Historical Study, literature review: World War II

Abstract

World War II (1939–1945) was one of the greatest conflicts in human history, transforming not only the global political landscape but also bringing about widespread social, economic, and cultural impacts. This study aims to analyze the background of the war, the involvement of major powers, its multidimensional impacts, and the legacies and lessons learned from the conflict. The methods used are literature study and comparative analysis, combining primary and secondary sources, including historical records, academic journals, and official documents. The results show that the war was triggered by the rise of totalitarian regimes, military aggression, and ambitions for territorial expansion, spearheaded by the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, Japan) against the Allied Powers (Britain, France, the Soviet Union, the United States, and other allies). The resulting impacts were complex: in the political sphere, new ideological blocs and international organizations were formed; in the economic sphere, post-war reconstruction and cross-border aid emerged; in the social sphere, changes in family structure, the role of women, and awareness of human rights. The legacies of World War II include territorial division, advances in military and civilian technology, and international moral and diplomatic awareness. The conclusion of this study emphasizes the importance of global diplomacy, solidarity between nations, and vigilance against intolerance and extremism to prevent future global-scale conflicts. Recommendations include improving history education, strengthening international cooperation, and emphasizing humanitarian values ​​and peace.