Critical Analysis: The Second World War Through Oxford History Lens

This essay provides an overview of the Second World War, drawing insights from the Oxford History of Modern War. It highlights the ideological conflicts, the extensive loss of life, and the shift towards total war. The essay discusses the impact on civilians and economies, noting Britain's naval power and its struggle for control of the Atlantic against German submarines. It also touches upon the battles for control of the Asian landmass, particularly the German assault on the Soviet Union and Japan's war against China, emphasizing the immense mobilization and endurance required by the Soviet Union. The essay concludes by referencing the importance of naval power and the strategic challenges faced by various nations during the war.

THE OXFORD HISTORY OF MODERN WAR
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THE SECOND WORLD WAR 1
Summary of The Second World War
The second world war took place in the depth of ideological conflicts. All the great
powers that took participate in that war, fought with their extreme potential because of their
weapon and political knowledge. It is estimated that over 55 million civilians and militants
died in that war. In this war, it is noted that the Japanese fought with their samurai swords
and knives whereas Biplanes generated nuclear weapons, bombers, etc. Even 12years old kid
also donated their lives for their country Germany. Although, in the 2nd world war, more
civilians were killed as compared to the soldiers. After the war of 1914-18, it was believed
that conventional warfare will be replaced by the concept of Total War in a second world war
which was estimating to be held in the near future. In the 1930s, Ethiopia, China and Spain
had experienced the immense death of their civilians due to the war. In the second world war,
the armies were also concerned about the adverse effect that war causes on the economies
and life of civilians. However, still, they fought the war and as expected, the war causes an
adverse effect on the economy activities and in this war more civilians were death as
compared to the military people (Townshend 2005).
Apart from this, Britain fought the war till 1944 until they got the re-entry in the
Europe Continental. Navy or naval power was denoted as the important element in this war
because of them trades routes was successful running and due to these trade activities,
Britain's population was entirely dependent. In 1940, Britain's navy power was held at 2nd
position after the arm forces of America. The navy power of Britain taught to Hitler that it is
not possible for them (Germany) to defeat the Britain navy. From 1940 to 1943, Britain and
Germany fought for the entire control of the Atlantic. It was noted that in this period German
submarines fought a massive war with the Britain trade. Until 1942, Britain trade war only
affected the operations of the Britain trade in an adverse way and according to the various

THE SECOND WORLD WAR 2
people that disaster could only be avoided with the programs to expand domestic agricultural
output. In March 1943 the degree of whittling down experienced by Allied sending was high
to such an extent that the British Admiralty dreaded the breakdown of the Atlantic exchange
courses and, as a result, of Britain's war exertion (Townshend 2005).
Apart from this, While British and American naval forces battled for control of the
seas, the militaries and flying corps of Germany, the USSR, Japan, and China battled for
control of the Asian landmass. The German assault on the Soviet Union in June 1941 and the
prior assault by Japan against China, which started in 1931 and transformed into a full-scale
war in 1937. The battle to cut out the new financial and political request in Asia delivered all-
out war in its most extraordinary structure. The Soviet Union prepared its whole populace to
the furthest reaches of physical and good perseverance (Townshend 2005).

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References
Townshend, Charles. 2005. Oxford History of Modern War. Oxford: Oxford University
Press.