The widespread use of aircraft by both the Allies and Axis powers was one of the defining military developments of World War II. Air power had been deployed in World War I, with the new technology mainly used for reconnaissance before the emergence of the first dogfights (which began with pilots using pistols instead of mounted guns) and bombing raids. Yet these uses were limited compared to how planes would be used a quarter of a century later.
Photo: img4.zergnet.com
The widespread use of aircraft by both the Allies and Axis powers was one of the defining military developments of World War II. Air power had been deployed in World War I, with the new technology mainly used for reconnaissance before the emergence of the first dogfights (which began with pilots using pistols instead of mounted guns) and bombing raids. Yet these uses were limited compared to how planes would be used a quarter of a century later.
Though World War II is now the focus of many books, documentaries, and academic careers, there's a lot we still don't understand about it. This is reasonable in a broad sense, given the complicated nature of this war, which involved many different countries, each with its own unique background and place on the world stage.
World War II defined the 1940s and an entire generation. Those who lived during this time and served in war efforts have been deemed the "Greatest Generation." The war encompassed all aspects of society from soldiers on the font lines to manufacturers in military supply factories and families at home rationing commodities like sugar, milk, and meat. Many on the home front even grew their own food to ease the burden on factories tasked with producing food. These stories of camaraderie at home and abroad exemplofy the best parts of humanity.
Looking back today, it's impossible to fathom just how intense the combat was during the Second World War. The war officially began in 1939, but it was not until the attack on Pearl Harbor in late 1941 that the United States became involved. From then until September 1945, when the Japanese surrender was complete, American soldiers fought in the war throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Pacific.
The world changed immeasurably during World War II, starting with the casualties. No one's really sure just how many people died, but The National WWII Museum estimates that number to be somewhere around 15 million dead in battle, another 25 million wounded, and 45 million civilian deaths... although they also note that it's possible that China alone lost more than 50 million civilians.
Allow us to be your guide to everything World War II. We fully explore it's history and repercussions.
