The
Second World War brought in large scale destruction
by thoughtless use of lethal weapons. The effects of war were as follows:
1)
Great
Loss of Life and property: - Second World War
was far more destructive than the first, taking a toll of enormous number of
lives and property. One and a half crore soldiers were killed in the battle and
a still greater number were crippled. The war expenditure rose to 1517 billion
dollars. There was a great loss of public property, as well as destruction of
agriculture and industry.
2)
Financial
Effect: -The economy of all the nations was ruined. Inflation
price rise, shortage of essential commodities, black marketing caused
tremendous trouble to common people. Drought, epidemics, shortage of food,
medicine and fuel created havoc (disorder) and made the lives of
common people miserable.
3)
Moral
Degradation of Man: -The unprecedented destruction
changed the people's perspective towards life, God, religion and women. The
death of bread earner in the family, made the lives of widows and orphans
precarious (insecure).
4)
The Decline of
Imperialism:
-The empire s of defeated nations-Italy, Germany and Japan came to be
destroyed. However, the imperial foundation of even the victorious nations also
became weak. England and France, having suffered major losses in the war, could
not retain control over their colonies. India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, in Asia
and Egypt, Sudan Libya in Africa became independent soon after the war.
5)
The Onset of the
cold war:
-After the Second World War, the equation of power changed in the world.
America emerged as the new super power and world leader after the decline of
the power of England and France. On the other hand, Russia stepped forward as
the new leader of communist nations. This started a cold war between the
communist nations led by Russia and the democratic and capitalist nations led
by America.
6)
Formation of
United Nations:
-The destruction caused by the Second World War created overwhelming desire for
peace as there was universal awareness about the destructive aspect of war.
Therefore, with an aim of resolving international disputes through peaceful
regulation, establishing cooperation and promoting coexistence and maintaining
world peace United Nations Organization came to be established on 24th
October 1945.
