What was World War II?

 

What was World War II?

• • World War II was the largest and bloodiest conflict in history, involving over 30 countries.
  • The conflict was sparked by the Nazi invasion of Poland in 1939 and lasted six terrible years until the Allies destroyed the Axis powers of Nazi Germany, Japan, and Italy in 1945.

 

What was the origin of World War II?

• • World War II’s causes were numerous and complex, but they can be essentially separated into two categories: long-term causes and short-term causes.

 

Long-term reasons:

 

• • The unresolved challenges and conflicts that came from World War I (1914-1918), commonly known as the Great War, were the long-term causes of World War II. The following were some of the significant long-term causes:

 

 

• • • The Treaty of Versailles: This was the peace treaty that brought World War I to an end, but it imposed harsh and humiliating terms on Germany, such as accepting full responsibility for the war, paying massive reparations to the Allies, losing territory and colonies, and having severe military restrictions. Many Germans were enraged by the pact and desired to reclaim their national dignity and power.

 

• • • The rise of fascism: Fascism was a political ideology that emphasized nationalism, authoritarianism, militarism, and totalitarianism. It emerged in Italy under Benito Mussolini in the 1920s, and spread to Germany under Adolf Hitler in the 1930s. Fascist leaders promised to revive their countries’ glory and prosperity, and appealed to people who were dissatisfied with democracy, economic hardship, and social unrest.

 

• • • The Great Depression: This was a global economic catastrophe that began in 1929 with the collapse of the American stock market and continued until the late 1930s. It resulted in widespread unemployment, poverty, starvation, and misery worldwide. It also damaged democratic governments while increasing the popularity of radical movements like fascism and communism.

 

• • • Japan’s aggression: Japan was an imperialist nation seeking to expand its territory and influence in Asia and the Pacific. In 1931, it invaded China and committed atrocities like as the Nanjing Massacre in 1937. It also contended with the US over its interests in Southeast Asia’s oil, rubber, and other resources.

 

Short-term causes:

 

• The precise events and actions that precipitated World War II’s commencement in 1939 were the short-term causes of the war. The following were some of the significant short-term causes:

 

• • The appeasement policy: Giving in to Hitler’s demands in order to avert war. It was accepted by Britain and France in the belief that Hitler would be content with his territorial gains and cease his hostilities. This policy, however, simply pushed Hitler to become more ambitious and combative.
  • The Nazi-Soviet Pact: In 1939, Hitler and Stalin reached a secret pact that divided Eastern Europe into zones of influence for Germany and the Soviet Union. It also said that they would not assault one another. This agreement stunned the world since it appeared to be a betrayal of their ideological disagreements. It also allowed Hitler to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention.
  • The invasion of Poland: On September 1, 1939, this event officially launched World War II. Hitler directed his troops to attack Poland without declaring war, citing Polish aggression as a justification. He employed a new military strategy known as blitzkrieg (flash war), which featured rapid and coordinated attacks by tanks, planes, and infantry. Despite putting up a valiant fight, Poland was quickly defeated by German soldiers. On September 3, 1939, Britain and France launched war on Germany, upholding their vow to defend Poland.

 

What were the major events of WWII?

 

Depending on the geographic location and time period of the combat, World War II can be classified into numerous periods or theaters. World War II’s major events included:

 

1. The European Theatre

 

The European Theatre of World War II was one of the two main theatres of combat during World War II. It saw heavy fighting across Europe for almost six years, starting with Germany’s invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939 and ending with the Western Allies conquering most of Western Europe, the Soviet Union conquering most of Eastern Europe and Germany’s unconditional surrender on 8 May 1945 although fighting continued elsewhere in Europe until 25 May. On 5 June 1945, the Berlin Declaration proclaiming the unconditional surrender of Germany to the four victorious powers was signed.

 

The European Theatre was characterized by a number of major campaigns, including:

 

• • The Battle of Britain: In 1940, Britain and Germany conducted an aerial war. Before launching an invasion across the English Channel, Hitler planned to destroy Britain’s air force and morale. However, Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) fought back valiantly against the German Luftwaffe (air force) by employing better radar technology and tactics. The fight ended with Britain’s triumph, preventing Hitler from invading the country.
  • Operation Barbarossa: The code name for Hitler’s 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union. Hitler breached his agreement with Stalin and launched a surprise attack with almost 3 million troops, hoping to seize the vast and fertile regions of the Soviet Union. He did, however, underestimate the Soviet forces’ size, power, and resilience, as well as the terrible weather and terrain. The invasion stalled on the outskirts of Moscow, resulting in a grueling attrition fight that lasted until 1944.
  •  The Pearl Harbor Attack: On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the US naval station in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Japan wished to disable the US Pacific Fleet and prevent it from interfering with its Asian and Pacific development objectives. More than 2,400 Americans were killed in the attack, which also damaged or destroyed many ships and planes. It also prompted the United States to join the Allies in World War II.
  • The D-Day Invasion: This was the code name for the June 6, 1944, Allied invasion of Normandy, France. More than 150,000 men from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and other countries participated in the largest amphibious landing in history. It signaled the start of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation, as well as the opening of a second front against Germany.
  • The Battle of the Bulge: In 1944-1945, this was the last major German onslaught on the Western Front. Hitler launched a surprise attack through Belgium’s Ardennes Forest, seeking to split the Allied forces and conquer Antwerp. The Allies, on the other hand, held their position and drove the Germans back after a terrible month-long fight.
  • The Fall of Berlin: In April-May 1945, Soviet troops launched their decisive attack on the German capital. It was one of World War II’s most furious and deadly battles, resulting in tremendous losses and destruction. The conflict culminated with the Soviets capturing Berlin and Hitler committing suicide in his underground bunker on April 30, 1945.

 

2. The Pacific Theatre:

The Pacific Theatre of World War II was the other main theatre of combat during World War II. It saw heavy fighting across the Pacific Ocean and Southeast Asia for almost four years, starting with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and ending with the Japanese surrender on August 15, 1945.

 

The Pacific Theatre was characterized by a number of major campaigns, including:

Most of Asia and the Pacific Ocean were embroiled in this theater of battle. It was in effect from 1941 to 1945.

 

• • The engagement of Midway: In June 1942, Japan and the United States waged a naval engagement. It was a watershed moment in Pacific World War II, as it effectively terminated Japan’s naval superiority and offensive capability. The US Navy defeated the Japanese Navy decisively, sinking four aircraft carriers and destroying hundreds of planes.
  • The Island Hopping Campaign: The United States employed this plan to march towards Japan by conquering vital Pacific islands. It entailed tough battle against Japanese forces that defended their positions with zeal. Guadalcanal (1942-1943), Tarawa (1943), Iwo Jima (1945), and Okinawa (1945) were among the most noteworthy conflicts.
  • The Atomic Bombings: On August 6 and 9, 1945, the United States launched two atomic bomb assaults on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. They were the first and only time nuclear weapons were used in a battle. They killed almost 200,000 people instantly or later as a result of radioactive damage, and both cities were devastated. They also compelled Japan to unconditionally surrender on August 15, 1945, so ending World War II.

 

What were the after-effects of WWII?

 

World War II has far-reaching and long-lasting implications for humanity and the global order. Among the most serious results were:

 

• •  The human cost: World War II was the bloodiest conflict in human history, with an estimated 60 to 80 million people killed, including up to 55 million civilians. Injuries, infections, famine, displacement, and trauma also plagued many people. Six million Jews were among them, killed by Nazi Germany in a massacre known as the Holocaust.
  •  Political changes: World War II changed Europe and Asia’s political maps, with several countries gaining or losing territory or independence. It also signified the end of European colonial powers that had dominated world politics for centuries, and it gave rise to two new superpowers: the United States and the Soviet Union. These two countries were adversaries during the Cold War, which lasted until 1991.
  •  Economic consequences: World War II produced huge economic loss and disruption in many countries, particularly those directly involved in the fighting. Bombs and conflicts destroyed or damaged many cities, towns, factories, farms, railways, bridges, and other infrastructure. However, World War II aided economic recovery and prosperity in several regions, including North America and Western Europe.
  •  Social Changes: World War II resulted in enormous social changes in many areas of life, including gender roles, family structures, educational levels, health standards, cultural expressions, and human rights. Women, for example.

 

 

Some More War’s Aftermath:

 

Significant events occurred in the aftermath of the war:

 

• • The Holocaust: The Nazis’ methodical extermination of six million Jews was a heinous chapter in human history.
  • The United Nations: Established in 1945 to foster international cooperation and conflict prevention.
  • The Nuremberg Trials: Nazi leaders were tried for war crimes, establishing a precedent for prosecuting individuals who commit crimes against humanity.
  • German Division: The country was divided into East and West Germany, laying the groundwork for the Cold War.

 

Conflict Analysis:

 

The battle had far-reaching ramifications:

 

• • Devastation: World War II wreaked havoc, claiming millions of lives and leaving cities in ruins.
  • Cold War: The end of the war precipitated the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, which shaped global politics for decades.
  • The Atomic Age: The deployment of atomic bombs signaled the start of the nuclear age, raising concerns about global security.
  • Decolonization: As colonial powers were weakened and nationalist movements gained traction, the conflict sped the process of decolonization.

 

Phase of Decolonization:

 

Following World War II, decolonization accelerated:

 

• • Colonies Gain Independence: Inspired by their contributions to the war effort, colonized nations began to demand independence.
  • The End of Empires: As former colonies gained independence, the British, French, and other colonial empires declined.

  • Cold War proxy conflicts: During the Cold War, the superpowers frequently utilized newly independent nations as pawns in their competition.

 

To summarize, World War II was a watershed moment in human history, with deep-seated causes, a convoluted trajectory, profound effects, and a crucial role in global decolonization. Understanding these elements is critical for the UPSC exam since it allows us to understand the interconnection of global events and their impact on the modern world.

 

World War II Impact on India:

 

India’s Role in World War II:

 

• India, as part of the British Empire at the time, played an important role in World War II. Millions of Indian troops, sailors, airmen, and workers aided the Allies’ war effort. India also sent essential resources such as food, clothing, medicine, and raw materials. India’s participation in World War II had a significant impact on its political, economic, and social development.

 

The following are some of the highlights of India’s role in World War II:

 

• • With around 2.5 million men and women serving in various sectors of the armed forces, India has the world’s largest volunteer army.
  •  Indian soldiers fought valiantly and ferociously in several battle zones, including Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. They fought Nazi Germany, Italy, and Japan, and won numerous victories and accolades.
  •  Indian soldiers took part in some of World War II’s most crucial and decisive campaigns, including the Battle of Britain, Operation Barbarossa, the Pearl Harbor Attack, the D-Day Invasion, the Battle of the Bulge, the Fall of Berlin, the Battle of Midway, the Island Hopping Campaign, and the Atomic Bombings.
  • Indian soldiers also aided resistance movements in occupied nations like France and Italy. Noor Inayat Khan, a spy who worked for the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) and provided important information from France until she was captured and executed by the Nazis, is one of the most notable cases.
  • Indian citizens also helped the war effort by working in factories, farms, mines, railways, ports, and other industries. They provided the Allied soldiers with weapons, equipment, trucks, ammunition, fuel, and other supplies.
  • During World War II, India suffered numerous obstacles and sufferings, including inflation, starvation, riots, strikes, rallies, and bloodshed. The conflict heightened support for independence from British authority, resulting in the rise of different nationalist movements and personalities.
  • India’s contribution to World War II was significant and influential. In many respects, it shaped India’s fate and history. It also demonstrated to the world India’s bravery, sacrifice, variety, and unity.

 

What was the economic impact of World War II on India?

 

Because India was part of the British Empire at the time, World War II had a tremendous impact on its economy. Millions of Indian troops, sailors, airmen, and workers aided the Allies’ war effort. India also sent essential resources such as food, clothing, medicine, and raw materials. During the conflict, India suffered numerous obstacles and sufferings, including inflation, starvation, riots, strikes, rallies, and bloodshed. The following were some of the most significant repercussions of World War II on India’s economy:

 

• • High inflation: The war resulted in a massive rise in government spending, which was paid for by printing more money and borrowing from the public. As a result, the money supply expanded and the value of the Indian rupee fell. As demand outstripped supply, prices for products and services rose significantly. By 1945, the annual inflation rate had reached 30%.
  • Economic imbalances: The war hampered India’s trade and commerce with other countries, particularly those in Europe and Asia. India has lost several of its historic markets and import sources, including Germany, Italy, Japan, and Burma. India also built a considerable amount of sterling balances in London as a result of British payments for India’s war goods and services. These balances, however, were frozen during the war and could not be used by India for its own purposes.
  • Exchange control: In order to address the issue of currency depreciation and the balance of payments deficit, the government implemented exchange control in 1939. This meant that all foreign exchange transactions required government approval and were subject to limitations and regulations. The government also set the Indian rupee currency rate at 1s 6d (or Rs 13.33) per pound sterling.
  • Economic development: The conflict had an impact on India’s economic development and planning. The government was forced to shift its resources and focus from civilian to military goals. Due to a shortage of funding or supplies, several development projects and programs have been postponed or cancelled. The war also exacerbated India’s inequality and poverty, as the wealthiest gained from war revenues while the poor suffered from war losses.

 

 

What was the impact of WWII on Indian society?

 

Because India was part of the British Empire at the time, World War II had a huge impact on its society. Millions of Indian troops, sailors, airmen, and workers aided the Allies’ war effort. India also sent essential resources such as food, clothing, medicine, and raw materials. During the conflict, India suffered numerous obstacles and sufferings, including inflation, starvation, riots, strikes, rallies, and bloodshed. The following were some of the most significant repercussions of World War II on Indian society:

 

• • The growth of nationalism: The war heightened calls for independence from British authority, resulting in the emergence of numerous nationalist movements and leaders. Mahatma Gandhi and his Quit India Movement, Subhash Chandra Bose and his Indian National Army, and Jawaharlal Nehru with his vision of a modern and secular India were among the most notable. The battle also exposed the British colonial system’s flaws and injustices, inspiring many Indians to strive for their freedom and dignity.
  • India’s partition: The war also caused severe splits and tensions among India’s various religious populations, particularly Hindus and Muslims. The Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, supported for a distinct Muslim state named Pakistan, whilst the Congress Party, led by Nehru and Gandhi, argued for a united India. In 1947, the British government decided to grant India independence while simultaneously dividing it into two countries: India and Pakistan. As a result, millions of people traveled over the new borders amid communal riots and massacres, resulting in one of the greatest and most violent mass migrations in history.
  • Societal changes: The war caused enormous societal changes in many areas of society, including gender roles, family structures, education levels, health standards, cultural expressions, and human rights. Women, for example, served in a variety of jobs during the conflict, including nurses, spies, factory workers, farmers, and liberation fighters. They earned social confidence, independence, and respect. Many women entered politics after the war, including Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, the first woman president of the United Nations General Assembly in 1953.

 

 

How did World War II influence other Asian and African countries?

 

World War II, which lasted from 1939 to 1945 and featured more than 30 countries, had a profound impact on other Asian and African countries. Some of the most significant repercussions of World War II on other Asian and African countries were:

 

• The growth of nationalism and independence movements: Many Asian and African countries were colonized by European powers such as the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and Portugal. The battle undermined the colonial powers, exposing their weakness and hypocrisy. Many Asian and African people saw the war as an opportunity to exercise their rights , self-determination and liberation ambitions. They were inspired by the precedents of China, India, and Ethiopia, which opposed Japanese, British, and Italian aggression, respectively. They were also backed by the United States and the Soviet Union, both of which advocated for the abolition of colonialism and imperialism. Among the most important nationalist and independence movements to arise or intensify during or after WWII were:

 

• • The Indian National Congress and the Muslim League in India, which resulted in India and Pakistan being partitioned in 194712.
  • The Viet Minh in Vietnam, which fought against Japanese occupation and then French reoccupation, resulting in the First Indochina War (1946-1954) and Vietnam’s independence34.
  • In Indonesia, the Indonesian National Revolution battled against Dutch colonial control and declared independence in 19455.
  • The Mau Mau Uprising in Kenya, which lasted from 1952 to 1960 and was a violent insurrection against British colonial control and land policies.
  • The Algerian War of Independence, which lasted from 1954 to 1962 and was a brutal battle against French colonial power.

 

•  Economic and social changes: World War II caused substantial economic and social changes in many areas of life, including trade, industry, agriculture, education, health, culture, and human rights. Some of the most significant economic and social transformations that occurred in other Asian and African countries were:
•  Increased trade and industrialization: World War II increased demand for raw materials and manufactured commodities from Asia and Africa, which fed both the Allies and the Axis powers’ war operations. This increased trade and industry in several Asian and African countries, including India, China, Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria. Some of these countries also created their own businesses to manufacture weapons, equipment, vehicles, gasoline, and other necessities for self-defense or resistance.
•  Educational and health advancements: World War II raised awareness and importance of education and health in many Asian and African countries. Many people recognized the importance of education in national development and modernization. During or after the conflict, many individuals were afflicted with sickness, injuries, hunger, and epidemics. This spurred many governments and organizations to increase their investments in the education and health sectors, such as the construction of schools, hospitals, and clinics. Among these initiatives were the following:

 

• • In 1945, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established to foster international collaboration in education, science, culture, and communication.
  • In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) was established to supervise and organize international health efforts.
  • Since 2001, India has expanded basic education through the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (Education for All) program.
  • The elimination of smallpox in Africa by 1977, thanks to a huge vaccination program directed by the World Health Organization.

 

• Cultural and human rights development: World War II influenced the development of culture and human rights in several Asian and African countries. Many people used art, literature, music, film, and other means of expression to communicate their experiences, emotions, opinions, and goals. Many people also wanted greater respect for their dignity, equality, and freedom.

 

 

Quiz about World War II :

 

What event precipitated the outbreak of World War II?

a) Germany’s invasion of Poland

b) The Pearl Harbor attack

c) Stalingrad Offensive

c) Adoption of the United Nations Charter

• • Answer: a) Germany’s invasion of Poland

 

During the early stages of World War II, which country was exposed to the ruthless “Blitzkrieg” strategy?

A) France

B) Japan

C) Poland

D) Italia

• • Poland is the correct answer.

 

 

Which operation included the Allied landing in Normandy, which resulted in the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control?

a) The Desert Storm operation

b) Market Garden Operation

c) Overlord Operation

c) Barbarossa Operation

 

• • Operation Overlord is the correct answer.

 

What key event signaled the end of World War II’s Pacific campaign?

a) The Battle of Midway

b) The Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings

c) The Iwo Jima Campaign

c) Doolittle’s Raid

• Answer: b) The Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings

 

What was the name of the treaty that, soon before World War II, divided Eastern Europe into zones of influence between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union?

a) Versailles Treaty

b) Tordesillas Treaty

c) Pact of Molotov-Ribbentrop

d) Yalta Treaty

• • c) The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact

 

 

Mains Questions:

 

Explain the significant repercussions of WWII on the international political environment, as well as the advent of the Cold War. What impact did it have on the global balance of power?

 

Model Answer:

 

The international political scene and the development of the Cold War were profoundly affected by World War II:

 

• • European Division: Following World War II, Europe was divided into two great power blocs: the Western bloc led by the United States and the Eastern bloc led by the Soviet Union. These two superpowers’ ideological differences and mutual hostility laid the groundwork for the Cold War.
  • The United Nations was founded in 1945 as a result of the war, with the goal of fostering international cooperation and preventing future hostilities. It did, however, become a venue for superpower rivalries.
  • Nuclear Arms Race: The deployment of atomic bombs on Japan launched the United States and the Soviet Union into a nuclear arms race. As both superpowers strove to maintain a balance of power through deterrence, the introduction of nuclear weapons heightened the Cold War.
  • Proxy Conflicts: The Cold War expressed itself in numerous places of the world through proxy conflicts, such as the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War. The aim of the superpowers to expand their influence and ideology without participating in outright battle fueled these confrontations.
  • Winston Churchill’s famous “Iron Curtain” speech in 1946 emphasized Europe’s split and the growth of communist power in Eastern Europe. The ideological difference between the Western and Eastern blocs was encapsulated in this idea.
  • European Recovery: The United States implemented the Marshall Plan, which provided economic aid to Western Europe in order to help it recover from the damage caused by the war. This assistance served to stabilize the region and strengthened Western Europe’s alliance with the US.
  • Formation of Military Alliances: To bolster their respective security positions, both superpowers developed military alliances such as NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and the Warsaw Pact.

 

Finally, World War II altered the global balance of power by establishing a bipolar world order in which the United States and the Soviet Union became superpowers, each with its own sphere of influence. The tensions and rivalry for domination that resulted in many regions defined the Cold War era and shaped international politics for decades.

 

Question 2:

 

Discuss the impact of World War II on the decolonization movement in Asia and Africa. How did the war contribute to colonial subjects’ desire for freedom and self-determination?

 

Model Answer:

 

World War II had a huge impact on Asia and Africa’s decolonization processes:

 

• • Inspiration for Nationalism: The conflict highlighted the hypocrisy of colonial nations claiming to fight for freedom and democracy while oppressing colonies. This awareness prompted colonial nationalist movements to demand independence and self-determination.
  • Weakening of Colonial countries:The war significantly damaged colonial countries such as the United Kingdom and France, both economically and militarily. They couldn’t keep the same level of control over their colonies.
  • War Contributions: Many colonial subjects, particularly those from India and Africa, aided the war effort by serving in the military services, working in war industries, and donating resources. This instilled in these communities a sense of entitlement to independence.
  • The Post-War International Climate: With the foundation of the United Nations and its emphasis on self-determination and human rights, a climate suitable to decolonization was formed. Colonial rulers were under pressure to grant their colonies independence in accordance with international principles.
  • The Role of Leaders: During and after the war, inspirational leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi in India, Kwame Nkrumah in Ghana, and Jomo Kenyatta in Kenya emerged, leading movements for independence and negotiations with colonial powers.
  • The End of Imperialism: The war signaled the end of classic imperialism and the beginning of a new era in which colonialism was increasingly recognized as outmoded and immoral.

 

To summarize, World War II accelerated the decolonization process in Asia and Africa by weakening colonial powers, encouraging nationalist organizations, and creating an international climate that favored colonial subjects’ self-determination and independence. This period laid the groundwork for the eventual demise of colonial empires in the postwar era.

 

World War 2 is covered in the UPSC syllabus in both the Prelims and Mains exams. In the Prelims exam, questions about World War 2 are likely to be general in nature and will require candidates to have a broad understanding of the event. In the Mains exam, questions about World War 2 are likely to be more detailed and will require candidates to have a deeper understanding of the event, its causes, consequences, and impact.

 

Prelims:

• • Modern Indian history from about the middle of the 18th century: This section includes the Indian independence movement, which was closely linked to World War 2.
  • Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World: This section includes the geographical factors that contributed to World War 2, as well as the impact of the war on different regions of the world.
  • Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.: This section includes the impact of World War 2 on the development of Indian democracy and polity.
  • Indian Economy – Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment: This section includes the economic impact of World War 2 on India.
  • General Science and Technology – Applications to everyday life, etc.: This section includes the scientific and technological advances that were made during World War 2, as well as the impact of these advances on the war effort.
  • General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization: This section includes the environmental impact of World War 2, such as the use of atomic bombs and the pollution of the oceans.

Mains:

• • Indian Heritage and Culture – History and Culture of India and the World: This section includes the impact of World War 2 on Indian culture and society.
  • World History – History of the world from the 18th century onwards: This section includes the causes, course, and consequences of World War 2.
  • Indian Society – Social Structure and Issues: This section includes the impact of World War 2 on Indian society, such as the rise of new social movements and the growth of the middle class.
  • Indian Economy – Development and Employment: This section includes the economic impact of World War 2 on India, as well as the role of the war effort in India’s economic development.
  • Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations: This section includes the impact of World War 2 on the development of international relations and institutions, as well as the role of India in the post-war world order.
  • Technology, Economic Development and Bio-diversity: This section includes the scientific and technological advances that were made during World War 2, as well as the impact of these advances on economic development and biodiversity.