This is the timeline of World War II. The red colour means that Germany and its allies were in a winner position. The blue colour means that Soviet Union and its allies were in a winner position, and eventually won the war.On 1st September, 1939, German dictator Adolf Hitler’s army attacked Poland. It started the Second World War. At first, France, Great Britain and Poland fought against Germany and the Soviet Union. Later, the war expanded to other countries in Europe and most parts of the world.

British and French colonies provided soldiers and raw materials to help fight the war. For example, Indian soldiers helped Britain defend Burma against the Japanese invaders.

While the Western powers were fighting in Europe, Japan attacked countries in Asia. Japan wanted raw materials for its industries. It attacked Malaya for its rubber and tin. It attacked Indonesia for its oil. In early 1942, South-east Asia and some Pacific islands came under Japan’s control.

WW2 ended on 2nd September, 1945.

• Who started World War Two?
• When did it start?
• Give two reasons why the countries went to war?
• How did the Second World War end?
• What was the role of the colonies?
• “Wars are bad”. Why?
• How can we avoid having the Third World War?
• Was it right for the US to drop the two atomic bombs?