compare and contrast essay world war 1 and 2

World War I vs. World War II

The First World War (WWI) was fought from 1914 to 1918 and the Second World War (or WWII) was fought from 1939 to 1945. They were the largest military conflicts in human history. Both wars involved military alliances between different groups of countries.

World War I (a.k.a the First World War, the Great War, the War To End All Wars) was centered on Europe. The world warring nations were divided into two groups namely ‘The Central Powers’ and ‘The Allied Powers’. The central powers group consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey and Bulgaria. The Allied powers group consisted of France, Britain , Russia, Italy, Japan, Canada and (from 1917) the U.S.

World War II (a.k.a the Second World War), the opposing alliances are now referred to as ‘The Axis’ and ‘The Allies’. The Axis group consisted of Germany, Italy, and Japan. The Allies group consisted of France, Britain, the U.S., the Soviet Union, Canada and China. World War II was especially heinous because of the genocide of Jewish people perpetrated by the Nazis .

Comparison chart

Causes of the War

World war i trigger.

• The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on 28 June 1914, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary was the trigger for the war. He was killed by Serbian nationalists.
• Austria-Hungary invaded Serbia.
• At same time Germany invaded Belgium , Luxembourg and France
• Russia attacked Germany
• Several alliances formed over the past decades were invoked, so within weeks the major powers were at war; as all had colonies, the conflict soon spread around the world.

This video from Yale explains the events that led to World War I:

Causes of World War II

The Versailles Treaty signed at the end of World War I not only lay the moral blame of the conflict on Germany but also forced the Germans to make huge payments to the victors of the war. France and Britain needed these reparations payments in order to pay down their own debts. But they were highly onerous, arguably unjustifiably so, and were deeply unpopular in Germany. Hitler seized on this growing resentment and promised to "undo this injustice and tear up this treaty and restore Germany to its old greatness". In fact, the payments demanded were so large that Germany was able to repay the final installment of interest on this debt only on October 3, 2010. [1] The following causes of World War II are generally acknowledged:

• Treaty violations and acts of aggression on various fronts.
• Political and economic instability in Germany, combined with bitterness over its defeat in World War I and the harsh conditions of the Treaty of Versailles.
• Rise of power of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. In the mid-1930s Hitler began secretly to rearm Germany, in violation of the treaty.
• Adolf Hitler signed alliances with Italy and Japan to oppose the Soviet Union
• German invasion of Poland on Sept. 1, 1939

The following documentary delves into the causes of World War II:

Sequence of events

World war i.

The sequence of events for World War I began in 1914 with Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia on 28 July 1914 in a bid to reassert its authority as a Balkan power. With war breaking out between Austria-Hungary on one side and Serbia on the other, Europe quickly fell back to the alliances nations had formed. Austria-Hungary and Germany were allies. Serbia was allied with Russia; as was France. Russia aided Serbia and attacked Austria. So Austria-Hungary was fighting in two fronts with Serbia and with Russia and consequently lost on both fronts. In a bid to aid Austria-Hungary against Russia, and fearing an attack from France, Germany mobilized its army and attacked France.

• The French, redeploying round Paris, together with the British, checked the now extended German armies on the Marne. In March and April 1915 British sea and land forces attacked the Dardanelles. The Turks countered both threats, causing the British to evacuate the Gallipoli peninsula at the end of 1915.
• A joint Austro-German offensive at Gorlice-Tarnow (2 May 1915) unlocked Russian Poland and the tsar's shattered armies fell back
• In 1915 the Allies agreed that simultaneous attacks on all fronts were the way to drain the reserves of the Central Powers
• On 21 February 1916 Germans attacked the Verdun salient; however this attack was stalled in June. Austrians' independent offensive against the Italians in the Trentino also stalled.
• Germany finally adopted unrestricted submarine warfare in February 1917, and in doing so drove America into the war.
• The Germans extended their front while reducing their strength by almost a million men. Simultaneously they continued to advance in the east, competing with their Austrian allies in the Ukraine and the Turks in the Caucasus. * The French counter-attacked in July and the British in August. Together with the Americans, they drove the Germans back in a series of individually limited but collectively interlocking offensives.
• On 15th September the Anglo-French forces at Salonika attacked in Macedonia, forcing the Bulgars to seek an armistice by the end of the month.
• The whole of the Central Powers' Italian front crumbled after the Austrian defeat on the Piave in June.
• The German high command initiated the request for an Armistice on 4 October. After the war Germany claimed that the army was ‘stabbed in the back’ by revolution at home. The people of Germany and Austria-Hungary were battered by food shortages and inflation.
• On 11 November an armistice with Germany was signed in a railroad carriage at Compiègne. At 11 a.m. on 11 November 1918 a ceasefire came into effect.

1919 A formal state of war between the two sides persisted for another seven months, until signing of the Treaty of Versailles with Germany on 28 June 1919

World War II

The war that broke out in 1939 was a war for the European balance of power. The immediate cause of the conflict was the German demand for the return of Danzig and part of the Polish ‘corridor’ granted to Poland from German territory in the Versailles Treaty of 1919. Poland refused to agree to German demands, and on 1 September 1939 overwhelming German forces launched the Polish campaign and defeated her in three weeks. Russia also invaded eastern Poland. Poland thus got divided into two parts. In March 1939 Britain and France had guaranteed Polish sovereignty, and in honor of that pledge first demanded that German forces withdraw, and then on 3 September declared war on Germany. America was committed by the Neutrality Acts of 1935 and 1937 of non-intervention in overseas conflicts.

This video presents a concise history of the events of World War II:

• German armies invaded Belgium, Luxembourg, and northern France and within six weeks defeated western forces.
• Britain was able to resist German air attacks in the battle of Britain in August and September 1940, and survived a German bombing offensive (the ‘Blitz’) in the winter of 1940-1, but it was not possible for Britain to defeat Germany unaided.
• On 10 June 1940 Mussolini's Italy declared war on Britain and France.
• In December 1940 Hitler turned attention away from Britain and approved BARBAROSSA, the large-scale invasion of the USSR.
• America started giving increasing economic assistance to Britain and China following President Roosevelt's pledge to act as the ‘arsenal of democracy’.
• BARBAROSSA was launched on 22 June 1941 when three million German, Finnish, Romanian, and Hungarian soldiers attacked the whole length of the Soviet western frontier. Soviet Union was shattered.
• In North Africa, Commonwealth forces stationed in Egypt drove Italian armies back across Libya by February 1941
• In Abyssinia and Somaliland Italian forces were forced to surrender by May 1941.
• Italy's complete defeat in Africa was avoided only by Hitler's decision to send German reinforcements under Rommel, and the weak logistical position of Commonwealth forces.
• The US navy became closely involved in the battle of the Atlantic in efforts to break the German submarine blockade of shipping destined for Britain. In March 1941 Congress approved the Lend-Lease Bill which allowed almost unlimited material aid, including weapons, for any state fighting aggression. In the autumn of 1941 this came to include the USSR, despite strong American anti- communism . Throughout 1940 and 1941 the USA tightened an economic blockade of Japan which threatened to cut off most Japanese oil supplies.
• American actions provoked both Japanese and German retaliation. On 7 December 1941 Japanese naval aircraft attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbor, followed by the rapid conquest of western colonies in south-east Asia and the southern Pacific.
• On 11 December Germany declared war on the USA.
• Russia made a remarkable recovery and in November Germany and her allies attacking Stalingrad (now Volgograd) were cut off by a massive Soviet encirclement, URANUS.
• In November 1942 at Alamein a predominantly Italian force was defeated by Montgomery.
• The USA fought a largely naval and air war between 1942 and 1945, using its very great naval power to deploy troops in major amphibious operations, first in the Solomon Islands to halt the Japanese Pacific advance, then in TORCH, a combined American-British landing in Morocco and Algeria in November 1942.

The entry of the USA signaled a change in the political balance of the war of great significance. German forces in Stalingrad surrendered in January 1943and by May 1943 Italian and German forces finally surrendered in Tunisia, enabling the Allies to mount the invasion of Sicily and then Italy. Italy sued for an armistice in September 1943.

American economic might and political interests helped to bind together the different fronts of conflict, while America's worldwide system of supply and logistics provided the sinews of war necessary to complete the defeat of the aggressor states. A major intelligence deception operation and declining air power weakened the German response and by September 1944 German forces had been driven from France.

• German surrendered on 7 May 1945 following Hitler's suicide on 30 April.
• A long-range bombing campaign destroyed the Japanese cities and most of the Japanese navy and merchant marine. America’s newest weapon, the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.
• Soviet forces destroyed the Japanese army in Manchuria; Japan finally capitulated on 2 September.

War strategies

Many of the weapons that dominate military operations today were developed during World War I, including the machine gun, the tank and specialized combat aircraft. This is a great video that explains the military strategies and tactics used during World War I.

• After the war, the Paris Peace Conference imposed a series of peace treaties on the Central Powers. The 1919 Treaty of Versailles officially ended the war. Building on Wilson's 14th point, the Treaty of Versailles also brought into being the League of Nations on 28 June 1919. In signing the treaty, Germany acknowledged responsibility for the war, agreeing to pay enormous war reparations and award territory to the victors. It caused a lot of bitterness.
• Austria–Hungary was partitioned into several successor states.
• The Russian Empire lost much of its western frontier as the newly independent nations of Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland were carved from it.
• The war ended with the total victory of the Allies over Germany and Japan in 1945. The United Nations was established to foster international cooperation and prevent future conflicts.
• The Soviet Union and the United States emerged as rival superpowers.
• Although the totalitarian regimes in Germany, Italy, and Japan were defeated, the war left many unresolved political, social, and economic problems in its wake and brought the Western democracies into direct confrontation with their erstwhile ally, the Soviet Union under Josef Stalin, thereby initiating a period of nearly half a century of skirmishing and nervous watchfulness as two blocs, each armed with nuclear weapons , faced each other probing for any sign of weakness.
• The European economy had collapsed with 70% of the industrial infrastructure destroyed.
• A rapid period of decolonization also took place within the holdings of the various European colonial powers. These primarily occurred due to shifts in ideology, the economic exhaustion from the war and increased demand by indigenous people for self-determination.
• Wikipedia: World War II
• Wikipedia: World War I
• Wikipedia: World War I casualties
• Wikipedia: World War II casualties
• World War I - Encyclopædia Britannica
• What are some interesting facts about the Second World War? - Quora

Related Comparisons

Share this comparison via:

If you read this far, you should follow us:

"World War I vs World War II." Diffen.com. Diffen LLC, n.d. Web. 17 Sep 2024. < >

Comments: World War I vs World War II

Anonymous comments (5).

September 13, 2012, 2:37pm this is awesome — 152.✗.✗.49

May 13, 2014, 5:05pm This is actually really helpful if you'r learning about the ww1 and ww2- it makes things a lot easier. Thxs — 2.✗.✗.119

April 7, 2014, 1:27pm So helpful good for a nerd like me. — 182.✗.✗.155

April 18, 2013, 4:07pm this helped a lot — 150.✗.✗.200

October 7, 2013, 8:12pm Genocide by Germany, was carried out on more than those listed. — 204.✗.✗.1

• Revolutionary War vs Civil War
• Communism vs Fascism
• Marines vs Navy SEALs
• Green Berets vs Navy SEALs
• Marines vs U.S. Army
• AK-47 vs AK-74
• M16 Rifle vs M4 Carbine
• F-15 Eagle vs F-16 Fighting Falcon

Edit or create new comparisons in your area of expertise.

Stay connected

© All rights reserved.

Home — Essay Samples — History — Adolf Hitler — WW1 vs WW2 Comparison

Ww1 Vs WW2 Comparison

• Categories: Adolf Hitler

About this sample

Words: 662 |

Published: Mar 25, 2024

Words: 662 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

The causes of world war i and world war ii, the nature of warfare, the global repercussions, in conclusion.

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Prof Ernest (PhD)

Verified writer

• Expert in: History

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 909 words

2 pages / 1123 words

2 pages / 887 words

2 pages / 766 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Adolf Hitler

Kershaw, (1998). Hitler 1889-1936: Hubris. Penguin Books.Kershaw, (2000). Hitler 1936-1945: Nemesis. Penguin Books.Shirer, W. L. (1990). The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. Simon and Schuster.Toland, J. (1976). Adolf Hitler: [...]

Germany was left in turmoil after World War I, grappling with economic instability and political dissatisfaction. The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany, leading to a severe economic crisis. The Weimar [...]

As we journey through life, we all leave behind a legacy that reflects our values, beliefs, and actions. Whether we realize it or not, our legacy is shaped by the choices we make, the relationships we nurture, and the impact we [...]

Adolf Hitler, the leader of the Nazi Party and the Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945, is one of the most infamous figures in history. His leadership skills and ability to mobilize the German people towards his vision of an [...]

The outbreak of World War II in 1939 was a catastrophic event that reshaped the course of global history, leaving a trail of devastation and despair in its wake. From the rise of aggressive totalitarian regimes to the failure of [...]

On February 10, 1933, Adolf Hitler delivered his first radio address, dubbed Proclamation to the German Nation. On this historic night, the audience – a nation of disillusioned people that had been suffering and thrown into [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”

Compare and Contrast Ww1 & Ww2

Save to my list

Remove from my list

Compare and Contrast Ww1 & Ww2. (2016, Nov 20). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/compare-and-contrast-ww1-ww2-essay

"Compare and Contrast Ww1 & Ww2." StudyMoose , 20 Nov 2016, https://studymoose.com/compare-and-contrast-ww1-ww2-essay

StudyMoose. (2016). Compare and Contrast Ww1 & Ww2 . [Online]. Available at: https://studymoose.com/compare-and-contrast-ww1-ww2-essay [Accessed: 18 Sep. 2024]

"Compare and Contrast Ww1 & Ww2." StudyMoose, Nov 20, 2016. Accessed September 18, 2024. https://studymoose.com/compare-and-contrast-ww1-ww2-essay

"Compare and Contrast Ww1 & Ww2," StudyMoose , 20-Nov-2016. [Online]. Available: https://studymoose.com/compare-and-contrast-ww1-ww2-essay. [Accessed: 18-Sep-2024]

StudyMoose. (2016). Compare and Contrast Ww1 & Ww2 . [Online]. Available at: https://studymoose.com/compare-and-contrast-ww1-ww2-essay [Accessed: 18-Sep-2024]

• How WW1 Lead to WW2: The Effects of Treaty of Versailles Pages: 2 (546 words)
• How was civilian life affected by WW1? Pages: 4 (1000 words)
• How Did WW1 Change The World? Pages: 9 (2529 words)
• The Deep Seeds of War: WW2 and its inevitability Pages: 7 (1970 words)
• How Propaganda Affected Women in WW2? Pages: 8 (2322 words)
• Political Effects: The Pivotal Force Shaping Post-WW2 World Pages: 5 (1214 words)
• Compare and Contrast "Romeo and Juliet" and "Gnomeo and Juliet" Pages: 2 (482 words)
• Pride and prejudice compare and contrast novel and film 2005 Pages: 6 (1638 words)
• “Mother Tongue” and “Learning to Read and Write”: Compare and Contrast Pages: 6 (1673 words)
• Compare and contrast the practices of Apple and Samsung Pages: 6 (1767 words)

👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!

Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Historyplex

A Definitive Comparison Between World War 1 and World War 2

World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945) were two of the most important events in world history. Almost all the continents were involved in the wars, and they led to a massive destruction all over the world. Millions lost their lives.

Switzerland maintained neutrality during both the world wars.

Is war necessary, we wonder sometimes. Can the world not live in peace? While some argue that wars are necessary to establish peace, others say that they are fought out of the hunger for power. Conflicting ideologies between countries, and their ambitions to gain supremacy, may take the ugly shape of a war, which may involve only those countries, or sometimes, the whole world. That’s exactly what was seen in both the world wars. There were millions of casualties and the outcomes were disastrous. Here, we try to compare the two world wars on the basis of their causes, effects, and the tactics and strategies used in the two.

During World War I, with several claiming hierarchical control and princely states refusing to shed their independence, the differences peaked. Some countries refused to come to the table to negotiate peace terms. The economic instability brought by the First World War led to the rise of Fascism in Europe, which is one of the factors that further led to the Second World War. Also, the way in which peace settlement was done at the end of the first war, became a major contributing factor to the second one. Here, we try to compare to the two world wars with respect to their causes and effects.

World War I

► The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was one of the events that triggered the war. Austro-Hungarians waged war against Serbia.

► The imperialistic and territorial rivalries between Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and Austria-Hungary were another cause of the war.

► German U-boats sank US submarines which led to the United States declaring war on Germany.

► The alliances between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy formed the Central Powers to stop the triple alliance between France, Britain, and Russia called the Allied Powers. This too, played a major role in triggering the war.

World War II

►The Treaty of Versailles was an important cause of the Second World War. Though it was meant for establishing peace, it did not satisfy the Germans. Germany lost territory and had to face economic problems. The treaty had weakened Germany and hence proved to be a trigger for the rise of Fascism and Hitler’s dominance in the country.

► Adolf Hitler and the Nazis made unreasonable demands. Nazi ideologies created tension. Britain and France, allied with Poland, threatened Germany with a war. Germany and USSR came together, thus dividing Europe.

► The war in Europe that started on September 1, 1939 was triggered by the Danzig crisis.

► Japan joined the war to prove its might and invaded Manchuria in China.

►The bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japan in 1944 gave the United States of America, a reason to join the war.

► Each soldier would be given a rifle, a bayonet, and 3 grenades.

► Tanks were first introduced in the war with the British Mark V.

► The Germans introduced machine guns with each battalion having a minimum of 6. The Russians had 8 machine guns while the British had two.

► Mortars were explosive bombs that were shot in a projectile motion.

► Heavy artillery was used. It would be rarely successful because of its weak aiming and speed of reloading.

► Gases were commonly used to occupy enemy trenches.

► In 1915, Germany employed flamethrowers against the French.

► Barbed wire would be placed near enemy camps to prevent enemy soldiers from entering. Artillery shot at barbed wire would explode and injure soldiers on both sides.

► Light machine guns were used against low-flying aircraft and cannons on carriers were used against heavy aircraft.

► The bazooka was used as an anti-tank missile against the German Army which could travel at a range of 400 yards.

► Guided bombs were used by the Germans against anti-aircraft guns in the form of the Fritz-X bomb.

► The Panther tank was used by the German Army and formed the backbone of the Blitzkrieg tactic.

► The atom bomb was used to wipe out the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

► Germany used U-boats to sink American ships.

► During World War I, between the trench battles of the Ottomans and British, the Ottomans had run out of cigarettes. The British spread cigarettes wrapped in propaganda. The Ottomans threw them away. At the last minute, the British spread cigarettes laced with heroin which turned the tide of the war.

► The way a trench would be attacked was that about a hundred men ran into machine guns and barbed wire. And to defend a trench, men would stand along it, and shoot at the approaching men.

► Light flares were launched on a half-hourly basis to spot enemy soldiers to spot and shoot them.

► Germany used mustard gas in September 1917 claiming 1,976 British soldiers’ lives.

► Infiltration tactics included letting soldiers occupy enemy sentry points and then bombarding them with heavy artillery.

► Germany used air warfare to bomb cities with the help of its secret air force called the Luftwaffe.

► Fighter-bombers were used to strike enemy outposts and destroy supply and communication centers.

► The Germans were the first to use an airborne invasion during the Battle of Flanders on the island of Crete.

► 700 gliders, loaded with troops and equipment, and three divisions of paratroops were used by the Allies during the Normandy division.

► Germany deployed submarines homing torpedoes to target enemy submarines.

► The US Marines developed methods for landing troops near defended shores, which were used in the Normandy landings.

► The introduction of tanks changed the landscape of the war. The Soviet P-34 and the Panther were the most fearsome opponents on land.

► The German V-2 ballistic missile was used as a long-range artillery weapon.

► The Allies were equipped with semi-automatic weapons.

► Operation Mincemeat was carried out to deceive the Germans by Great Britain in believing they were attacking Sardinia instead of Italy. They used a corpse of a homeless man stuffed with false documents of the war and alerted the Spanish. The Spanish quickly alerted the Germans who repositioned their troops.

► The British had captured Nazi POWs and placed them in a country mansion, instead of prison. They were supplied with lavish food and other material comforts, turning a blind eye to the fact that the house was bugged and their conversations were used to find more information about German tactics.

► The Blitzkrieg was used extensively by the German Army to raze Poland and Czechoslovakia.

► Communism spread among the Soviet Union resulting in the Russian revolution of 1917.

► The Treaty of Versailles blamed the war on the Germans and the German Army was forced to pay $31.5 billion dollars as reparation.

► The empire of Austria-Hungary split their union and formed independent countries of Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia.

► Colonies such as India and Nigeria started asserting their independence.

► There was a Great Depression in America.

► The war lasted for 4 years.

► The war ended with the victory of the Allies against Germany and Japan in 1945.

► The European economy had collapsed with 70% of the industrial infrastructure destroyed.

► Germany split into two, with East Germany adopting a communist policy and West Germany, a democratic state.

► Japan was under military rule of the United States (temporarily).

► Hitler and his closest associates committed suicide but many associates, especially Hermann Göring was sentenced to life imprisonment for hate crimes.

► The United Nations was formed on 24th October 1945, promising to uphold the peace.

► The duration of the war was of 6 years.

Though the wars spanned four and six years respectively, the consequences they had were severe and lasted for years.

Like it? Share it!

Get Updates Right to Your Inbox

Further insights.

Privacy Overview

• Undergraduate
• High School
• Architecture
• American History
• Asian History
• Antique Literature
• American Literature
• Asian Literature
• Classic English Literature
• World Literature
• Creative Writing
• Linguistics
• Criminal Justice
• Legal Issues
• Anthropology
• Archaeology
• Political Science
• World Affairs
• African-American Studies
• East European Studies
• Latin-American Studies
• Native-American Studies
• West European Studies
• Family and Consumer Science
• Social Issues
• Women and Gender Studies
• Social Work
• Natural Sciences
• Pharmacology
• Earth science
• Agriculture
• Agricultural Studies
• Computer Science
• IT Management
• Mathematics
• Investments
• Engineering and Technology
• Engineering
• Aeronautics
• Medicine and Health
• Alternative Medicine
• Communications and Media
• Advertising
• Communication Strategies
• Public Relations
• Educational Theories
• Teacher's Career
• Chicago/Turabian
• Company Analysis
• Education Theories
• Shakespeare
• Canadian Studies
• Food Safety
• Relation of Global Warming and Extreme Weather Condition
• Movie Review
• Admission Essay
• Annotated Bibliography
• Application Essay
• Article Critique
• Article Review
• Article Writing
• Book Review
• Business Plan
• Business Proposal
• Capstone Project
• Cover Letter
• Creative Essay
• Dissertation
• Dissertation - Abstract
• Dissertation - Conclusion
• Dissertation - Discussion
• Dissertation - Hypothesis
• Dissertation - Introduction
• Dissertation - Literature
• Dissertation - Methodology
• Dissertation - Results
• GCSE Coursework
• Grant Proposal
• Marketing Plan
• Multiple Choice Quiz
• Personal Statement
• Power Point Presentation
• Power Point Presentation With Speaker Notes
• Questionnaire
• Reaction Paper
• Research Paper
• Research Proposal
• SWOT analysis
• Thesis Paper
• Online Quiz
• Literature Review
• Movie Analysis
• Statistics problem
• Math Problem
• All papers examples
• How It Works
• Money Back Policy
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• We Are Hiring

World War 1 and World War 2, Essay Example

Pages: 2

Words: 590

Hire a Writer for Custom Essay

Use 10% Off Discount: "custom10" in 1 Click 👇

You are free to use it as an inspiration or a source for your own work.

The two world wars made significant impacts in the world, which are experienced in various regions and by various groups even today. One of the greatest similarities evident in the two wars is the parties involved in the wars. In both cases, the war was between two parties. While the Allies and the Central Powers were the parties in the First World War, the Axis and the Allies were the parties in the Second World War. The Allies of the First World War included Russia, France, United Kingdom, and Triple Entente. The Central Powers included Italy, Austria-Hungary, and Germany. However, Italy later withdrew from the war after Austria-Hungry took the offensive

World War I was triggered by the death of Austria-Hungary’s Archduke F. Ferdinand. He was the successor of the reigning ruler. The assassination was done by a Yugoslav nationalist. This was seen as war against Austria-Hungary. Therefore, the kingdom’s allies were gathered in readiness for retaliation. On the other hand, the Second World War was triggered by German’s invasion of Poland because it wanted to expand its empire. Subsequently, France and most of the commonwealth countries had declared war on Italy and Germany. Thus, the Second World War began. However, China and Japan were already at war prior to these incidences.

In both wars, the United States’ first attempt was to stay neutral to all parties. However, this attempt did not last long after the United States was pressured to take a stand by the other countries. In both wars, the United States ended up aiding the Allies. President Woodrow Wilson aided the WW1 while Franklin Roosevelt oversaw the second one. This occurred after the United States realized that the Germans were acting as the villains. The United States aided in military and weaponry resources, funds, healthcare and food, amongst other resources. In both cases, the country was on the winning party.

While the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings and the Holocaust are the most memorable war crimes in the Second World War, the genocides in Greek, Assyria and Armenia are the most memorable in the First World War. Armenian genocide occurred under ethnic cleansing. This was done by the Ottoman Empire because they perceived the Armenians as the enemy. The Russians were also involved in the death Jews, and Germans because they killed them in thousands. In the Second World War, the Holocaust involved the death of many Jews who were said to be in millions. These Jews were in concentration camps. The Atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima killed more than 166, 000 people within the first four months. These bombings were done by the United States, the China republic and the United Kingdom, which had urged Japan to surrender from the Pacific War, a continuation of the Second World War, without any success. The aftermath of these bombings are still experienced even today.

While the first world War resulted to the change of larger entities (empires/countries) such as imperialistic foreign policies of Italy, French Republic, Ottoman, Austria-Hungarian, British, Russian, and the German Empires, the Second World War influenced individuals. For example, the women in the United States and other significant regions were significantly impacted towards working and fighting for their rights. During the warring period, they had taken up the factory jobs and other jobs to safeguard their families as the majority of the men were in the warring countries. When the war ended, they still wanted to work. This led to the women’s campaigns for their right to work and do other activities that were limited to the men.

Stuck with your Essay?

Get in touch with one of our experts for instant help!

Communism, Essay Example

Representation of God in Different Periods, Essay Example

Time is precious

don’t waste it!

Plagiarism-free guarantee

Privacy guarantee

Secure checkout

Money back guarantee

Related Essay Samples & Examples

Relatives, essay example.

Pages: 1

Words: 364

Voting as a Civic Responsibility, Essay Example

Words: 287

Utilitarianism and Its Applications, Essay Example

Words: 356

The Age-Related Changes of the Older Person, Essay Example

Words: 448

The Problems ESOL Teachers Face, Essay Example

Pages: 8

Words: 2293

Should English Be the Primary Language? Essay Example

Pages: 4

Words: 999

Understanding the Differences: World War I Vs World War II

World War I and World War II are two of the most significant conflicts in human history.

Although they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in terms of causes, major events, technological advancements, home fronts, and consequences.

In this blog post, we will compare and contrast these two wars, providing insights into their causes, key events, technological advancements, home fronts, and the end of the wars.

• Read also : What would happen if World War 3 broke out?
• Read also : Unveiling History: Civil War vs Revolutionary War

Causes of the Wars

World war i, nationalism and imperialism.

Intense nationalism and the quest for imperial dominance heightened tensions among European nations, sparking rivalries and territorial disputes.

Alliance system 

Complex alliances among European powers created a fragile balance of power, where conflicts between any two nations could quickly escalate into a continent-wide war due to mutual defense obligations.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian nationalist in 1914 served as a trigger event, setting off a chain reaction of diplomatic crises and military mobilizations that eventually erupted into full-scale war.

World War II

Unresolved grievances from world war i.

The punitive Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh reparations and territorial losses on Germany, fostering resentment and economic instability that paved the way for the rise of radical ideologies.

Rise of totalitarian regimes

The emergence of fascist regimes in Germany, Italy, and Japan saw the rise of dictators who pursued aggressive expansionist policies, seeking to overturn the post-war order and assert their dominance.

Appeasement and diplomatic failures 

Western powers’ policy of appeasement towards aggressive actions by fascist regimes, coupled with diplomatic miscalculations and failures to address growing militarization, emboldened aggressors and failed to deter their ambitions, ultimately leading to the outbreak of global conflict.

Major Events and Combatants

Trench warfare on the western front .

The Western Front became synonymous with the grueling trench warfare, where soldiers endured harsh conditions and relentless battles for territory, resulting in widespread casualties.

The Eastern Front and Other Theaters of War

While the Western Front received much attention, the Eastern Front witnessed significant combat between the Central Powers and Russia, along with other theaters of war across Europe, Africa, and Asia, each with its own unique challenges and conflicts.

Major battles like the Battle of Somme and Verdun

The Battle of Somme and the Battle of Verdun were among the bloodiest and most significant battles of World War I, showcasing the scale and brutality of the conflict as millions of soldiers clashed with little territorial gain.

The involvement of major powers

The Central Powers, comprising Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire, clashed with the Allied Powers, primarily France, Russia, and later joined by Britain and Italy, in a global struggle for dominance.

The entry of the United States into the war

The United States’ entry into World War I in 1917 shifted the balance of power in favor of the Allies, bringing fresh troops, resources, and resolve to the conflict, ultimately contributing significantly to the war’s outcome.

The invasion of Poland and the beginning of Blitzkrieg

Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939 marked the beginning of World War II and introduced the Blitzkrieg strategy, characterized by rapid and coordinated attacks using mechanized forces, which overwhelmed enemy defenses.

The Holocaust and other Atrocities

The Holocaust, perpetrated by the Axis Powers, led to the systematic genocide of millions of Jews and other persecuted groups, illustrating the depths of human cruelty during the war and leaving a lasting scar on history.

The Pacific War and the attack on Pearl Harbor

The Pacific theater witnessed intense battles between Japan and the Allies, culminating in the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, which prompted the United States’ entry into the conflict and ignited a fierce struggle for dominance in the region.

The D-Day invasion and the liberation of Europe

The Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day in 1944 marked a pivotal moment in World War II, as Allied forces launched a massive amphibious assault on German-occupied France, leading to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi rule.

The use of Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

The devastating atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States in 1945 brought about the swift end of World War II, but also raised profound moral and ethical questions about the use of nuclear weapons and the nature of warfare in the modern era.

Technological Advancements

Introduction of machine guns, tanks, and airplanes.

The First World War saw the widespread adoption of groundbreaking technologies that transformed the battlefield.

Machine guns revolutionized warfare with their rapid-fire capability, while tanks provided armored protection and firepower. Airplanes were utilized for reconnaissance and combat, marking the birth of military aviation.

Development of chemical weapons like mustard gas

World War I witnessed the horrific introduction of chemical warfare, with the deployment of toxic gases like mustard gas.

These weapons caused widespread suffering and casualties, highlighting the devastating impact of technological advancements on warfare.

The impact of new technologies on trench warfare

Technological innovations significantly influenced trench warfare, intensifying its brutality and static nature.

Barbed wire, grenades, and flamethrowers were among the tools used to fortify and defend trenches, shaping the course of the conflict on the Western Front.

Advancements in radar, sonar, and code-breaking technologies

World War II saw remarkable progress in detection and intelligence-gathering technologies.

Radar and sonar provided enhanced capabilities for air and naval forces, while code-breaking efforts yielded invaluable intelligence, contributing to Allied victories in key battles and campaigns.

Development of more sophisticated aircraft and tanks

Aircraft and tanks underwent significant advancements during World War II.

Faster and more maneuverable fighter planes dominated the skies, while heavy tanks boasted greater firepower and armor protection on the ground, shaping the dynamics of aerial and armored warfare.

The atomic bomb and the dawn of the nuclear age

The culmination of scientific and technological efforts during World War II resulted in the development and use of the atomic bomb .

The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki demonstrated the unprecedented destructive power of nuclear weapons, fundamentally altering the course of history and signaling the beginning of the nuclear age.

Home Fronts and Propaganda

Mobilization of civilian populations for war efforts.

During World War I, governments mobilized civilian populations to support the war effort through various means, such as conscription, rationing, and volunteering for war-related work.

Citizens contributed to the war through efforts like producing munitions, conserving resources, and participating in patriotic activities.

Propaganda campaigns to rally public support

Propaganda played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and garnering support for the war.

Governments employed propaganda techniques to promote patriotism, demonize the enemy, and justify wartime sacrifices.

Posters, pamphlets, and media campaigns were used to convey messages of nationalism and solidarity.

Social and economic changes on the home front

The war brought about significant social and economic changes on the home front.

Women entered the workforce to fill roles vacated by men serving in the military, leading to shifts in traditional gender roles.

Additionally, wartime industries stimulated economic growth but also led to inflation and labor unrest.

Women entering the workforce in large numbers

World War II saw a massive influx of women into the workforce to support the war effort.

With millions of men serving in the military, women took on jobs in factories, offices, and other sectors previously dominated by men.

This societal shift had a profound and lasting impact on women’s roles in the workforce.

Extensive use of propaganda to demonize the enemy

Propaganda played a central role in World War II, with governments using it to manipulate public perceptions and rally support for the war.

Propaganda campaigns portrayed the enemy as ruthless aggressors, spreading fear and hatred to bolster morale and justify military actions.

Images, films, and radio broadcasts were powerful tools for disseminating propaganda messages.

Rationing and resource allocation on the home front

To support the war effort, governments implemented rationing programs to conserve essential resources like food, fuel, and textiles.

Rationing ensured equitable distribution of scarce goods and helped prevent shortages.

Citizens received ration books specifying their allotted quantities of rationed items, and black markets sometimes emerged to circumvent rationing restrictions.

The End of the Wars and Consequences

The treaty of versailles and its impact on germany.

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, imposed harsh penalties on Germany, including territorial losses, military restrictions, and reparations payments.

These punitive measures fueled resentment and economic hardship in Germany, contributing to political instability and paving the way for the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.

Formation of the League of Nations and its shortcomings

The League of Nations was established in 1920 as an international organization aimed at maintaining peace and resolving disputes through diplomacy.

However, the League faced challenges in enforcing its decisions and preventing conflicts, ultimately failing to prevent the outbreak of World War II.

Human cost and lasting impact on European society

World War I resulted in millions of casualties and widespread devastation across Europe.

The war shattered lives, families, and communities, leaving a legacy of trauma and loss that would reverberate for generations.

Additionally, the war led to significant social and cultural changes, including shifts in gender roles, advancements in technology, and disillusionment with traditional values.

The unconditional surrender of Germany and Japan

World War II ended with the unconditional surrender of Germany in May 1945 and Japan in September 1945.

These surrenders marked the conclusion of the deadliest conflict in human history and brought an end to years of widespread suffering and devastation.

Formation of the United Nations and the New World Order

In response to the failures of the League of Nations, the United Nations was established in 1945 to promote international cooperation, peace, and security.

The UN’s founding principles included collective security, respect for human rights, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, shaping the post-war world order.

Decolonization and the rise of New Global Powers

World War II hastened the process of decolonization as European colonial empires crumbled in the aftermath of the war.

Former colonies gained independence, leading to the emergence of new global powers and geopolitical shifts.

The war also solidified the dominance of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers in the Cold War era.

Devastation and human cost of the War on a global scale

World War II exacted a tremendous toll on humanity, with an estimated 70-85 million fatalities and widespread destruction across continents.

The war left scars on both individuals and nations, reshaping the geopolitical landscape and shaping the course of history for decades to come.

• Read also : Understanding the Effects of the Revolutionary War
• Read also : Unsung Heroes of the Revolutionary War

World War I and World War II were two of the most significant conflicts in human history, with distinct causes, major events, technological advancements , home fronts, and consequences.

Understanding these differences provides valuable insights into the complexity of international conflicts, the development of warfare, and the enduring lessons they bring for the avoidance of future battles.

Hack Your Habits: How to Create Your Personalized Habit System

Exploring the Frontiers: Benefits and Risks of Brain Surgery

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

Privacy policy.

To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. %privacy_policy%

Add to Collection

Public collection title

Private collection title

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.

Hey Friend! Before You Go…

Get the best viral stories straight into your inbox before everyone else!

Email address:

Don't worry, we don't spam

Spend $50 more and get free shipping!

Your cart is empty

Please add 3-4 weeks for delivery for custom framed maps and Enjoy Free Shipping on Orders Above $50

World War I vs. World War II - Difference and Comparison

World War I and World War II were two of the most significant conflicts in modern history, profoundly impacting the course of the 20th century. These wars not only reshaped national borders but also influenced global politics, economics, and social structures. Understanding the differences and comparisons between these two wars is crucial for historians, enthusiasts, and collectors of war maps.

Historical Context And Overview

World War I, also known as the Great War, spanned from 1914 to 1918. It was triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and involved many of the world's great powers, which were divided into two main alliances: the Allies and the Central Powers. The war introduced unprecedented levels of mechanized warfare, trench combat, and global involvement, making it a significant subject for collectors of history maps and enthusiasts of the American war map.

World War II, occurring from 1939 to 1945, was a global conflict that arose from unresolved issues from World War I and the rise of fascist regimes in Germany, Italy, and Japan. This war saw the widespread use of advanced military technology, including tanks, aircraft, and atomic weapons. The primary alliances were the Allies and the Axis powers, with significant battles occurring in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

Key Differences Between World War I and World War II

Causes and alliances.

World War I was primarily caused by nationalism, imperialism, militarism, and the system of alliances. The immediate trigger was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, leading to a domino effect of war declarations. The main alliances were the Allies (including France, Russia, and the United Kingdom) and the Central Powers (primarily Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire).

In contrast, World War II was driven by the aggressive expansionist policies of Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, and Fascist Italy. The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, left Germany economically devastated and politically unstable, paving the way for Adolf Hitler's rise to power. The major alliances were the Allies (including the United States, Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom) and the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan).

Military Strategies And Battles

World War I was characterized by trench warfare, particularly on the Western Front. This type of combat led to prolonged stalemates and high casualties, as seen in the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Verdun. The use of chemical weapons, such as mustard gas, was also prevalent.

World War II, on the other hand, saw more dynamic and mobile warfare. Blitzkrieg, or "lightning war," was a tactic used by the Germans to overwhelm their enemies quickly. Major battles included the Battle of Stalingrad, the Battle of Midway, and the D-Day invasion of Normandy. The war ended with the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, highlighting the devastating power of nuclear weapons.

Additionally, the battle maps of the American Revolutionary War provide a broader understanding of military tactics across different periods.

Impact And Consequences

The consequences of World War I included the redrawing of national borders in Europe and the Middle East, the collapse of empires (Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Russian, and German), and the establishment of the League of Nations. However, the war also sowed the seeds for future conflicts, as the Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany.

World War II had a more profound and lasting impact. It led to the creation of the United Nations, the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers, and the beginning of the Cold War. The war also resulted in significant geopolitical changes, decolonization, and advancements in technology and medicine.

Maps and Historical Artifacts

For collectors and historians, war maps from both wars offer invaluable insights into military strategies and historical contexts. A map of World War One showcases the static trench lines and territorial changes in Europe. World War 2 battlefield maps, like the Battle of Iwo Jima map and the European War map, highlight the dynamic fronts and key engagements.

Preserving History Through Maps

WW1 vs. WW2

What's the difference.

World War 1 and World War 2 were two major global conflicts that shaped the course of history. While both wars involved numerous countries and caused immense devastation, they differed in terms of their causes, duration, and outcomes. WW1 was triggered by a complex web of alliances, territorial disputes, and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, while WW2 was primarily a result of the aggressive expansionist policies of Nazi Germany and its allies. WW1 lasted from 1914 to 1918, while WW2 lasted from 1939 to 1945. The aftermath of WW1 led to the redrawing of national boundaries, the collapse of empires, and the establishment of the League of Nations, whereas WW2 resulted in the creation of the United Nations, the division of Germany, and the beginning of the Cold War. Both wars brought immense suffering and loss of life, but WW2 was characterized by more advanced weaponry, genocide, and the use of atomic bombs.

Further Detail

Introduction.

World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945) were two of the most significant conflicts in human history. Both wars had a profound impact on the world, reshaping political boundaries, economies, and societies. While there are similarities between the two wars, such as their global scale and involvement of multiple nations, there are also distinct differences in terms of causes, duration, strategies, and outcomes. This article aims to explore and compare the attributes of these two devastating wars.

World War I was primarily triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914, which led to a series of diplomatic crises and the mobilization of various alliances. The war was fueled by a complex web of territorial disputes, nationalism, militarism, and imperial ambitions. On the other hand, World War II was primarily caused by the aggressive expansionist policies of Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler, who sought to establish a totalitarian regime and conquer Europe. The rise of fascism, the failure of appeasement, and the economic turmoil of the Great Depression also contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

World War I lasted for four years, from 1914 to 1918. It was characterized by a static and brutal trench warfare on the Western Front, with little territorial gains made by either side. In contrast, World War II lasted for six years, from 1939 to 1945. It involved more dynamic and mobile warfare, with significant advancements in technology and tactics. Blitzkrieg, or lightning war, was employed by the German forces, leading to rapid territorial gains in the early stages of the war.

Global Involvement

World War I involved many nations, but the major powers were the Allied Powers (including France, the United Kingdom, and Russia) and the Central Powers (including Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire). The conflict spread beyond Europe, with colonies and dominions of the major powers also participating. World War II, however, had an even greater global involvement. The major powers were divided into two main alliances: the Allies (including the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom) and the Axis Powers (including Germany, Italy, and Japan). The war spanned across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific, with battles fought on multiple fronts.

Strategies and Tactics

In World War I, the strategies and tactics were heavily influenced by the static nature of trench warfare. Both sides dug elaborate systems of trenches, leading to a stalemate and the extensive use of artillery bombardments. New weapons, such as poison gas and tanks, were introduced but had limited impact on the overall outcome of the war. In World War II, the strategies and tactics evolved significantly. The use of air power, combined arms operations, and amphibious assaults became crucial. The introduction of advanced weaponry, including aircraft carriers, submarines, and long-range bombers, changed the nature of warfare.

Impact on Civilians

Both World War I and World War II had a devastating impact on civilians. In World War I, civilians faced the horrors of trench warfare, with millions of lives lost and entire cities destroyed. The war also led to widespread famine, disease outbreaks, and economic hardships. World War II, however, witnessed even greater civilian suffering. The deliberate targeting of civilian populations through strategic bombing campaigns, the Holocaust, and the use of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki resulted in unprecedented loss of life and immense human suffering.

Outcome and Legacy

The outcomes of World War I and World War II were vastly different. World War I ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed heavy reparations on Germany and redrew the map of Europe. However, the harsh terms of the treaty sowed the seeds of resentment and economic instability, ultimately leading to the rise of Nazi Germany and the outbreak of World War II. World War II, on the other hand, ended with the unconditional surrender of the Axis Powers and the establishment of the United Nations. The war led to the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers, the division of Europe into East and West, and the beginning of the Cold War.

World War I and World War II were two distinct conflicts with their own unique attributes. While World War I was triggered by a complex web of alliances and territorial disputes, World War II was primarily caused by the aggressive expansionist policies of Nazi Germany. The duration, global involvement, strategies, and impact on civilians also differed significantly between the two wars. The outcomes and legacies of the wars shaped the course of history in profound ways. It is essential to study and understand these attributes to ensure that the lessons learned from these devastating conflicts are not forgotten.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.

Home / Essay Samples / War / World War I / WW1 and WW2: A Comparative Study of Two World Wars

WW1 and WW2: A Comparative Study of Two World Wars

• Category: War

Pages: 2 (969 words)

• Downloads: -->

--> ⚠️ Remember: This essay was written and uploaded by an--> click here.

Found a great essay sample but want a unique one?

are ready to help you with your essay

You won’t be charged yet!

Cold War Essays

Vietnam War Essays

The Vietnam War Essays

Treaty of Versailles Essays

Atomic Bomb Essays

Related Essays

We are glad that you like it, but you cannot copy from our website. Just insert your email and this sample will be sent to you.

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service  and  Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Your essay sample has been sent.

In fact, there is a way to get an original essay! Turn to our writers and order a plagiarism-free paper.

samplius.com uses cookies to offer you the best service possible.By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .--> -->