Unit V: The Second World War and the New World Order

This final unit covers the most destructive conflict in human history, the diplomatic efforts to manage the post-war world, and the establishment of the United Nations as a global peace-keeping body [cite: 722-724].

1. 2nd World War: Causes and Consequences

The Second World War (1939-1945) was a global conflict that pitted the Allied Powers against the Axis Powers.

Causes

• Failures of the Treaty of Versailles: The harsh terms imposed on Germany created long-term resentment.
• Rise of Totalitarianism: The aggressive expansionist policies of Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy), and Imperial Japan.
• Failure of the League of Nations: Its inability to act against aggression in Manchuria and Abyssinia.
• Immediate Cause: The German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939.

Consequences

• Human Loss: Over 60 million people died, including millions in the Holocaust.
• Rise of Superpowers: The emergence of the USA and the USSR as the dominant world powers, leading to the Cold War.
• Decolonization: The weakening of European powers (Britain, France) led to the independence of colonies in Asia and Africa.
• Establishment of the UNO: A new international organization was formed to maintain peace.

2. War-time Conferences

During the war, leaders of the Allied powers (the "Big Three") met multiple times to plan military strategy and decide the future of the post-war world.

3. UNO: Aims, Organizations, and Achievements

The United Nations Organization (UNO) was established on October 24, 1945, to succeed the failed League of Nations.

Aims and Objectives

• Maintain International Peace: To prevent future wars through collective security.
• Human Rights: To promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
• International Cooperation: To achieve cooperation in solving economic, social, and cultural problems.

Main Organizations

• General Assembly: The main deliberative assembly where all member nations have a seat.
• Security Council: Responsible for maintaining peace; consists of 5 permanent members with veto power.
• Secretariat: The administrative body headed by the Secretary-General.
• International Court of Justice (ICJ): The principal judicial organ.

Achievements

• Conflict Resolution: Successfully mediated in various regional conflicts (e.g., Korea, Suez Canal).
• Humanitarian Work: Massive contributions to global health (WHO) and child welfare (UNICEF).
• Environmental Protection: Leading international efforts to combat climate change.