The world of the 21st century is still living with the consequences of World War 2, the most tremendous conflict in history. 73 years ago on the 1st of September 1939, Germany invaded Poland without warning. Two days later on the 3rd, Britain and France were at war with Germany and within a week, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and Australia had also joined the war. In time, Italy, USA and Japan became involved. Worldwide, countries had been plunged into their Second World War in 25 years. Six long and bloody years of nonstop war, fought over many thousands of square kilometres followed. In the air, on the land and at sea, Poles fought Germans, Italians fought Americans, and the Japanese fought the Australians in a battle that was settled with the use of nuclear weapons. World War 2 involved every major world power in a war for global domination and at the end, more than 60 million people had lost their lives and large areas of Europe and Asia lay in ruins. 1
World War 2 is historically recognised as beginning on September of 1939 with Germany’s invasion of Poland. Adolf Hiter was the Nazi Party leader in Germany. He believed that German citizens were superior to all others. Hitler wanted to be able to have all the power in Europe. He also wanted to eliminate everyone he considered inferior. This included Jews, Gypsies and the handicapped. With Hitler as Germany’s leader, he began to take over countries and occupy them. Part of it also came from World War 1. Many Germans believed that the territory taken from them was taken unfairly. Hitler’s invasion of Poland led Britain and France to declare war on Germany. Australia moved quickly to support Britain and also declared war. Enemy planes dropped bombs on townships of Britain and France and allied ships were sunk by submarines. 2
In 1940 Germany proceeded to overtake Norway, Denmark, Belgium and Holland. By this stage in war, Hitler had gained a lot of power. Hitler was able