World War II (1939 - 1945)
Devastation of Europe, Change in Global Balance of Power

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Effect of World War II on Each Country

Germany Fails to Capture Moscow (Jan, 1942): The Battle of Moscow officially ends in January of 1942, but battles would continue in the outskirts of the city, with the Nazi army maintaining a position uncomfortably close to the Soviet capital.

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German Siege of Leningrad Continues (1942): During 1942, the Soviets attempt multiple offensives against the Nazi army, all of which fail. However, they do manage to undermine the Nazis' progress toward destroying the city, perpetuating the war of attrition.

Germany Initiates the Battle of Stalingrad, USSR (July, 1942): A German offensive in an attempt to capture Stalingrad, beginning July 17, 1942. By its completion in 1943, it would become the deadliest battle in human history. The Nazi army penetrated inside the city, engaging in urban warfare with the Soviets.

USSR Achieves Turning Point Against Germany (1942): Germany's rapid advance of 1941 did not achieve its goal of quickly forcing the USSR into surrender and submission to Nazi Germany. This bought the Soviets enough time to concentrate their defenses at key flash points, such as Moscow, Leningrad and Stalingrad. In addition, it forced Germany into a war of attrition, requiring a continual resupply of supplies, equipment and manpower, which was difficult since they were so deep into enemy territory. It was especially difficult in cold-weather months, which was nearly half the year in the strategic parts of the USSR. This would prove to be the turning point of the war, by depleting a substantial portion of the German army and resources.

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Germany Directly Occupies Vichy France and Corsica (Nov 11, 1942): After the Allies and Free French Forces conquered French North Africa from Vichy France, Hitler decided to move in and occupy Vichy France and Corsica to prevent Allied forces from simply crossing the Mediterranean to capture Southern France.

Allies Turn the Tide Against Germany in Battle of the Atlantic (1942): During the first half of 1942, U-boats were successful at sinking U.S. vessels off the shore of the eastern U.S. coast. By the second half of the year, the Allies successfully employed convoys, while developing new technologies (such as improved radar and anti-submarine mortars) enabling the effective destruction of large numbers of U-boat submarines, turning the tide toward the favor of the Allies in the Battle of the Atlantic.

Asian/Pacific Theater (1942): At onset of 1942, the Japanese enjoy the upper hand against the Allies (primarily consisting of British and British Commonwealth). They maintain UK, Dutch and French colonies captured in 1941, while gaining ground in Burma. However, they suffer military defeats to the U.S. during the latter half of the year, due in large part to the fact that the Americans manage to break Japanese naval codes.

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African Theater (1942):
North Africa: Allied troops defeat the Germans at Alexandria (Egypt), and begin to push them back into Italy-controlled Libya.
Madagascar: Allied troops capture the island off the coast of East Africa from Vichy France.

British India Problems (1942): UK entered their colony of British India into WWII. Their East Indian subjects were eager participants in WWI, but support was mixed for WWII. Many Indians argued that the UK did not deserve their service, based on atrocities against Indian people. However, 2,250,000 volunteered, making it the largest volunteer army in the history of the world. Nonetheless, the Indian National Congress (Indian Independence Movement) simultaneously drafted demands of complete independence, accompanied by non-violent protests throughout the nation. However, other factions also arose that did not follow this credo, resulting in bombings and other violent acts. The Indian National Army was also created, with the support of enemies of the Allies, particularly Japan. They fought against British and British Indian forces in the jungles of Burma and Bengal, resulting in an Allied victory. It did succeed in sparking mutinies among British Indian soldiers fighting on behalf of the UK, and generated support for the Indian independence movement. Furthermore, the UK was now faced with the realization that their British Indian subjects were no longer reliable as a fighting force when needed. This all contributed to the realization of Indian independence from the UK in 1947.

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Next: World War II (1943)

Previous: World War II (1941)

Effect of World War II on Each Country

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World War II Interactive Map

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