charles De Gaulle would firmly proclaim that Paris and France had liberated themselves). In most of Nazi-fascist occupied Europe and in parts of Asia, partisan movements had never altogether accepted defeat. Communists were invariably prominent in such resistance, even if quite a few still envisaged themselves as fighting as much for the Soviet revolution as for the liberty of their own nation state. Every successive ‘liberation,’ in Europe most frequently coming after the military victory of the Red Army, and in the Pacific that of the USA, had its own special character. Yugoslavia and China were two especially complicated places where the resistance was very strong but where it was contested, not only by the Nazi-fascists and the Japanese but also by local anticommunist and nationalist or particularist forces. The effects and memory of their wars were by definition to be very different from such societies as the USA, Australia, and the UK which did not endure foreign occupation, though the last, with its severe experience of bombing, was itself different from the other two.

In sum, World War II was not just an enormously influential event but also an extraordinarily complicated one. Its complexity has in turn stimulated many passionate and long-lasting debates about its historical meaning.

2. The Causes Of War

For many years it was customary to argue that World War II as compared to World War I had a simple cause. This was ‘Hitler’s war.’ Mainstream analysis continues to ascribe to the Nazi dictator great responsibility for the invasion of Poland and for the spreading of the war thereafter, and especially for the launching of Operation Barbarossa against the USSR. Nonetheless, from the 1960s, the course of historiography, especially as exemplified in the rise of social history, did not favor a ‘Great Man’ view of the past and tended to urge that even dictators had limits to their free will. As early as 1964, English radical historian A. J. P. Taylor (1964) argued in a book entitled The Origins of the Second World War that the several crises which led up to September 1939 and what he sardonically called the ‘War for Danzig’ needed to be understood in a variety of contexts, including the peace settlements at the end of World War I, the course of German political and social history, the institutionalization of the Russian revolution, with its victorious but feared and paranoid communist and then Stalinist regime, and the lights and shadows of democratic liberalism in Western Europe.

Taylor wrote with a flaunted stylistic brilliance and practiced a brittle historical cleverness. He was destined to be misunderstood and often gloried in the misunderstanding. His book thus produced an enormous controversy, the first of many to be sparked by attempts to define the meaning of World War II. At the same time, Taylor’s idiosyncrasies ensured that his work could easily enough be dismissed by those mainstream historians who liked to feel the weight of their commitment to Rankean principles and to make their liking evident.

Nonetheless the issues raised by Taylor did not go away. In West Germany, the so-called ‘Fischer controversy,’ sparked by the Hamburg liberal historian Fritz Fischer’s Griff nach der Weltmacht, a massively documented study of German aims during World War I and also published in 1961, raged through the decade. Although Fischer, then and thereafter, wrote almost exclusively about World War I and about imperial Germany, he was read as commenting on World War II and, indeed, on Germany’s divided fate in its aftermath. Two issues were prominent. Was imperial Germany an aggressive power in a way that bore comparison with the Nazi regime during the 1930s? Was the motive of the German leadership as much domestic as foreign—did they seek foreign adventure and even world war in order to divert the pressure building for social democracy? Was the appalling conflict from 1939 to 1945 caused by the ‘German problem,’ which may have begun as early as 1848 and may have continued after 1945?

Fischer’s work was more directly influential than Taylor’s and the issue of the relationship between Innenpolitik and Aussenpolitik fitted neatly into the preoccupations of new social historians who, by the 1970s, were scornfully dismissing the work of ‘old fashioned diplomatic historians.’ For all that, specialist works on the causation of World War II continued to privilege the power of Hitler and acknowledge the ideological thrust of Nazism. English independent Marxist, Tim Mason, may have tried to pursue a Fischerian line in asking how much the diplomatic crises of 1938–9 were prompted by the contradictions of Nazi economic and social policy, but his essays remained at the periphery of most analysis. Rather such firmly Rankean historians as Gerhard Weinberg and Donald Watt assembled evidence which, in their eyes, only confirmed that the war was caused by Hitler. The newest and most authoritative Englishlanguage biographer of the Fuhrer, Ian Kershaw, despite his background in social history, does not disagree. Hitler may have been erratic as an executive. Nazi totalitarian state and society, contrary to its propaganda about militant efficiency and a people cheerfully bound into a Volksgemeinschaft, may in practice have often been ramshackle. But the dictator, Kershaw argued, did possess power. Indeed, so allembracing was his will that Germans strove to ‘work towards’ their Fuhrer, to accept his ideas and implement his policies before he had fully formulated them. For a generation in the wake of the Fischer controversy, scholarship on Nazism had separated into ‘intentionalists’ (advocates of Great Man history) and ‘functionalists’ (those who preferred to emphasize the role of structures and contexts and who were especially alert to the ‘institutional darwinism’ of the Nazi regime). Now Kershaw, often a historian of the golden mean, seemed to have found a way to resolve and end that conflict.

The only major variants on this reaffirmation that Hitler had provoked the war came from certain conservative viewpoints. Some anticommunist historians focused on the Ribbentrop–Molotov pact (August 23, 1939), placing responsibility for the war on ‘Stalin’ and the Russian revolution in what seemed to others a highly tendentious effort to blame the victim. More common was the view expressed most succinctly by Zionist historian Lucy Dawidowicz that the whole conflict was in essence a ‘war against the Jews.’ In this interpretation, German nationalism, German anticommunism, German racism towards Slavs, Nazi repression of the socialist and communist left, none in any sense equated with Hitlerian anti-Semitism. Hitler (or, in the variant recently made notorious by Daniel Goldhagen, the Germans) wanted to kill Jews; that was the purpose of the Nazi regime; that was the aim of its wars.

In other ex-combatant societies, further examples of local focus are evident. In England, fans of appeasement still existed, the most prominent being John Charmley. For him, the problem with the war lay simply in Britain’s engagement in it. As far as the British empire was concerned, Nazism did not need to be fought and the USSR should never have been an ally. Worst of all was the fact that the USA had dominated the post war world. Charmley has never quite said so, but implication of his work is that the ‘real’ World War II for Britain, and the one it most dramatically lost, was implicitly fought against its American ‘cousins.’

The Asian-Pacific conflict has similarly been subject to historical revision. In the 1960s Gabriel Kolko and other American ‘new leftists’ applied a Marxian model to their nation’s foreign policy, being very critical of the gap between its idealistic and liberal theory and its realist and capitalist practice. They were in their turn duly subjected to withering fire from more patriotic and traditional historians. Nonetheless a consensus grew that, at least in regard to the onset of the American–Japanese war, US policy makers carried some responsibility. By the 1980s, liberal historian John Dower was even urging that the two rivals had been ‘enemies of a kind,’ neither of them guiltless of racism and brutality.

In Japan, by contrast, an officially sponsored silence long hung over everything to do with the war. The Ministry of Education was particularly anxious that schoolchildren not be exposed to worrying facts about such terrible events as the massacre in Nanking in 1937, the practice of germ warfare, the exploitation of ‘comfort women,’ and the many other examples of Japanese murder, rape, and pillage in Asia and the Pacific. Nonetheless, a stubborn undercurrent of opinion exemplified in the work of historian Ienaga Saburo continued to contest the Ministry line and, by the 1990s, the Japanese leadership had gone further than ever before in admitting some of the misdeeds of its militarist predecessors. Fully critical history may still not be especially appreciated in Tokyo. But, by the end of the 1990s, Japan was not the only society to behave that way in that world in which the ideology of economic rationalism had achieved unparalleled hegemony backed by what American democratic historian Peter Novick has called ‘bumper sticker’ lessons from the past.

3. The Course Of The War

In the preceding paragraphs it has not always been possible to keep fully separate discussions about the coming of World War II from what happened after hostilities commenced. In any case, military history in the pure sense, just like diplomatic history, after 1945 soon lost ground professionally. To most eyes, the military history of the war can swiftly enough be told. Of the anti-Comintern states, Germany and Japan but not Italy, won rapid initial victories, exulting in their respective Blitzkriegs. But their triumphs were always brittle. Germany and its allies may have been good at getting into wars, but their ideologies made it difficult for them thereafter to contemplate any policy except the complete liquidation of the enemy. Hitler and the Japanese imperial and military leadership thus made no attempts to offer compromise from a position of strength, and Mussolini’s occasional flirtation with the idea always involved Nazi sacrifice in their wars, especially that in the east, rather than Italian loss.

Nor did the anti-Comintern states make the most of the huge territories, which they had conquered, and the immense material resources that they therefore controlled. Nazi Germany is something of a case study in this regard. In the West, where the war was always gentler, the Nazis found plenty of direct and indirect collaborators. They were thus, for example, able to harness a very considerable proportion of the French economy to their cause. They also started to construct a new economic order that was not utterly unlike some of the developments, which would occur in Western Europe after Nazi-fascism had been defeated. With extraordinary contradiction for a state built on an utter commitment to racial purity, Nazi Germany, already before 1939, needed immigrants to staff its economy. Once the war began, this requirement became still more pressing. One partial solution was to import workers by agreement with its ally Italy and by arrangement with the friendly Vichy regime in France. Not all such French ‘guest-workers’ came unwillingly and not all had especially bad wars. In Germany they joined other, more reluctant, immigrants from the east, who were often little more than slave laborers. Poles and Soviet prisoners of war constituted the majority of these; at first they were frequently worked to death. However, as the Nazi armies turned back and the war settled into one of attrition and retreat, as symbolized by the great defeat at Stalingrad (November 1942–January 1943), the Germans began to treat even laborers from the east in a way that allowed some minimum chance of their survival and which also permitted some tolerable productivity from their labor.

The exception was, of course, the Jews, who, from September–October 1941, became the objects of the ‘Final Solution,’ a devotion to murder confirmed by officials who attended the Wannsee conference in January 1942. In terms of fighting a war, the adoption of the policy of extermination was, of course, counter- productive in many senses, among which was the economic. In staffing and fueling the trains, which transported the Jews to the death camps, in the low productivity of these and the other camps, the Nazis wasted resources needed at the front. It is worth noting in this segment, however, that each combatant society has argued about its particular experience of being visited by the Nazi war machine and therefore of being exposed to collaboration with it. Two important examples occurred in France and the USSR.

The spring of 1940 brought disaster to the Third French Republic. Now was the time of what Marc Bloch, one of the founders of the great structuralist historical school of the Annales, a patriotic Frenchman and a Jew, called the ‘strange defeat.’ Military historians have demonstrated that France was not especially inferior in armament to the invading Germans. Rather, France lost for reasons to do with morale and the domestic divisions of French society. As a result, by June 1940 the French state and empire had collapsed. During the next four years, the inheritance of the Third Republic was disputed between the Vichy regime headed by Marshal Petain within the rump of French metropolitan territories, the ‘Free French’ under General Charles De Gaulle, resident in London, and there, however reluctantly and churlishly, dependent on Allied goodwill and finance, and a partisan movement which gradually became more active in the occupied zones. This last was typically divided between communists and other forces, some of which disliked communists as much as they hated the invaders. The years of Axis occupation were thus also the time of the ‘Franco-French civil war,’ with killings and purge trials extending well beyond liberation.

The meaning of war, occupation, and liberation in France has been much disputed after 1945. It took a film maker, Marcel Ophuls in Le Chagrin et la pitie (1971), and an American historian, Robert Paxton, to break a generation of silence about the troubling implications of this period of national history, although Socialist President Francois Mitterrand (1981–95), with his own equivocal experience of Vichy, was scarcely an unalloyed advocate of openness during his term in office. Historian Henry Rousso has brilliantly examined the ‘Vichy syndrome’ and done much to expose some of the obfuscations favored by many different leadership groups in post-1945 French politics. Perhaps his work does not go far enough, however. With its fall, and then with decolonization after 1945, France had lost its political empire, promising to become just another European state. However, this loss was curiously compensated by the rise and affirmation of French culture. In almost every area of the humanities, such French intellectuals as De Beauvoir, Braudel, Barthes, Foucault, Levi-Strauss, Lyotard, Baudrillard, and Nora, charted the way to postmodernity. They did so sometimes invoking the pro-Nazi philosopher Martin Heidegger and almost always without much reckoning of the collapse of the French nation state in 1940. The intellectuals of France were much given to forgetting their nation’s fall, the better to affirm their own rights to cultural imperium.

If France provides a case study of the transmutation of defeat into victory, the USSR offers the reverse example of a victor whose people would eventually learn that ‘actually’ they had lost. The nature of the Soviet war effort is still in need of research. Sheila Fitzpatrick, a historian of Soviet social history, has depicted a population by 1939 brutalized and depressed by the tyranny, incompetence, and contradictions of Stalinism. Her work does not really explain, however, how that same populace fought so stubbornly ‘for the motherland, for Stalin.’ No doubt the absurd murderousness of Nazi policies gave them little alternative. No doubt the aid which eventually flowed through from the USA was of great significance. But something does remain unexplained about how ‘Stalin’s Russia’ won its ‘Great Patriotic War.’

4. The Consequences Of The War

By now very clear, however, are the consequences of the war for the USSR. In the short term the war made the Soviet state the second superpower, the global rival to the USA, and gave Stalin, until his death in 1953, an almost deified status. However, as the postwar decades passed, it became clear that the USSR and its expanded sphere of influence in Eastern Europe were not recovering from the war with the speed being dramatically exemplified in Western Europe and Japan. Indeed, the history of the USSR, at least until Gorbachev’s accession to the party secretaryship in 1985 and, arguably, until the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of communism (1989–91), should best be read as that of a generation who had fought and won its wars (including the terrible domestic campaigns for collectivization as well as the purges of the 1930s). Leaders and people were unwilling or unable to move beyond that visceral experience. After 1945, the USSR became the archetypal place ‘where old soldiers did not die nor even fade away.’ Brezhnev, Chernenko, and their many imitators further down the power structure were frozen into a past that hAdvan ever-diminishing connection with a world facing a new technological and economic revolution.

Other ex-combatant societies were more open to change than the USSR but a certain sort of remembering and a certain sort of forgetting can readily enough be located in them, too. Memory proved most threatening in Yugoslavia. There the victorious partisans under Josip Broz Tito seemed for a time to have won a worthwhile victory. The special history of their campaigns against the Nazi-fascist occupiers of their country allowed them claims to independence from the USSR, which they duly exercised after 1948. At the same time the barbarity, during the war, of the collaborationist Croat fascist regime under Ante Pavelic, whose savagery embarrassed even the Germans, seemed to suggest that the region was indeed best administered by a unitary state. The fall of communism, however, also brought down a communist Yugoslavia in which such Serb leaders as Slobodan Milosevic, unable to believe in official ideals, increasingly recalled the nationalism of wartime Cetniks rather than the internationalist Marxism once espoused by the partisans. This memory of war and murder justified new wars and new murders, even if with the somewhat ironical result that, by the end of the 1990s, the (Serb) winners of the last war had become losers and the (Slovene, Croat, Bosnian Moslem, and Kosovar) losers had become winners.

In Italy, the country with the largest communist party in the West and a polity which had a ‘border idiosyncrasy,’ bearing some comparison with Yugoslavia’s role in the Eastern Bloc, the inheritance of war and fascism similarly possessed peculiar features. Postwar Italy began by renouncing fascism, empire, and war, in 1946 abandoning the monarchy that had tolerated the imposition of Mussolini’s dictatorship and, in 1947, adopting a constitution which made considerable claim that the new Republic would be based on labor. In practice, however, Italy took its place in the Cold War West. Its purging of ex-Fascists was soon abandoned and both the power elites and the legislative base of the new regime exhibited much continuity with their Fascist predecessors. Nonetheless, from the 1960s, an ideology of antifascism was accorded more prominence in a liberalizing society. From 1978 to 1985, Sandro Pertini, an independent socialist who had spent many years in a Fascist jail and been personally involved in the decision to execute Mussolini, became Italy’s president. Widely popular, he seemed an embodiment of the national rejection of the Fascist past.

Once again, however, the process of memory was taking a turn and a different useable past was beginning to emerge. Left terrorists in the 1970s had called themselves the new Resistance and declared that they were fighting a Fascist-style state—the governing Christian Democrats were thought to be merely a mask behind which lurked the Fascist beast. The murder of Aldo Moro in 1978 drove Italians decisively away from this sort of rhetoric and, in the 1980s and 1990s, Italians sought instead a ‘pacification’ with the past in which ex-Fascists had as much right to be heard as ex-partisans. Among historians, ‘anti-anti Fascists,’ led by Renzo De Felice, the biographer of Mussolini, provided evidence and moral justification for this cause. Media magnate and conservative politician Silvio Berlusconi joined those who agreed that Italy’s World War II had lost its ethical charge.

Among the Western European ex-combatants states perhaps the UK was the place where the official myth of the war survived with least challenge. A vast range of British society and behavior was influenced by Britain’s war. The Welfare State, as codified by the postwar Labor government under Clement Attlee, was explained and justified as a reward for the effort of the British people in the ‘people’s war.’ Wartime conservative Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, despite his many evident limitations, remained a national icon. British comedies from the Goons in the 1950s to Dad’s Army in the 1970s and 1980s to Goodnight Sweetheart in the 1990s were obsessively set in the war. From the alleged acuteness of their secret service activities to the alleged idealism of their rejection of Nazism, the British have constantly sought to preserve the lion’s share of the positives of World War II for themselves. The suspicion of a common European currency and the many other examples of continuing British insularity in turn reflect the British cherishing of the fact that they fought alone against the Nazifascists from 1940 to 1941, and express their associated annoyed perplexity that somehow their wartime sacrifice entailed a slower route to postwar prosperity compared with that of their continental neighbors.

Memory after memory, history after history, World War IIs, in their appalling plenitude, still eddy around. As the millennium ended, another historian wrote a major book about the meaning of an aspect of the war, and about the construction of that meaning. Peter Novick’s The Holocaust in American Life (1999) daringly wondered whether the privileging of the Nazi killing of the Jews in contemporary Jewish and even gentile American discourse is altogether a positive. Being a historical victim at one time in the past, he argued cogently, can obscure as well as explain. His caution is timely. It is probably good that World War IIs are with us still; it will be better if the interpretation of so many drastic events can still occasion democratic debate, courteous, passionate, and humble debate, and if we can therefore avoid possessing a final solution to its many problems.

Bibliography:

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The Long-Run Impacts of Public Industrial Investment on Local Development and Economic Mobility: Evidence from World War II

This paper studies the long-run effects of government-led construction of manufacturing plants on the regions where they were built and on individuals from those regions. Specifically, we examine publicly financed plants built in dispersed locations outside of major urban centers for security reasons during the United States' industrial mobilization for World War II. Wartime plant construction had large and persistent impacts on local development, characterized by an expansion of relatively high-wage manufacturing employment throughout the postwar era. These benefits were shared by incumbent residents; we find men born before WWII in counties where plants were built earned $1,200 (in 2020 dollars) or 2.5 percent more per year in adulthood relative to those born in counterfactual comparison regions, with larger benefits accruing to children of lower-income parents. The balance of evidence suggests that these individuals benefited primarily from the local expansion of higher-wage jobs to which they had access as adults, rather than because of developmental effects from exposure to better environments during childhood.

We are grateful to Anna Aizer, Daniel Bernhardt, Allison Ehrich Bernstein, Mark Borgschulte, Eric Chyn, James Feigenbaum, Claudia Goldin, Bhash Mazumder, Walker Hanlon, Edward Glaeser, Nathaniel Hendren, Taylor Jaworski, Réka Juhász, Lawrence Katz, Patrick Kline, Dmitri Koustas, Brian Kovak, James Lee, Trevon Logan, Robert Margo, Nathan Nunn, Lowell Taylor, and seminar participants at Harvard University, UIUC, Purdue, the Upjohn Institute, CEU, JKU-Linz, Marquette, UCL, Berkeley, Texas A&M, University de Montreal, UVA, MIT, NIU, UBC, Iowa, BEA, Pitt, ITAM, Colmex, the Bank of Mexico, and participants at workshops and conferences between 2016 and 2023 for helpful comments. We are grateful to Sunny Liu and Andrea Atencio De Leon for excellent research assistance. The authors are grateful for generous support from the Washington Center for Equitable Growth and the W.E. Upjohn Institute. This report is released to inform interested parties of ongoing research and to encourage discussion. Any views expressed on statistical, methodological, technical, or operational issues are those of the author and not necessarily those of the US Census Bureau or the National Bureau of Economic Research. Results disclosed under DRB # CBDRB–FY24–0120.

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Researchers find WWI and WWII bombs in the ground are becoming more volatile

by Bob Yirka , Phys.org

Two ordnance specialists, one with the University of Stavanger's Department of Safety and the other with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, have found that due to their chemical makeup, bombs and other ordnances still in the ground from World War I and World War II are becoming more volatile, increasing their chances of exploding should they be disturbed.

In their paper published in the journal Royal Society Open Science , Geir Novik and Dennis Christensen described testing they did on recovered bombs and what they found in doing so.

During WWI and WWII, massive amounts of explosives were fired at opposing forces by armies in various parts of Europe and other places. Prior research has shown that many of those explosives did not explode as intended—instead, they wound up embedded in the ground due to the force of their impact. Many are still there, some of which are found periodically during digging operations.

This past month, a 500kg bomb was discovered residing in the backyard of a home in Plymouth, U.K. That bomb was removed safely, but others are not so lucky. A bomb encountered by an excavator in Hattingen, Germany back in 2008 exploded, injuring several people.

In their new effort, Novik and Christensen found evidence that suggests the discovery of unexploded ordnances from the two world wars could become more dangerous as time passes.

The problem, the pair noted, is that many such bombs and other types of explosives of the time were made using Amatol, a material made by mixing ammonium nitrate with TNT (trinitrotoluene). The researchers explained that Amatol becomes more volatile as time passes due to slow exposure to moisture, metals in soil, and other materials. And that means such explosives are more likely to explode if they are disturbed.

To learn more about the problem, the researchers dropped heavy materials onto small samples of Amatol that had been collected from multiple sites across Europe that were targets of bombing campaigns. Doing so showed that such bombs are highly likely to explode if they are disturbed, like when people dig gardens or construction workers dig to lay foundations for new buildings.

As empty spaces that were once the site of battles see new construction, the chances of disturbance grow. The researchers suggest extra precautions be taken to avoid injuries or even death from the explosion of such hidden ordnances.

Journal information: Royal Society Open Science

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