The First and Second World War, Essay Example

The First and Second World War had drastic impacts upon the world.  It represented such an impact in places where significant combat did not occur.  In the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, the two World Wars can be seen as a major influence on the areas, in the developments and in the aftermath of the wars.

The First World War saw the defeat of the Ottoman Empire.  The Turks would fatally join hands with Germany and Austria-Hungary in the 1914 alliance.  As a result of a deal between the British and their ally in Sherif Hussein, the Arab Revolt would be led, and soon led to the destruction of the Ottoman Empire in 1918.  The British and French would then begin partitioning the Ottoman Empire.

During and after World War II, the British, French, and Soviets would depart the Middle East.  After the war, many Middle states would soon see their independence declared or restored, such as Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and Cyprus.  Additional struggles would occur, such as the partitioning of Palestine and the Arab-Israeli War.

France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom would take over former German colonies in Africa after World War I.  European control would remain strong until the following of World War II.  From the decolonization of Libya in 1951, other countries would follow in obtaining independence, though for many this did not occur until the 1950s and 1960s, primarily in French West Africa.

In Asia one interesting development seen is in regards to Japan.  Imperial Japan during World War II expanded into China and Southeast Asia.  After the war had ended, the Japanese post-war economic miracle occurred due to a massive restructuring plan.  Many countries in Asia during World War II became independent.

Communism, Fascism, and Nazism represent three political systems that were certainly seen in the 20^th century.  Especially surrounding the events of World War II, these systems perpetuated a number of events that shaped the respective nations’ history.  Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany, and the Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin are not highly regarded within other political systems and countries.

Nazism and Fascism are quite similar, even to the point where some claim that Nazism is a form of Fascism.  However, there were key differences.  For instance, Fascism wanted to include all people within their ideological stances, whereas Nazism was quite racist and only wanted the German white race to accomplish political and ideological goals.

Tyranny was perhaps best expressed through that of Fascism.  Fascism sought the control of every single person in the country.  Additionally, it had control over all aspects of cultural, social, political, and economic life.  Whereas Communism sought no class or government differences, Fascism was the complete opposite.

Religion was perhaps most stressed in that of Nazism, as identified previously.  In communism this was less stress, where the elimination of class, state, and religion is stressed.  In terms of socialism, Communism and Nazism express levels of control economically.  While both express the control of economy and property in the government, Nazism utilized this to affect the military and power of the nation, with Hitler propelling forward into battle.

Terror was also utilized in all three forms of government.  Fascism instilled fear into the citizens with direct control.  Most notable is that of Nazism, which sought the exploitation of a number of ethnic groups and other groups, which certainly instilled fear in the public.