Europe’s WWII End: 80 Years of Global Transformation

On May 8, 2025, the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, a conflict that drastically reshaped global dynamics from chaos to a focus on fairness and international law.

The war’s origins trace back to the Anschluss, the 1938 annexation of Austria by Germany. This act, coupled with the appeasement of Nazi Germany’s claims on Sudetenland, triggered a series of aggressive expansions across Europe.

The Axis powers launched their invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939. This marked the beginning of a swift campaign that led to the fall of Denmark, Norway, Belgium, and France, as well as control over various satellite states including Hungary and Romania.

Despite initial neutrality, the United States engaged in the conflict through the Lend Lease Act of March 1941, supplying essential resources to Allies such as the UK and the Soviet Union against the Axis powers, which included Nazi Germany and fascist Italy.

The rise of fascism was warned against by historians and activists long before the war. The public’s willingness to follow militaristic authority in a post-World War I Germany culminated in the rise of charismatic leaders. A notable precursor was the 1906 escapade of Wilhelm Voigt, who impersonated a military officer to orchestrate a coup, highlighting the dangers of blind authority.

While modern tensions often evoke rancorous political discourse, the instability between communist and fascist factions during the interwar period resulted in violent street clashes, as society sought order amid economic despair.

The U.S. officially entered World War II following the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. This surprise assault by the Japanese Navy aimed to cripple American naval power in the Pacific.

On December 8, 1941, the United States declared war on Japan, prompting Germany and Italy to declare war on the U.S. shortly thereafter. Japan expanded its aggression across the Pacific, attacking colonial possessions and threatening imminent invasion of Australia.

In the Pacific theater, battles proved grueling. The sinking of USS Lexington in May 1942 marked a dark moment, but the tide turned sharply at the Battle of Midway, where U.S. forces claimed victory over four Japanese carriers.

Meanwhile, in Europe, increased Allied support breathed new life into the campaign against the Axis. After successful operations in North Africa and Sicily, the Allies launched the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944, which was pivotal in liberating France.

By 1944, Nazi Germany faced imminent collapse. As Allied forces advanced, Adolf Hitler took his life on April 30, 1945. A preliminary surrender was signed by German leaders on May 7, 1945, before a definitive surrender was secured in Berlin on May 8.

The European theater concluded after 12 years of conflict, resulting in an estimated 15 to 20 million casualties. However, the war in the Pacific extended until August, culminating in Japan’s surrender following the devastation of two nuclear bombings.

The transformation of Japan and Germany into economic powerhouses, embedding provisions against militarism in their constitutions, exemplifies how societies can evolve toward peace. The legacy of those who fought against tyranny and nationalism remains vital, reminding us of the courage it takes to champion justice in the face of overwhelming brutality.

Today, we honor those who paved the way for a more just world.