• The Second World War, a global conflict that took place between 1939 and 1945, had a profound impact on nations across the world. It involved over 100 million individuals from more than 30 countries. This war stands out as one of the most devastating and destructive events in history, resulting in a staggering loss of life estimated between 70 and 85 million people. The casualties were caused by various factors such as genocides, including the Holocaust, as well as widespread famine, massacres, and the spread of diseases. The opposing sides were Germany, Italy, and Japan on one side, while the Allies, including France, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Soviet Union, and China to a lesser extent, formed the opposing coalition.

Causes of the Second World War

• Aggressive and expansionist policies of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party: Hitler’s desire for territorial expansion and his aggressive actions, such as the invasion of Poland, were significant contributors to the outbreak of war.
• Harsh Treaty of Versailles: The terms imposed on Germany after World War I through the Treaty of Versailles created a sense of resentment and economic instability, laying the groundwork for future conflicts.
• Ineffectiveness of the League of Nations: The League of Nations, established after World War I, proved ineffective in preventing aggression by nations such as Germany, Italy, and Japan. The League’s failure to take strong action in response to events like the Spanish Civil War and the Japanese invasion of China highlighted its inability to maintain peace.
• Expansionist ambitions of Axis powers: The involvement of future Axis powers, including Germany and Japan, in conflicts like the Spanish Civil War and the invasion of China, demonstrated their imperialistic aspirations without facing significant consequences. This lack of accountability fueled tensions and made the outbreak of war more likely.
• Escalating tensions and diplomatic failures: Despite diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts and prevent war, tensions continued to rise, and diplomatic solutions proved unsuccessful in averting hostilities.
• These factors collectively contributed to the inevitability of the Second World War, which ultimately erupted into a devastating global conflict.

India’s Involvement in the Second World War

• Start of the War: The Second World War began in September 1939 with Germany’s invasion of Poland as part of Adolf Hitler’s expansionist agenda.
• Indian Government’s Entry: The Indian government decided to join the war without consulting the National Congress or the elected members of the central legislature.
• Congress’ Demands: Before actively participating in the war, leaders of the Indian National Congress demanded that India be declared a free country or that effective power be transferred to the Congress. However, the British government rejected this demand.
• Resignation of Congress Ministers: In response to the British government’s refusal, Congress ordered the resignation of its ministers from the provincial governments.
• Gandhi’s Call for Satyagraha: In October 1940, Mahatma Gandhi called for a limited Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) by a selected group of individuals.
• Japanese Advances: By March 1942, Japan rapidly conquered the Philippines, Indo-China, Indonesia, Malaya, and Burma, and occupied Rangoon. This brought the war closer to India’s borders.
• British Government’s Need for Indian Participation: With Japan’s advancements, the British government urgently sought active participation from Indians in the war effort to counter the Japanese threat.
• India’s involvement in the war was marked by political tensions and demands for self-governance, particularly from the Indian National Congress. The British government’s desire for Indian support intensified as the war came closer to India’s shores due to Japanese advances in Southeast Asia.