World War II Research Essay Topics

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Students are often required to write a paper on a topic as broad as World War II , but you should know that the instructor will expect you to narrow your focus to a specific thesis. This is especially true if you are in high school or college. Narrow your focus by making a list of words, much like the list of words and phrases that are presented in bold type below. Then begin to explore related questions and come up with your own cool WWII topics. The answer to questions like these can become a good starting point for a thesis statement .

Culture and People

When the U.S. entered into war, everyday life across the country changed drastically. From civil rights, racism, and resistance movements to basic human needs like food, clothing, and medicine, the aspects of how life was impacted are immense.

  • African-Americans and civil rights. What impact did the war years have on the rights of African-Americans? What were they allowed or not allowed to do?
  • Animals. How were horses, dogs, birds, or other animals used? Did they play a special role?
  • Art. What art movements were inspired by wartime events? Is there one specific work of art that tells a story about the war?
  • Clothing. How was fashion impacted? How did clothing save lives or hinder movement? What materials were used or not used?
  • Domestic violence. Was there an increase or decrease in cases?
  • Families. Did new family customs develop? What was the impact on children of soldiers?
  • Fashion. Did fashion change significantly for civilians? What changes had to be made during wartime?
  • Food preservation. What new preservation and packaging methods were used during and after the war? How were these helpful?
  • Food rationing. How did rationing impact families? Were rations the same for different groups of people? Were soldiers affected by rations?
  • Love letters. What do letters tell us about relationships, families, and friendships? What about gender roles?
  • New words. What new vocabulary words emerged during and after WWII?
  • Nutrition. Were there battles that were lost or won because of the foods available? How did nutrition change at home during the war because of the availability of certain products?
  • Penicillin and other medicine. How was penicillin used? What medical developments occurred during and after the war?
  • Resistance movements. How did families deal with living in an occupied territory?
  • Sacrifices. How did family life change for the worse?
  • Women's work at home. How did women's work change at home during the war? What about after the war ended?

Economy and Workforce

For a nation that was still recovering from the Great Depression, World War II had a major impact on the economy and workforce. When the war began, the fate of the workforce changed overnight, American factories were repurposed to produce goods to support the war effort and women took jobs that were traditionally held by men, who were now off to war.

  • Advertising. How did food packaging change during the war? How did advertisements change in general? What were advertisements for?
  • Occupations. What new jobs were created? Who filled these new roles? Who filled the roles that were previously held by many of the men who went off to war?
  • Propaganda. How did society respond to the war? Do you know why?
  • Toys. How did the war impact the toys that were manufactured?
  • New products. What products were invented and became a part of popular culture? Were these products present only during war times, or did they exist after?

Military, Government, and War

Americans were mostly against entering the war up until the bombing of Pearl Harbor, after which support for the war grew, as did armed forces. Before the war, the US didn't have the large military forces it soon became known for, with the war resulting in over 16 million Americans in service.   The role the military played in the war, and the impacts of the war itself, were vast.

  • America's entry into the war. How is the timing significant? What factors are not so well known?
  • Churchill, Winston. What role did this leader play that interests you most? How did his background prepare him for his role?
  • Clandestine operations. Governments went to great lengths to hide the true date, time, and place of their actions.
  • Destruction. Many historic cities and sites were destroyed in the U.K.—Liverpool, Manchester, London, and Coventry—and in other nations.
  • Hawaii. How did events impact families or society in general?
  • The Holocaust. Do you have access to any personal stories?
  • Italy. What special circumstances were in effect?
  • " Kilroy was here ." Why was this phrase important to soldiers? 
  • Nationalist Socialist movement in America. What impact has this movement had on society and the government since WWII?
  • Political impact. How was your local town impacted politically and socially?
  • POW camps after the war. Where were they and what happened to them after the war? Here's a starting point: Some were turned into race tracks after the war!
  • Prisoners of war. How many POWs were there? How many made it home safely? What were some long-lasting effects?
  • Spies. Who were the spies? Were they men or women? What side were they on? What happened to spies that were caught?
  • Submarines. Were there enemy submarines on a coast near you? What role did submarines play in the war?
  • Surviving an attack. How were military units attacked? How did it feel to jump from a plane that was disabled?
  • Troop logistics. How were troop movements kept secret? What were some challenges of troop logistics?
  • Views on freedom. How was freedom curtailed or expanded?
  • Views on government's role. Where was the government's role expanded? What about governments elsewhere?
  • War crime trials. How were trials conducted? What were the political challenges or consequences? Who was or wasn't tried?
  • Weather. Were there battles that were lost or won because of the weather conditions? Were there places where people suffered more because of the weather?
  • Women in warfare. What roles did women play during the war? What surprises you about women's work in World War II?

Technology and Transportation

With the war came advancements in technology and transportation, impacting communications capabilities, the spread of news, and even entertainment.

  • Bridges and roads. What transportation-related developments came from wartime or postwar policies?
  • Communication. How did radio or other types of communication impact key events?
  • Motorcycles. What needs led to the development of folding motorcycles? Why was there widespread use of military motorcycles by the government?
  • Technology. What technology came from the war and how was it used after the war?
  • TV technology. When did televisions start to appear in homes and what is significant about the timing? What TV shows were inspired by the war and how realistic were they? How long did World War II affect TV programming?
  • Jet engine technology. What advances can be traced to WWII needs?
  • Radar. What role did radar play, if any?
  • Rockets. How important was rocket technology?
  • Shipbuilding achievements. The achievements were quite remarkable during the war. Why and how did they happen?

"America's Wars Fact Sheet." U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, May 2017.

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109 World War 2 Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

World War 2 was one of the most significant events in modern history, shaping the world as we know it today. From the rise of totalitarian regimes to the devastation of entire cities, the war had a profound impact on millions of people around the globe. If you are tasked with writing an essay on World War 2, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information and topics to choose from. To help you get started, here are 109 World War 2 essay topic ideas and examples to inspire your writing:

  • The causes of World War 2
  • The key players in World War 2
  • The role of propaganda in World War 2
  • The impact of technology on World War 2
  • The role of women in World War 2
  • The Holocaust and its aftermath
  • The Battle of Stalingrad
  • The D-Day invasion
  • The Pacific War
  • The Manhattan Project and the atomic bomb
  • The Nuremberg Trials
  • The role of the United Nations in post-war reconstruction
  • The legacy of World War 2 in modern politics
  • The impact of World War 2 on the economy
  • The resistance movements in occupied Europe
  • The role of Winston Churchill in World War 2
  • The role of Franklin D. Roosevelt in World War 2
  • The role of Joseph Stalin in World War 2
  • The role of Adolf Hitler in World War 2
  • The role of Benito Mussolini in World War 2
  • The role of Hirohito in World War 2
  • The role of General Eisenhower in World War 2
  • The role of General Patton in World War 2
  • The role of General MacArthur in World War 2
  • The role of General Montgomery in World War 2
  • The role of General Rommel in World War 2
  • The role of General Zhukov in World War 2
  • The role of General Yamamoto in World War 2
  • The role of General Tojo in World War 2
  • The role of General Nimitz in World War 2
  • The role of General De Gaulle in World War 2
  • The role of General Tito in World War 2
  • The role of General Chiang Kai-shek in World War 2
  • The role of General Hirohito in World War 2

These are just a few examples of the many topics you could explore in a World War 2 essay. Whether you choose to focus on a specific battle, individual, or aspect of the war, there is no shortage of material to draw from. Remember to conduct thorough research, cite your sources, and present your arguments clearly and convincingly. Good luck with your essay!

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157 World War 2 Essay Topics + Examples

If you’re searching for compelling World War 2 topics for projects, presentations, or essays, you’ve come to the right place! StudyCorgi has compiled a list of WW2 topics and questions to research or talk about. Feel free to use these essay topics as inspiring ideas for your writing assignments!

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  • Consequences of World War I and World War II
  • World War II Was Avoidable
  • World War II Was a Continuation of World War I
  • World War II: Causes, Objectives, and Lessons Learned
  • Pacific Theater of World War II
  • Why World War II Was Inevitable
  • Japan After World War II: Main Events and Modifications
  • Social Changes Caused by World War II This essay examines the most common social changes stemming from World War II and the reasons behind their occurrence.
  • World War II, Its Origins and Consequences World War II was a global tragedy. That conflict lasted for six years and led to numerous losses, atrocities, and political and ideological shifts across the world.
  • World War II, Its Causes and Long-Term Effects World War II resulted in a decisive power shift away from the leading European states to the Soviet Union and the United States.
  • History of Aviation in World War I and World War II Aviation history has various periods that crafted its unique story. It began before the seventeenth century and is known for several momentous events that led to its development, such as World War I and World War II.
  • The World War II Recruitment Poster Analysis This paper discusses a poster that was created during World War II to recruit men and women for the Women’s Army Corps and the U.S. Marines.
  • World War II-Occupations: What New Jobs Were Created? This paper discusses occupations in civil activity, in national defense, and to farm labor, and the evolution of unusual occupations from world war II military designation.
  • Realist Theory View on World War II From a realist theory perspective, the outcomes of World War II were successful since, over the course of it, the two competing powers, competed for national interests.
  • United States-Japan Relations During World War II The development of relations between the United States and Japan, which led to the outbreak of war between the two countries, was a very complicated process.
  • Las Pachucas During World War II World War II led to social changes and the destruction of old formations with the subsequent creation of new ones. This tendency may be traced to the example of Pachucas.
  • Fighter Planes: The Role in World War II Fighter planes played the most important role during World War II. These planes were the fastest and easiest to maneuver as they even could be controlled remotely.
  • Air Defense Artillery in World War II The history of Air Defense Artillery as an independent branch of the United States Army started on the 20th of June 1968.
  • World War II: Maskirovka Military Deception and Denials Operations This paper investigates the impact of maskirovka military deception and denials operations, a component of information warfare. The case study is set during World War II.
  • South Africa in World War II The paper states that without South African ports, thousands of Allies’ troops of World War II would not have reached the Middle East theatre.
  • The Outcomes of World War II: Impact of Technology World War II’s scientific and technological accomplishments were among the most significant and long-lasting effects of a struggle that affected every aspect of society.
  • Political, Cultural, Economic, and Social Implications of WWII for Germany This paper aims to analyze the transformation that happened to Germany after WWII: Political, cultural, economic, and social implications.
  • World War II Role for the United States World War II led to changing the women’s roles in the family and society, the general social pattern, and to worsening the economic situation in the United States.
  • World War I vs. World War II Differences The paper states that there is often a discourse among military historians that the First and Second World Wars are one event or two different ones.
  • The Battle of Britain During World War II The Battle of Britain was the first large-scale military campaign in history to be fought exclusively in the air. It was part of World War II.
  • Escape from Sobibor: World War 2 Holocaust Escape from Sobibor is one of the many movies that focus on the mass murder of Jews in German concentration camps.
  • World War II: Why Germans Lost and Allies Won World War II began with Germany’s attack on Poland in 1939 and ended with the attack on Japan’s Hiroshima in 1945 with the atomic bomb.
  • Japan’s Position Regarding World War II The history of Japan in the Second World War is ambiguous. The main debate in this area is the position of Japan in the conflict.
  • World War II Atrocities: Crimes Against Humanity This paper focuses on the crimes against humanity in World War II. The crimes are not on the battlefield and are unconnected with specific military activities.
  • How and Why the US Entered World War 2?
  • Cinema During the Great Depression and WWII
  • Why Were the Japanese So Cruel in World War 2?
  • Jewish Resistance During World War 2
  • Relationship Between World War 1 and World War 2
  • How the Versailles Treaty Helped Cause World War II?
  • Europe After World War 2
  • American Foreign Policy Since World War 2
  • The Battle Between Russia and Germany During the WW2
  • Australia and World War 2
  • Crime Rates During World War II
  • American Families During WW2
  • How Did American Foreign Policy Change After World War 2?
  • The Changing Foreign Policy and Alliances During WWII
  • Innovations During World War 2
  • The Holocaust and the Nazi Regime During World War 2
  • Poland Was the Aggressor in World War II
  • How Was Air Security Changed After World War 2?
  • Women and Society After WWII
  • Benito Mussolini and His Impact on World War 2
  • The United States and East Asia Since World War II World War II changed the world forever for the key players. While the USA and the Soviet Union fought together against the Nazi regime, the relationship between the two remained tense.
  • WWII and Iraq War Comparative Analysis This paper critically analyzes the use of theories to compare and possibly contrast the two wars, World War II and the War in Iraq.
  • Women’s Representations Before and After World War II This paper analyzes two paintings representing young women performing leisurely activities and shows the differences between the painting, as well as their common theme.
  • History: American Foreign Policy since World War II The post-Cold War era in the American society can be deemed as an essential epoch in the U.S. history, as it allowed for retrieving the answers to some of the most complicated questions.
  • Churchill’s Leadership as a British Prime Minister During World War II The objective of this paper is to analyze Churchill’s leadership qualities, characteristics, and leadership traits that contributed to his success during the Battle of Britain.
  • World War II: The History of Hiroshima and Nagasaki World War II was a global war that perpetrated the greatest struggle for mankind. This paper undertakes a critical review of why the United States deployed atomic bombs on Japan.
  • Japan’s Transformation After World War II Despite the high technological level and dynamism, the economy of Japan remained as an economy of an industrial country and continued developing based on industrial dominants.
  • World War II: The Influence on Japan Japan experienced a major shift in its economy, politics, legal framework, culture, and society as a direct result of World War II.
  • Japanese Internment During World War II Japanese-American internment refers to the forced relocation of numerous Japanese Americans to detention camps by the United States Government during World War II.
  • World War II Effects on American Women and Minority Groups The Second World War had a mixed impact on women and minority groups while some minority groups became even more oppressed.
  • American Women in World War II American women in World War II became engaged in numerous missions that’s why the importance of the role and objectives of American women in World War II should be investigated.
  • Effects of World War II on the Economy and Culture of the U.S. The paper states that WWII affected the U.S economy negatively more than it positively contributed to its growth and sustainability.
  • World War II: Holocaust and Discrimination of the Jews The research paper aims to review several primary and secondary sources discussing the World War II and specifically the discrimination faced by the Jews.
  • The Role of the Nazi Ideology in World War II World War II is characterized by the growth of the Nazi ideology, which became the primary factor leading to genocide, civilian murders, and violence peculiar to military actions.
  • Changes in Practices of Warfare Since World War II The most important and striking trend in the change in the practice of warfare in the world is that the number of armed conflicts has significantly decreased.
  • World War II and Communism Impact on the US Over the decades, the central economic policy that contributed to the significant growth index in America has been capitalism.
  • “Battle of Tinian” Role in World War II The Tinian Island in World War II represented one of the core strategic areas that were central to the U.S. army’s success in fighting the enemy.
  • American Presidency During World War II and the Cold War World War II and the advent of the Cold War taught many lessons regarding the American presidency, especially on matters of foreign military policies and strategies.
  • “Children in the Holocaust and World War II” by Holliday The book “Children in the Holocaust and World War II” describes what difficulties a brother and a sister experienced in the Lodz Ghetto in Poland during World War II.
  • The United States and the World War II: Fighting on Two Fronts The Second World War became the most significant conflict in human history because more than 50 million people were killed, including civilians and jews.
  • World War II in the Pacific Region While it is a belief that the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on February 7, 1941, was a massive success for the Axis forces, Imperial Japan failed to achieve all its objectives.
  • The Role of American Women in World War II World War II empowered women and opened their liberties as equal citizens of the U.S. Women played a critical effort in the war, reducing the gap in industrial labor.
  • The Rise and Fall of Communism After World War II Czechoslovakia’s communism was flawed and destined for failure, being devoted to the Russian paradigm and unsuited for a better-industrialized society.
  • Battle of the Midway During World War II The Battle of Midway Atoll was a major naval battle of World War II in the Pacific in June 1942. The victory of the US Navy marked a turning point in the Pacific War.
  • Post-World War II Civil Rights Movements The post-war time period was essential for all the minorities who chose to protest for their rights to be established and protected by the US government.
  • The United States’ Participation in World War II While the United States had significant resources and influence in the West, the country could not have prevented the occurrence of the Second World War.
  • What Effect Did the World War II Wartime Experience Have on African Americans? World War II was the battle of all races: white, Asian, and Black people. This essay will discover whether they were treated differently during and after the initial strife.
  • World War II: “Once Upon a Time” Book by Humphrey The paper reviews Humphrey’s book Once Upon a Time: The 99th Division in World War II based on the USA’s patriotism, internal divisions, and unity of purpose themes.
  • Divisions Between the Soviet Union and the USA at the End of the WWII The current paper uses examples to present the issues that led to the division between the United States and the Soviet Union after the Second World War.
  • Communism in Europe and America After World War II A review of the factors leading to communist growth in Europe and its failure in the United States is valuable for understanding this critical historical period and its outcomes.
  • Camps for Displaced Persons After the End of World War II In the years after the end of World War II, there were many camps for displaced persons – the liberated people had nowhere to return, or it was challenging to do.
  • Change of Population in the USA Since World War Two The population of the minorities since World War II experienced a notable increase. The minority group is consists of Hispanics, Asians, and the growing American Indian people.
  • African Americans During World War II During World War II, African Americans served in every capacity while simultaneously struggling to advance their status in society and gain more civil rights.
  • Nazis Prosecution for the World War II Crimes The violence introduced to the world by Nazi Germany deserves a transformation of the war crime notion. It is the only privilege the participants of criminalistic schemes deserve.
  • World War II: Impact on American Society World War II had a tremendous impact on people, and its end promoted the middle and working-class Americans to live a better life than they lived before the war.
  • Nazi Germany’s Resources and Demise in World War II The efforts of different countries managed to deliver victory after Nazi Germany became unstable and incapable of supporting the ongoing war.
  • Atomic Bomb Technology and World War II Outcomes The Hiroshima bombing, the event that ultimately led to the surrender of Japan, was an indication of the level of technological advancement.
  • American-Japanese Military and Race Conflicts in the Book “War Without Mercy: Race and Power in the Pacific War” The issues of prejudice, tunnel vision and inability to see the situation from all sides are described in the present book.
  • The Fall of the Grand Alliance Against the Axis Powers Before the End of WWII War is political. International politics have an influence on global wars. The Second War was a war of actions, words, and fierce battles between the UK, US, former Soviet Union and the Nazi rule.
  • How World War Two Affected Black Immigration? The black population benefited from World War Two in various ways but they also faced untold sufferings at the hands of people who considered them as none or less human beings.
  • Post World War II Artist Big names in the sculpture industry as David Smith of the United States of America also could arguably be named as the most influential artists in the industry general.
  • Impact of World War II on Balkan Nationalism, States and Societies To the Balkans, the impacts of World War II were enormous on states and societies. The interplay of military and political events from the war affected the region both positively and negatively.
  • Women’s Backlash in the 1950s due to WWII The Second World War provided many horrors of war. The perspective of a woman’s position was changed forever. During WWII many women had jobs and were gaining independence.
  • World War II: Internment of the Japanese Americans President Roosevelt at the peak of World War II authorized the internment of Japanese citizens living in the United States.
  • Russian Climate and German Progression in WWII The country’s climate is close to generally continental, even though as it rises from west to east, the influence of the Atlantic Ocean reduces.
  • Social Effects in the West After World War II The post-war period was marked by changes in all spheres of social life including social security reforms and employment.
  • Social and Economic Problems After World War II Having borne the brunt of the Great Depression and World War II, the American people experienced serious social and economic problems.
  • Great Depression and World War II Impact on the United States Economy Both the Great Depression and World War II heavily impacted the US economy in the first half of the previous century.
  • Battle of the Bulge During World War II In retrospect, the Battle of the Bulge can be seen as one of the largest strategic mistakes made by Germany due to the false assumption of military superiority.
  • Great Depression and World War II for Americans The Americans encountered numerous problems during the period of the Great Depression. The Second World War also led to many problems in the United States.
  • World War II Impact on Racial Issues in the United States The situation with Japanese-American internees during World War II represents a unique and distinctive experience in American history.
  • American Women in WWII-Related Film and Poster This paper examines the film “Casablanca” and the poster “It’s a Woman’s War Too!” in the context of determining the role of women, emphasizing contribution during wartime.
  • American Foreign Policy Since World War II This paper is a book review of American Foreign Policy since World War II, by Hook and Spanier. An acclaimed literary work, researchers have used the book in educational and political fields.
  • World War II, The Cold War and New Europe The WWII and its aftermath resulted in the development of another opposition of superstates. The former allies were not able to able to determine the spheres of their influence and make a compromise.
  • Women in the Workplace After WWII To understand how the position of women in the workplace changed after World War II was over, it is necessary to understand what conditions there were before the end of this war.
  • US – Japan Economic Relations in WWII The paper studies international relations between Japan and the USA, Japanese aggression and its role in World War II, and Japan’s economic growth.
  • History of Post WWII Every leader had own plan for the Yalta Conference: Roosevelt claimed for Soviet support in the U.S. Pacific War against Japan, particularly invading Japan.
  • The Crete Battle of World War II World War II consisted of various battles among them, the Crete battle in which Germany invaded the territory that was hitherto controlled by the British and Greece troops.
  • What Happened in Egypt During World War 2?
  • Why Did Japan Get Involved in World War 2?
  • Who Defeated Japan in World War 2?
  • What Role Did Military Intelligence Play in World War 2?
  • Did the Soviets Win World War 2?
  • What Are the Roles of African Americans During World War 2?
  • How Did World War 2 Change the Attitudes of Women and Minorities Toward Their Status in American Society?
  • How Did The Versailles Treaty Help World War 2?
  • How Did World War 2 Affect Surgical Procedures?
  • What Made Japan Lose World War 2?
  • Why Did France Surrender to Germany at the Beginning of World War 2?
  • How Did World War 2 Come to an End in Europe?
  • What Was the Significance of D-Day to the Outcome of World War 2?
  • Did Nordic Countries Recognize the Gathering Storm of World War 2?
  • What Effect Did World War 2 Have on Life in Barking and Dagenham?
  • Why Did Germany Keep Fighting in World War 2?
  • How Did World War 2 Begin and End?
  • Were the Atomic Bombs Used in World War 2 Justified?
  • How Did World War 2 Affect Women’s Rights?
  • What Was the Development Process of Atomic Bomb Which Leads Its Impact on World War 2?
  • Was Bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki Necessary to End World War 2?
  • How Did World War 2 Affect Medical Treatment in Tennessee?
  • When Did the Soviet Union Turn Against Germany in World War 2?
  • Which Country Won the War 2?
  • Was the Cold War Inevitable After World War 2?
  • What Country Has the Most Deaths in World War 2?
  • Why Were British Troops in Egypt in World War 2?
  • Which Country Was the Most Important in World War 2?
  • Did the Bretton Woods Conference Help the World Economy After World War 2?
  • How Did World War 2 Transform American Society and Government?
  • The major battles of World War II.
  • The Holocaust during WWII.
  • The role of the Manhattan Project in WWII.
  • Propaganda in WWII.
  • Civilian support during World War II.
  • Codebreaking in World War II.
  • Resistance movements during WWII.
  • War crimes in World War II.
  • The Pacific theater of WWII.
  • The impact of technology on the WWII course.
  • The Battle of Stalingrad—the turning point in the Eastern Front.
  • The impact of the Yalta Conference decisions.
  • The Battle of Kursk—the largest tank battle in history.
  • The challenges of the Allied invasion of Italy.
  • The role of African Americans in WWII.
  • WWII and the Chinese resistance.
  • The costs of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
  • The implications of the Tehran Conference.
  • Long-term psychological effects of WWII on veterans.
  • The Soviet partisan movement during WWII.

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StudyCorgi. (2022, January 16). 157 World War 2 Essay Topics + Examples. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/world-war-2-essay-topics/

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StudyCorgi . "157 World War 2 Essay Topics + Examples." January 16, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/world-war-2-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2022. "157 World War 2 Essay Topics + Examples." January 16, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/world-war-2-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on World War 2 were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 20, 2024 .

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World War 2 Essay Topics: 50+ Ideas and Examples for Your Paper

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by  Antony W

December 5, 2023

world war 2 essay topics

Perhaps the most difficult part about writing an essay on World War 2 is to find a title. Brainstorming ideas and doing preliminary research to determine if a topic is good can take a lot of time. To make the ideation process easier for you, we’ve put together a list of 50+ topics that you might love.

World War II is a broad subject. So you want to make sure you first read the assignment brief and narrow down your focus on a specific area that you can cover within the scope of the assignment.

Of course, a list of 50+ prewritten topics means you have an unlimited option when it comes to topic selection. Yet, given that you can cover only one topic at a time, it’s best to single out what topic would be best for you to explore and then develop it based on the assignment brief.  

Key Takeaways

  • While World War II is a broad area with hundreds of History essay topics , your focus should be on a specific topic that you can explore within the scope of the assignment.
  • Choose a topic that you find fascinating, especially if falls within a theme that you’ve always wanted to explore.
  • Refer to the assignment prompt if you’re in doubt about your topic, or seek guidance from your teacher for further clarity.

50+ Best World War 2 Essay Topics: 50+ Ideas for Your Paper

The following is a list of some of the best World War II topics for your next essay assignment:

Economy and Workforce Topics

The United States was already struggling to recover from the Great Depression, which means that World War II did have a severe effect on the economy and workforce of the states. Here are some topic ideas to consider.

  • You can write an essay on how food packaging evolved during the war and the changes that occurred in advertisements.
  • What were the newly created job roles, and who filled these new positions during the war
  • Explain how the society reacted to the war’s propaganda, as well as the underlying reasons for these responses.
  • How did Word War II alter the production of toys during the period that it lasted?
  • What were the new products introduced that became part of popular culture during and after the war?

Culture and People Topics

Your essay can focus on the drastic changes to life after the United States of America got into World War II. From racism and civil rights to basic needs and resistance movements, here are some example topics to consider:

  • What changes occurred in the rights of African-Americans during wartime?
  • Did horses, dogs, birds, or other animals hold specific significance or functions in World War II?
  • Was there a rise or decline in domestic violence cases during this period?
  • Explain how the children of soldiers cope with the impact of the World War II.
  • What changes did civilian fashion undergo during World War II and what were the impacts of the alterations?
  • What do letters reveal about relationships, families, and gender roles during the World War II period?
  • How was penicillin used, and was there any medical progress during and after the war?

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Technology and Transportation Topics

World War II contributed quite significantly to the development of transportation and technology . This change the way news spread, how people entertained themselves, and the way human beings communicated. Here are some topic ideas that fit into this area:

  • What advancements in transportation infrastructure emerged from wartime or postwar policies, specifically in bridges and roads?
  • Explain how radio or other communication methods influence significant events.
  • Write about the needs that drove the creation of folding motorcycles and why military motorcycles in use wide use by the government?
  • State the technologies that originated from the war and explain their implementation after the World War II.
  • Which TV shows drew inspiration from the war, and how accurate were they?
  • Can we attribute the progress in jet engine technology to the World War II?
  • How crucial was rocket technology during this period?
  • Why and how did remarkable shipbuilding accomplishments occur during the war?

World War II Argumentative Essay Topics

An argumentative essa y topic on the Second World War requires you to take a side and use evidence, statistics, and reasons to defend that position. You’ll have to look at both sides of the arguments, but then use the strongest pieces of evidence to explain why you believe your take on the topic (or issue) is more believable than the other is.  Here are some examples:

  • Did the World War II even alter the global balance of power?
  • Evaluate the roles played by nationalism, imperialism, and totalitarianism in causing WWII.
  • Are there controversies surrounding the use of atomic bombs during the World War II?
  • Look at the factors that facilitated the Holocaust on a massive scale during the Second World War.
  • Did women have a strong contribution to the World War II and was their fight for equality during the time reasonable?
  • Did propaganda affect public perception during the World War II?
  • The World War II did not play a big contribution to the technological and scientific progress at the time.
  • Was the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II a violation of their civil rights?

World War II History Topics

  • How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to and influence the outbreak of World War II?
  • Explain the factors that led to the ascension of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.
  • Assess the importance of the Battle of Britain in halting German advancement.
  • What role did Winston Churchill play in guiding Britain through World War II?
  • Examine the tactics and significant battles in the Pacific during World War 2.
  • Analyze how resistance movements in occupied Europe contributed to the Allies’ success.

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Skip to Main Content of WWII

Research starters.

Beginning a research paper on World War II can be daunting. With Research Starters, you can get a basic introduction to major WWII topics, see recommended secondary sources, and view primary sources you can use from the Museum’s collection.

Soldiers viewing graves

Research Starters: Worldwide Deaths in World War II

See estimates for worldwide deaths, broken down by country, in World War II. 

world war 2 history essay topics

Research Starters: US Military by the Numbers

See a breakdown of numbers in the US military, by branch and year, in World War II. 

world war 2 history essay topics

Research Starters: The Draft and World War II

On September 16, 1940, the United States instituted the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, which required all men between the ages of 21 and 45 to register for the draft.

world war 2 history essay topics

Research Starters: The GI Bill

world war 2 history essay topics

Research Starters: Higgins Boats

In the late 1930s, the U.S. military began developing small boats that could carry troops from ships to open beaches.

world war 2 history essay topics

Research Starters: The Battle of Midway

Fought between the U.S. and Japanese navies June 4-7, 1942, this battle turned the tide of the war in the Pacific in favor of the Americans.

world war 2 history essay topics

Research Starters: Women in World War II

With ever-growing orders for war materials combined with so many men overseas fighting the war, women were called upon to work in ways previously reserved only for men.

world war 2 history essay topics

Ration Books

Ask anyone who remembers life on the Home Front during World War II about their strongest memories and chances are they will tell you about rationing. You see, the war caused shortages of all sorts of things: rubber, metal, clothing, etc. But it was the shortages of various types of food that affected just about everyone on a daily basis.

world war 2 history essay topics

Take A Closer Look: America Goes to War

America's isolation from war ended on December 7, 1941, when Japan staged a surprise attack on American military installations in the Pacific. 

world war 2 history essay topics

History At a Glance: Women in World War II

American women played important roles during World War II, both at home and in uniform.

World War 2 Essay: Outline + 100 WW2 Research Topics

This time you have to write a World War II essay, paper, or thesis. It means that you have a perfect chance to refresh those memories about the war that some of us might forget.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

So many words can be said about the war in that it seems you will simply get lost in a variety of WW2 research topics and questions.

Still, you do not know what to write about in your World War 2 essay for middle school. Of course, you may look through several free essays in search of ideas. However, you may find our suggestions interesting or get instant writing help right here.

  • 🔝 Top 10 Topics
  • 🎓 Essay Topics for Student
  • 🎖️ WW2 Argumentative Essay Topics
  • 💡 More Topic Examples
  • 📑 Outline Examples
  • 💁 General Info

🔗 References

🔝 top 10 ww2 essay topics.

  • Was the battle of Dunkirk a failure?
  • WWII technologies that changed our lives
  • The outcome of the Nuremberg trials
  • Medical experiments during the Holocaust
  • Battle of Midway as a turning point in WWII
  • Why is penicillin a wonder of World War 2?
  • Why is the Bataan Death March a war crime?
  • The impact of propaganda during WWII
  • Racial segregation in the armed forces during WWII
  • What makes the Battle of Stalingrad the deadliest in WWII?

🎓 WW2 Essay Topics for Student

  • Contributions of women pilots in World War II
  • “Gesture Life” and “Maus”: post-World War II injuries
  • The federal government’s actions during World War II
  • Rebuilding Europe after World War II
  • World War II in Europe: development and costs
  • World War II: maskirovka military deception and denials operations
  • World War II in the Pacific region 
  • The second World War’s historical aspects 
  • The rise and fall of communism after World War II 
  • South Africa in World War II
  • Battle of the Midway during World War II 
  • World War II: the history of Hiroshima and Nagasaki 
  • What effect did the World War II wartime experience have on African Americans? 
  • The battle of Britain during World War II
  • World War II was a continuation of World War I
  • Communism in Europe and America after World War II 
  • Camps for displaced persons after the end of World War II 
  • Nazis prosecution for the World War II crimes 
  • World War II was avoidable
  • Nazi Germany’s resources and demise in World War II 
  • The United States and East Asia since World War II
  • Japan after World War II: main events and modifications
  • Atomic bomb technology and World War II outcomes 
  • Pacific theater of World War II
  • Impact of World War II on Balkan nationalism, states and societies 
  • World War II: internment of the Japanese Americans 
  • World War II in “The Rape of Europa” Documentary 
  • The characteristics of successful warfare after the second World War
  • Great Depression and World War II impact on the United States economy 
  • Battle of the Bulge during World War II
  • Escape from Sobibor: World War 2 holocaust
  • World War II: why Germans lost and allies won
  • World War II impact on racial issues in the United States 
  • Women’s representations before and after World War II
  • United States-Japan relations during World War II
  • Second World War: cause and technology
  • American foreign policy since World War II
  • World War II, the Cold War and New Europe 
  • The Crete battle of World War II
  • Home front of the United States during the second World War 

🎖️ WW2: Argumentative Essay Topics

As it happens quite often, teachers like to ask students to write an essay on World War II. However, don’t expect it to be easy. It should be something more narrow than the essay about the causes of World War II.

You can use some practical techniques to come up with a suitable topic. For instance, some of the most popular ones are mind mapping and brainstorming. Don’t forget to use questions to create a perfect thesis statement.

But we have made your life so much easier and prepared this comprehensive list of WWII argumentative essay topics. There are also short hints to help you start with your paper.

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

🔫 World War 2 Essay Topics: Military

  • Exploring the effects of WWII on life in Hawaii. Research the impact of those events on the social life of families living there.
  • Family memories of the Holocaust . Dig deep and see if you have any (distant) relatives who were the witnesses.
  • Something unique about Italy in WWII. Look into some exceptional circumstances that occurred there at the time of the war.
  • The origins of the phrase “Kilroy was here.” It is quite a controversial topic, so you might want to study all the sources you can find.
  • Nationalist Socialists: examine the importance of the movement in the US. What was its social impact since the war? Describe this in your WW2 essay.
  • Write about your town/city. Conduct research to find out about the political changes in your hometown related to war.
  • The transformation of the prisoner-of-war camps . Write about what happened to the POW camps after the end of the war.
  • The fate of the prisoners of war. Study the documents to get to know what happened to them and whether they continued their healthy lives.
  • Describe the spies that participated in WWII . Who were they? What usually happened to those who were caught by different sides?
  • The role of women . Discover the contribution of the weaker sex in warfare and write about the most surprising facts.
  • How important were the weather conditions for the outcomes of WWII ? Find out which battles were lost or won due to the weather.
  • War crimes: consequences. Conduct research to answer the questions about the war crime trials, their outcomes, and the most notorious cases.
  • Research the role of the US government in WWII . Compare it to the other governments and analyze the strategies they were using.
  • The sense of freedom during the war. For this WW2 essay topic, you would need to look critically at how freedom was suppressed or expanded.
  • What was so special about the movements of the troop? Here, you would be expected to provide the answers concerning the secrecy and challenges.
  • The experiences of the attack survivors. Find out what was happening during the attack on the military units and the planes.

🤖 World War 2 Essay Topics: Technology

  • The role of the submarines in the war. This World War II research topic is all about the importance of the submarines.
  • Estimate the destruction in the UK. Find out how many historical places were wiped out as a result of the war.
  • Was Winston Churchill prepared for it? Write about the background of that influential leader and how it helped him at the wartime.
  • Write about the time the US entered the war. Are there any facts that we still don’t know well enough? What about the timing?
  • The miracle of the radar. This WW2 essay topic would be interesting for those who are fascinated by technology. What was the role of that device in WWII?
  • Rocket technology and the war. Write about the importance of the rockets and what the moment when they changed the course of the war.
  • Building the ultimate warship. What was the driving force of the developments in the field of shipbuilding during WWII?
  • Describe the main means of communication during the war. Don’t forget to mention the radio and its impact on the major events in your World War 2 essay.
  • The development of bridges and roads. What were the main technological achievements in this field that still impact our everyday life?
  • Explain the rise of the popularity of motorcycles during the war. Feel free to mention the folding bikes and their invention.
  • The technology we have thanks to the war. Dedicate your WW2 essay to the inventions we can’t live without nowadays that were created during the war.
  • What about TVs? You can narrow down this World War II essay question as you wish. For example, write about the shows dedicated to the war.
  • The jet engines developed by the needs of war. Look into the reasons why those engines were created during WWII.

💰 WW2 Research Topics: Economy

  • What about propaganda? This WWII essay should describe how people in the US were reacting to the war and why.
  • The product of war: pop culture elements. Think about products that became popular and maybe even stayed a part of culture after the war ended.
  • Toy story: WWII edition. Find out how the war influenced the toy production and whether it was a part of propaganda.
  • The major changes in the job market sponsored by WWII. What new roles suddenly appeared on the job market, thanks to the war?
  • The power of advertising . To narrow it down, you can even mention how the food packaging was adjusted and why.

🎨 WW2 Research Topics: Culture

  • Discover the world of fashion during the wartime . It is one of the cool WWII essay topics. It should be about the new trends for civilians at the time.
  • The analysis of artworks created during WWII. Choose a piece of art inspired by war and analyze it. What is its story?
  • New times require new family traditions. How were the customs inside the families changed by the war? What about raising children? Highlight these issues in your World War 2 essay.
  • The secrets of the love letters during the war. This short essay would require you to dig into the archives and find out what the letters could tell us about the relationships back then.
  • What was the unique role of animals in WWII? Dedicate your writing to some type of animal and discuss how they were used.
  • The rights of African-Americans during the time of war. Write about how their civil rights were changed and try to find the root causes.
  • Food preservation methods: another revolution. This example is all about food and how it was packed and preserved during the war.
  • The cases of domestic violence during the cold war. Were the rates higher at the time? Did political tension cause it? This is also a great World War 2 essay topic.
  • Expanding the vocabulary. Just like any other part of life, the language also went through some changes. What were the new words that emerged?
  • The troubled life of housewife during WWII. Describe the work women used to do at the wartime and how it was changed.
  • Still resisting: the movements created by families. Here, you should concentrate on the experience of the families that live in the occupied territories.
  • Lifesaving food: the role of nutrition in WWII. Try to research and find the battles that were lost or won due to the availability of food.
  • The impact of food rationing on soldiers and families. Write your WW2 essay about the struggles of families and different groups of people.
  • What were the common sacrifices of families during the war ? In this essay, you would need to look into the negative changes in families’ lifestyles.
  • The miracle of penicillin: WWII. This research aims to uncover the importance of penicillin or any other medicine of your choice.
  • The clothes that saved lives. Write about different types of clothing and materials that were used to help the soldiers on the battlefield.

💡 World War 2 Essay: More Topic Examples

Below, other suggestions on what you might write about in essays on World War II are presented:

Present in Your World War 2 Essay Alternative Decisions That Could Have Changed the Course of the War Dramatically

Such World War 2 essay will aim to explore some of the greatest decision making mistakes of the world leaders. We do not mean that you should discuss some miraculous history events like “what if Hitler had a heart attack.” In the World War 2 essay devoted to this problem, give realistic alternative decisions that were considered but not realized. Analyze those alternatives that could have changed the end of the war.

“In Your World War Ii Essay, Try to Answer the Question “When Did Hitler Lose the War?”

When did Adolf Hitler lose his chance to win World War II? What was it? These are the World War 2 essay questions you have to answer. Analyze different viewpoints of historians and present your opinion in the essay on World War 2.

Cover the Themes of Atrocity and War-Crimes in the World War 2 Essay

Acts of genocides and atrocity against civil population occurred in such countries as Japan, the Soviet Union, and Germany. Some of them were so horrific and immense that they changed the psyche of many people and different nations. When disclosing this theme in the Second World War essay, tell about Nazi concentration camps, “Death-camps,” the Holocaust , etc.

If you are interested in other  history essay  topics, read our hints for writing terrorism essays . And don’t forget to tell us in comments below your opinion about the World War 2.

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📑 World War 2 Essay: Outline Examples

The next is creating a neat outline, which would become a massive help for you during the process of writing. Find examples of World War II essay outlines below!

Example 1. Analyze how some alternative decisions could have changed the course of World War II

Try to pick something realistic. Merely writing that if Hitler suddenly died and the war had never happened is just dull. Get creative and maybe take as a basis some real facts that were considered but never came into life.

  • In your World War II essay introduction , present the chosen decision. Include your thesis statement in this part as well. It should be your hypothesis concerning the topic.
  • In the main body , give at least three arguments why and how that decision would have changed things. Here, you prove your hypothesis to be right. You may add one counter-argument if you wish. For instance, include the opinion of a historian saying that it wouldn’t change anything.
  • In conclusion , state your opinion once again, which is now supported by arguments.

Example 2. When did it happen that Germany lost the war?

Think about when Adolf Hitler might have missed his chance to win World War II. What was it? Include some details. Once again, do your research and consider the opinions of different historians.

  • In the introduction to this World War 2 essay , present your point of view. In the thesis statement, write the answer to World War II essay questions clearly and coherently.
  • The main body here is for you to include three to five pieces of evidence that may prove you right. If you decide to write an argumentative essay, you might add some contradicting facts, too.
  • In the last part of your writing, focus on paraphrasing your thesis statement.

Example 3. World War II: discuss war crimes and atrocity

This essay title is related to all acts of cruelty against the civil population, including genocides. You may want to narrow it down according to your preferences. For instance, you can talk about how concentration camps created by Nazis have changed the people’s psyche.

  • Introduce this WW2 essay topic by stating how people have changed after surviving the Death Camps. It might be a good idea to include a sentence at the beginning that may serve as a hook to make your readers interested.
  • In the body , present not less than three examples of what you think might be relevant. Those should be proven historical facts if you want your essay to be persuasive.
  • Conclude by providing a summary of the facts presented in the main body. Add the paraphrased thesis statement.

💁 World War 2: General Information

World war ii: timeline.

Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. And on September 3, 1939, France and Britain, fulfilling their obligations to Poland, declared war on Germany and World War II began.

However, the beginning of World War II was preceded by some events, inextricably related:

  • September 18, 1931. Japan attacked Manchuria
  • October 2, 1935 – May 1936. Fascist Italy invaded Ethiopia, conquered and annexed it
  • October 25 – November 1, 1936. On October 25, Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy concluded a cooperation agreement. November 1 announced the creation of the “ Rome-Berlin Axis “
  • November 25, 1936. Nazi Germany and imperialist Japan concluded the Anti-Comintern Pact, directed against the USSR and the international communist movement
  • July 7, 1937. Japan invaded China. The World War II began in the Pacific
  • 11-13 March 1938. Germany joins Austria (the so-called Anschluss)
  • September 29, 1938. Germany, Italy, Great Britain and France signed the Munich agreement obliging the Czechoslovak Republic to cede Nazi Germany to the Sudetenland (where the critical Czechoslovak fortifications were located)
  • 14-15 March 1939. Under pressure from Germany, the Slovaks declared their independence and created the Slovak Republic. The Germans broke the Munich agreement , occupied the Czech lands, and established the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia

German and French guns WW2.

  • March 31, 1939. France and the United Kingdom provided guarantees of the inviolability of the borders of Poland
  • 7-15 April 1939. Fascist Italy attacked Albania and annexed it
  • August 23, 1939. Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed a non-aggression pact and a secret annex to it, according to which Europe was divided into spheres of influence

Some scientists think that the World War II was a continuation of the World War I ended in 1918.

September 2, 1945, is the date when the World War II ended. Japan, agreed to unconditional surrender on August 14, 1945, officially capitulates, thereby putting an end to World War II.

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World War II: Key Facts

  • Perhaps, the World War II was one the most destructive wars in modern history. About 27,000 people were killed each day from September 1, 1939, to September 2, 1945.
  • The primary opponents were Nazi Germany, fascist Italy, Imperial Japan on the one hand, and the Soviet Union, Great Britain, France the United States , and China on the other.
  • Germany capitulated on May 7, 1945 . At the same time, Japan continued to fight for another four months before their capitulation on September 2. Atomic bombs, dropped by American troops on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, were first used against Japan.
  • The end of the war was marked by Britain losing most of its empire . At the same time, World War II accelerated the revival of the US and Soviet economies as global superpowers.
  • After the end of the World War II, the “Cold War” between the US and the USSR started.

World War 2: Casualties

The exact World War II casualties remain unknown. However, historians name that the total number of victims was over 60 million people including military and civilians killed. Below you’ll find the list of states suffered the highest losses:

  • 42,000,000 people–USSR
  • 9,000,000 people–Germany
  • 4,000,000 people–China
  • 3,000,000 people–Japan

World War II: Causes

Perhaps, there were many prerequisites for World War II:

  • Japan’s victory over Russia in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-05) opened the door for Japanese expansion in the Asia-Pacific region
  • The US Navy first developed plans to prepare for a naval war with Japan in 1890
  • The Great Depression, and the global recession that followed
  • The coming to power of Hitler and his statement about the injustice of the Versailles Treaty, signed in 1918
  • The creation in 1935 of the Luftwaffe, as a direct violation of the 1919 treaty
  • Remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936
  • Anschluss of Austria and the annexation of part of Czechoslovakia
  • Italy’s desire to create a Third Rome and Japan’s goal to create an independent state with the Pan-Asian sphere of influence

World War II: Results

The results of World War II are not limited to losses and destruction. As a result of the war, the face of the world changed: new borders and new states appeared, new tendencies of social development emerged, and significant inventions were made.

The war gave a strong impetus to the development of science and technology. Radar, jet aircraft, ballistic missiles, antibiotics, electronic computers and many other discoveries were made or entered into widespread use during the war. The foundations of the scientific and technological revolution were laid, which transformed and continued to change the postwar world.

The ideology of fascism, Nazism, racism, colonialism thoroughly discredited itself; on the contrary, the ideas of anti-fascism, anti-colonialism, democracy, and socialism gained wide popularity.

The human rights recorded in the UN Charter are internationally recognized. The influence of parties and groups that fought for democracy and social transformations–communists, socialists, social democrats, Christian democrats and other democratic forces, has sharply increased.

In many countries, significant reforms carried out: partial nationalization of industry and banks, the creation of a state system of social insurance, the expansion of workers’ rights. In some countries, including France, Italy, Germany, Japan, have adopted new, democratic constitutions. There was a profound renewal of the society, democratization of state and public institutions.

Auschwitz deadliest concentration camp.

The colonial system disintegration was another significant result and consequence of the Second World War. Before the war, the vast majority of the world’s population lived in colonies, the area, and population of which many times exceeded the metropolitan countries: Britain, France, Holland, Belgium, Italy, and Japan.

During the World War 2 and after its end, part of the dependent and colonial countries (Syria, Lebanon, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Burma, Philippines, and Korea) declared itself independent. In 1947, India became independent, divided into two dominions: India and Pakistan. The intense process of liberation of the colonial peoples began, which continued until the complete abolition of the colonies in the second half of the twentieth century.

As a result of the war, the balance of forces in the world has changed dramatically. Germany, Italy, Japan were defeated, for a time turned into dependent countries, occupied by foreign troops. The war destroyed their economy, and they for many years could not compete with their former competitors.

Compared with the pre-war time, the positions of France and even Great Britain weakened considerably. The USA came out of the war significantly strengthened. Having surpassed all other countries economically and militarily, the United States became the sole leader of the capitalist world.

The second “superpower” was the Soviet Union. By the end of the war, the Soviet Union had the most massive land army in the world and substantial industrial potential. The USSR Armed Forces were in many countries of Central and Eastern Europe, East Germany and North Korea.

Some countries liberated by the Soviet Union took the road of non-capitalist development. After the liberation from the occupiers in Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, people’s democratic governments were established with the participation or under the leadership of the Communists, who began profound social transformations. By the Yalta agreements , these countries were considered to be the sphere of influence of the Soviet Union and were in fact under its control.

If the United States became the leader of the capitalist world, then the Soviet Union led the social forces that opposed capitalism. Two main poles of attraction of the world forces, conventionally called the East and the West, were formed; began to build two ideological and military-political blocs, the confrontation of which largely determined the structure of the post-war bipolar world.

The anti-fascist coalition split. Its participants came into conflict with each other, and the “ Cold War ” that lasted more than 45 years, until the collapse of the USSR.

This might be interesting for you:

  • Interesting History Essay Topics and Events to Write About
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  • Essay on India after Independence: How-to Guide and Prompts
  • World War II Research Essay Topics: ThoughtCo
  • Coming in from the Cold: The Newsmagazine of the American Historical Association
  • A guide to historical research (BBC)
  • Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time: The New York Times
  • Why Hitler’s grand plan during the second world war collapsed: The Guardian
  • Historical Research: ECU
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To write World War II essays is very instructive – to know the reasons, the course of war events, the results. These all are necessary to comprehend and debar World War III as humanity won’t go through it!

World War 2 - List of Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

World War 2, spanning from 1939 to 1945, was a cataclysmic event that reshaped the global political and social landscape. Essays might delve into the origins of the war, exploring the political tensions, territorial ambitions, and ideological divides that fueled the conflict. The discourse might extend to the notable campaigns and battles, examining the strategies employed by the Axis and Allied powers. The human cost of the war, the Holocaust, and the war crimes committed could also form a significant area of discussion, alongside the exploration of the resistance movements and the home fronts. Moreover, essays could focus on the aftermath of the war, the establishment of the United Nations, the Nuremberg Trials, and the initiation of the Cold War. The lasting impact of World War 2 on modern warfare, international relations, and the collective memory could provide a profound exploration of the enduring legacy and the lessons derived from this monumental period in history. We’ve gathered an extensive assortment of free essay samples on the topic of World War 2 you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

How did the Treaty of Versailles Caused World War 2

The only thing needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Those who act selfishly and maliciously are not particularly part of the majority in their ways of thinking and behaving. All it takes is a few good people to get the tail blazing and doing what needs to be done to keep evil from prevailing. Over the course of history many have been the victims of tyranny and overt xenophobic ruling. World War II and […]

World War 2 Propaganda

In 1932, during the Great Depression, Poland formed a pact of nonaggression with the Soviet Union. Then in 1934 signed a similar pact with Natzi Germany, which was broken five years later. World War Two began due to the United Kingdom Declared war on Germany for their invasion of Poland in 1939. In the same year the Soviet Union invaded Poland from the East, and divides Poland between the two countries. In 1941 the German concentration camps Auschwitz, Treblinka, Majdanek […]

The Profession of Nursing during World War II

The profession of nursing has been a significant aspect of many wars. World War II is no exception. World War II and its aftermath saw many changes for the nursing profession. Nursing during the war and nursing today are extremely different. The roles, working conditions, education and socioeconomic factors during the war impacted nurses both during that time period and today. The role of nurses before the start of the war was very different from nursing today. The majority of […]

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Ethical Abyss: Examining the Nazi Medical Experiments during World War 2

The medical experiments carried out by the Nazis throughout World War II are an extremely unsettling period in the annals of medicine and human rights. The Nazi regime's physicians and scientists conducted these experiments, which resulted in the murder, mutilation, and systematic torture of thousands of concentration camp inmates. The purpose and character of these experiments, the ethical transgressions they constituted, and their enduring influence on medical ethics and human rights law are all aspects of this essay that are […]

Could World War 2 have been Prevented? a Scrutiny of Missed Diplomatic Opportunities

The question of whether World War II could have been prevented looms large in history. It leads us to wonder if this devastating conflict was inevitable or if there were ways to avoid it. By examining the critical decisions and key moments that led to the outbreak of the war, we can identify potential paths that might have stopped this catastrophe from occurring. While it's easy to see things clearly in hindsight, exploring these possibilities highlights the importance of diplomacy, […]

Causes and Effects of World War II

World War II, in terms of casualties and actual material destruction, was the most devastating war in human history. It cost a lot of countries a lot of money, a lot of soldiers, and much more. Economies crashed, governments crumbled, and some would even say that for the countries in the Axis Coalition, that they were in worse shape after World War II then they were during the Great Depression World War II left destruction in many countries, but not […]

Was the World War 2 a Continuation of World War 1?

World War II Research and Family Paper, The Second World War was one of the most tragic wars facing us in the 1900s. The Second World War is the continuation of the First World War but at a completely new level. I'll explain an overview of the war and what it was like to live through it in this research paper. The Genesis of World War II There were many things that could be considered to have caused the war, […]

Was World War 2 a Good War: Unraveling the Complex Tapestry of Morality and Change

The phrase "Good War" regularly appears when discussing how complicated World War II was. This term has many different meanings, and while it is evident that it caused unimaginable misery, agony, and loss, there were unquestionable components of the struggle that brought about constructive change. Suffering and loss were undeniable aspects of the conflict that led to positive change. Let's delve into the arguments surrounding characterization. The notion of World War II as the "Good War" has been cemented in […]

How did the Cold War Affect the World Today

This project is going to be about the Cold War affect at that time and today. The author-topic happened in the United States and the Soviet Union and during the mid of the 40's to late 80's. The author argument about a political and economic struggle between the two superpowers, we can describe it as militarism. This topic is essential to the United States Because the United States emerged as the sole superpower in the world and, capitalism beat communism. […]

Women in World War II

Many changes in the United States occurred with the start of World War II. These changes were heavily influenced by society, propaganda, and different kinds of advertising. One major change was the drastic shift of traditionally male jobs being taken over by women as a great number of men went off to fight in the war. This may seem like a step in the right direction for gender equality, but when the war concluded, women were expected to hand their […]

Societal Impacts of World War II on America

On September 1, 1939, World War II began with Germany invading Poland due to Adolf Hitler’s belief that the Aryan race was superior and that the Jews were the cause of all of Europe’s problems at the time, especially Germany. During this war, Franklin D. Roosevelt wanted to remain neutral, but after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the United States joined into the war effort. During 1941 the United States was still trying to recover from the […]

The Aftermath and Effects of World War II on the United States

Despite the overall ending of World War II, the effects of the war brought both positive and negative changes to the United States. These changes included different economic, political, and social aspects that transformed America into all that it is today, and whether or not these changes where positive or negative, both are truly important to the history of the United States of America. According to the textbook, some of the positive changes that World War II brought to the […]

The Impact of African Americans during World War II

The United States was seen as a nation divided by the start of World War II. This division was spurred by race and religion. World War II is known for being a war centered around humanity, prejudice and basic human rights. While the Holocaust, Nazi Germany and Pearl Harbor are popular topics regarding World War II African Americans were ultimately the underdogs of the 1940's. The civil rights movements that followed were direct results of their impact during World War […]

The Allied Powers in World War II

The Allies defeated the Axis in World War II. The Axis were defeated because of various reasons. I believe the Axis lost the war because they were inexperienced and their actions throughout the war were not very smart. The Axis powers simply did not have enough supplies to compete with their enemy. The Allied forces have various supplies that gave them an advantage, things like rubber, cotton, nickel, and even oil. The Allied forces were involved with a lot of […]

Richard Nixon Foreign Policy and Cold War

The Cold War began to come to an end once President Richard Nixon stepped into office. He wanted to take a different approach to the international relations by using diplomacy instead of military action. In 1972, Leonid Brezhnev, the Soviet premier, and Nixon signed the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty. This treaty made both sides agree to halt all nuclear weapons manufacturing. This would then lead to a big step to ending the threat of nuclear war. Even though Nixon had […]

Penicillin during World War II

Humans and bacteria have co-existed for thousands of years. Many people have fallen to bacterial infections secondary to penetrating wounds or from being in proximity to those who are sick. Since ancient times, people have used honey, wine or vinegar on wound dressings, and used heavy metals such as silver or copper for vases to hold water to prevent bacterial growth (Greener, 2012). Also, our bodies naturally develop defenses against the deadly effects of bacteria, but it never seems like […]

Socratic Seminar Slaughterhouse Five

How does the Vonneguts time shifting technique affect the understanding of the novel? Is there any advantage of structuring the slaughter house five in the teleporting manner? There is a linear story that emerges from the time shifting details of the novel. There is the story of Billy,? who makes his own way through time travel across the era of World War 2 toward the Dresden and show the scene of destruction. Whenever we came to the thread of the narrator, […]

Nursing in World War II

Starting in 1939 with Hitler's invasion of Poland, World War II would officially begin its terror among the world. With an increase in need for soldiers, came a rising need for care and nurses (Levine, 2018). Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the United States officially entered this war and eventually brought a plethora of nurses with it (Wilson, 2018). American involvement in World War II had an extreme effect on the profession of nursing including the creation […]

World War i Vs World War II

World War I and World War II were very similar in many ways. Both began because of the clash of political ideologies. For example, there were imperialistic, nationalistic, and militaristic countries both involved in the wars. As they were similar, they also differ in a number of ways; none of the countries fighting in World War I had a dictator whereas World War II had multiple dictators from the same few countries. World War I and II also had differences […]

Post-World War II America

World War II was coming to a close. The United States had played a large part in the war by assisting in the victory of the Allies over the Axis Powers from the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor until the Japanese surrender in the summer of 1945. The U.S. had, at first, expressed the intent to remain neutral in the war - When the WWII first began with Adolf Hitler's invasion of Poland in 1939, America portrayed itself […]

American Society after World War II

According to Wiese (2004), the 20th century history of the United States hinges on the post-world war era. Following the World War II, the U.S faced diverse changes which had both adverse and positive impacts on the American society.it was after this war that several policies and programs were formulated to transform the American society. This essay explores a number of issues that had an impact on the American society following the war. Suburbanization is considered to be among the […]

Adolf Hitler and the Holocaust

Introduction Have you ever visited the holocaust museum? Located in Washington D.C., it is a place were we honor the people who died in the Final Solution . The Final Solution was a plan made by adolf hitler to kill off the jews. German authorities persecuted other groups on political, ideological, and behavioral grounds. Among them were Communists, Socialists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and homosexuals. I wonder what the reality was in that time and place. Adolf hitler The one who started […]

World War Ll in History

Over 6 million jews died all in one period of time. All those people died in the holocaust because of Adolf Hitler and his Nazi group. The Holocaust changed the world forever, and is something we will never forget. Jews and many others had to experience harsh conditions, and the Holocaust made such a huge impact on our world. On the evening of April 20, 1889, at an inn called the Gasthof Zum Pommer in the village of Braunau Am […]

What is it that Made Germany and Japan do such a Terrible Act?

It has been a while since World War II, but the atrocities committed against humans in Germany and Japan are still vivid: human trials, massacres, racial discrimination, bacterial weapons, etc. are all unforgivable crimes committed against the world. So what is it that made Germany and Japan do such a terrible act? What horrible things have they done? First, why are they doing such atrocious things? As the leader of the Nazi Party, Hitler was very hated for the Jews. […]

The Effects that World War i and World War II had on Minority Groups in America

At the beginning of the 1900s, many problems were arising overseas that would eventually lead to the First World War. The expansion of the war happened quickly. Overall, thirty-two nations were involved. Twenty-eight of which were a part of the Associated powers (the Allies). The Allies included the British Empire, France, Serbia, the United States of America, Italy, and Russia. The Central Powers that opposed them were Bulgaria, Austria-Hungary, Germany, and the Ottoman Empire. In the beginning, President Woodrow Wilson […]

The Nature of Crime during World War II

What if crime during wartime is viewed the same as crime in normal times? In Nazi Germany, crime during wartime is seen through a different lens in comparison to crime not during wartime. In The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, Hitler is ruling the Germans with propaganda during World War II, around 1939-1945. During wartime, the nature of crime is atypical because of the circumstantial times that are brought upon them. Liesel and Rudy are only stealing when it is […]

The Holocaust in Two Parts

The beginning of the Holocaust started when WWI ended. Germany lost the war, and Adolf Hitler got furious at Jews, homosexuals, and religious groups like Gypsies, and also, there was a bit of an economic crisis, so he needed to go Thanos and wipe out pretty much half of all Jews, homosexuals, and persecuted religious groups. But before he could do that, he needed to rise to power. HITLER'S RISE TO POWER The roots of Hitler's particularly virulent brand of […]

Eugenics Continued after World War II

Francis Galton first coined the term eugenics as a philosophy to improve humanity by encouraging people with presumed desirable traits to have children, while discouraging those with unwanted' attributes to refrain from reproducing. Galton's theory developed with the assistance of his increasingly famous second cousin, Charles Darwin, and his theory of evolution (Galton). Eugenics theory gained further popularity throughout the 20th century, captivating the attention of medical and government leaders. This lead to the eventual artificial replication of the survival […]

The Backbone of the U.S Navy in World War II

It's 1941, World War II has been going on for three years at this point. The United States is at war with the Japanese forces in the Pacific Ocean and is at a disadvantage. Most of the combat took place either in air-to-air fighter aircraft dogfights or upon carriers. The U.S Navy started the war using F4F Wildcat biplanes as their primary fighter aircraft in 1940. The Wildcat planes were mid-wing biplanes that were powered by a Pratt & Whitney […]

Race and Territorial Conflict in World War II

Individual ethnic groups possess their own beliefs and ways of doing things. Each group can have varying perspectives; however, some of those perspectives can be overlapping. Some of these ethnic groups have very extremist ways of viewing things. With that being said, many conflicts differ in conformity, social perception, and social cognition. Although these groups pull themselves further and further away from diversity, they all have the same wants; the want of territory. These groups are in a fight of […]

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How To Write an Essay About World War 2

Understanding world war 2.

Before starting an essay about World War 2, it's essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the war and its global impact. World War 2, fought from 1939 to 1945, was a global war involving most of the world's nations, including all the great powers, eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. Start by outlining the major causes of the war, such as the rise of fascism in Germany and Italy, Japanese imperialism, and the aftermath of World War 1. Discuss key events of the war, including the invasion of Poland, Pearl Harbor, D-Day, and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Understanding the geopolitical, economic, and social ramifications of the war is crucial for writing a comprehensive essay.

Developing a Thesis Statement

A strong essay on World War 2 should be centered around a clear, concise thesis statement. This statement should present a specific viewpoint or argument about the war. For example, you might analyze the role of technology in World War 2, the impact of the war on civilian populations, or the consequences of the war on the post-war world order. Your thesis will guide the direction of your essay and provide a structured and coherent analysis.

Gathering Historical Evidence

To support your thesis, gather historical evidence from credible sources. This may include primary sources like documents, speeches, and diaries, as well as secondary sources like scholarly articles and history books. Analyze this evidence critically, considering the context and the source's reliability. Use this evidence to build your argument and provide depth to your analysis of World War 2.

Analyzing the Impact of World War 2

Dedicate a section of your essay to analyzing the impact of World War 2. Discuss various aspects, such as the war's influence on international relations, the economy, technological advancements, and the social changes it brought about. Consider both the immediate and long-term effects of the war, and how it shaped the modern world.

Concluding the Essay

Conclude your essay by summarizing the main points of your discussion and restating your thesis in light of the evidence presented. Your conclusion should tie together your analysis and emphasize the significance of World War 2 in shaping global history. You might also want to reflect on the lessons learned from the war and their relevance to contemporary conflicts.

Reviewing and Refining Your Essay

After completing your essay, review and refine it for clarity and coherence. Ensure that your arguments are well-structured and supported by historical evidence. Check for grammatical accuracy and ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to the next. Consider seeking feedback from peers, teachers, or historians to further refine your essay. A well-written essay on World War 2 will not only demonstrate your understanding of this pivotal period in history but also your ability to engage critically with historical narratives.

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Published: Jul 17, 2018

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World War I

By: History.com Editors

Updated: May 10, 2024 | Original: October 29, 2009

"I Have a Rendevous with Death."FRANCE - CIRCA 1916: German troops advancing from their trenches. (Photo by Buyenlarge/Getty Images)

World War I, also known as the Great War, started in 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. His murder catapulted into a war across Europe that lasted until 1918. During the four-year conflict, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire (the Central Powers) fought against Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Romania, Canada, Japan and the United States (the Allied Powers). Thanks to new military technologies and the horrors of trench warfare, World War I saw unprecedented levels of carnage and destruction. By the time the war was over and the Allied Powers had won, more than 16 million people—soldiers and civilians alike—were dead.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Tensions had been brewing throughout Europe—especially in the troubled Balkan region of southeast Europe—for years before World War I actually broke out.

A number of alliances involving European powers, the Ottoman Empire , Russia and other parties had existed for years, but political instability in the Balkans (particularly Bosnia, Serbia and Herzegovina) threatened to destroy these agreements.

The spark that ignited World War I was struck in Sarajevo, Bosnia, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand —heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire—was shot to death along with his wife, Sophie, by the Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip on June 28, 1914. Princip and other nationalists were struggling to end Austro-Hungarian rule over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

world war 2 history essay topics

The Great War

Two-Night Event, The Great War Begins Monday, May 27 at 8/7c and streams the next day

The assassination of Franz Ferdinand set off a rapidly escalating chain of events: Austria-Hungary , like many countries around the world, blamed the Serbian government for the attack and hoped to use the incident as justification for settling the question of Serbian nationalism once and for all.

Kaiser Wilhelm II

Because mighty Russia supported Serbia, Austria-Hungary waited to declare war until its leaders received assurance from German leader Kaiser Wilhelm II that Germany would support their cause. Austro-Hungarian leaders feared that a Russian intervention would involve Russia’s ally, France, and possibly Great Britain as well.

On July 5, Kaiser Wilhelm secretly pledged his support, giving Austria-Hungary a so-called carte blanche, or “blank check” assurance of Germany’s backing in the case of war. The Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary then sent an ultimatum to Serbia, with such harsh terms as to make it almost impossible to accept.

World War I Begins

Convinced that Austria-Hungary was readying for war, the Serbian government ordered the Serbian army to mobilize and appealed to Russia for assistance. On July 28, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, and the tenuous peace between Europe’s great powers quickly collapsed.

Within a week, Russia, Belgium, France, Great Britain and Serbia had lined up against Austria-Hungary and Germany, and World War I had begun.

The Western Front

According to an aggressive military strategy known as the Schlieffen Plan (named for its mastermind, German Field Marshal Alfred von Schlieffen ), Germany began fighting World War I on two fronts, invading France through neutral Belgium in the west and confronting Russia in the east.

On August 4, 1914, German troops crossed the border into Belgium. In the first battle of World War I, the Germans assaulted the heavily fortified city of Liege , using the most powerful weapons in their arsenal—enormous siege cannons—to capture the city by August 15. The Germans left death and destruction in their wake as they advanced through Belgium toward France, shooting civilians and executing a Belgian priest they had accused of inciting civilian resistance. 

First Battle of the Marne

In the First Battle of the Marne , fought from September 6-9, 1914, French and British forces confronted the invading German army, which had by then penetrated deep into northeastern France, within 30 miles of Paris. The Allied troops checked the German advance and mounted a successful counterattack, driving the Germans back to the north of the Aisne River.

The defeat meant the end of German plans for a quick victory in France. Both sides dug into trenches , and the Western Front was the setting for a hellish war of attrition that would last more than three years.

Particularly long and costly battles in this campaign were fought at Verdun (February-December 1916) and the Battle of the Somme (July-November 1916). German and French troops suffered close to a million casualties in the Battle of Verdun alone.

world war 2 history essay topics

HISTORY Vault: World War I Documentaries

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World War I Books and Art

The bloodshed on the battlefields of the Western Front, and the difficulties its soldiers had for years after the fighting had ended, inspired such works of art as “ All Quiet on the Western Front ” by Erich Maria Remarque and “ In Flanders Fields ” by Canadian doctor Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae . In the latter poem, McCrae writes from the perspective of the fallen soldiers:

Published in 1915, the poem inspired the use of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance.

Visual artists like Otto Dix of Germany and British painters Wyndham Lewis, Paul Nash and David Bomberg used their firsthand experience as soldiers in World War I to create their art, capturing the anguish of trench warfare and exploring the themes of technology, violence and landscapes decimated by war.

The Eastern Front

On the Eastern Front of World War I, Russian forces invaded the German-held regions of East Prussia and Poland but were stopped short by German and Austrian forces at the Battle of Tannenberg in late August 1914.

Despite that victory, Russia’s assault forced Germany to move two corps from the Western Front to the Eastern, contributing to the German loss in the Battle of the Marne.

Combined with the fierce Allied resistance in France, the ability of Russia’s huge war machine to mobilize relatively quickly in the east ensured a longer, more grueling conflict instead of the quick victory Germany had hoped to win under the Schlieffen Plan .

Russian Revolution

From 1914 to 1916, Russia’s army mounted several offensives on World War I’s Eastern Front but was unable to break through German lines.

Defeat on the battlefield, combined with economic instability and the scarcity of food and other essentials, led to mounting discontent among the bulk of Russia’s population, especially the poverty-stricken workers and peasants. This increased hostility was directed toward the imperial regime of Czar Nicholas II and his unpopular German-born wife, Alexandra.

Russia’s simmering instability exploded in the Russian Revolution of 1917, spearheaded by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks , which ended czarist rule and brought a halt to Russian participation in World War I.

Russia reached an armistice with the Central Powers in early December 1917, freeing German troops to face the remaining Allies on the Western Front.

America Enters World War I

At the outbreak of fighting in 1914, the United States remained on the sidelines of World War I, adopting the policy of neutrality favored by President Woodrow Wilson while continuing to engage in commerce and shipping with European countries on both sides of the conflict.

Neutrality, however, it was increasingly difficult to maintain in the face of Germany’s unchecked submarine aggression against neutral ships, including those carrying passengers. In 1915, Germany declared the waters surrounding the British Isles to be a war zone, and German U-boats sunk several commercial and passenger vessels, including some U.S. ships.

Widespread protest over the sinking by U-boat of the British ocean liner Lusitania —traveling from New York to Liverpool, England with hundreds of American passengers onboard—in May 1915 helped turn the tide of American public opinion against Germany. In February 1917, Congress passed a $250 million arms appropriations bill intended to make the United States ready for war.

Germany sunk four more U.S. merchant ships the following month, and on April 2 Woodrow Wilson appeared before Congress and called for a declaration of war against Germany.

Gallipoli Campaign

With World War I having effectively settled into a stalemate in Europe, the Allies attempted to score a victory against the Ottoman Empire, which entered the conflict on the side of the Central Powers in late 1914.

After a failed attack on the Dardanelles (the strait linking the Sea of Marmara with the Aegean Sea), Allied forces led by Britain launched a large-scale land invasion of the Gallipoli Peninsula in April 1915. The invasion also proved a dismal failure, and in January 1916 Allied forces staged a full retreat from the shores of the peninsula after suffering 250,000 casualties.

Did you know? The young Winston Churchill, then first lord of the British Admiralty, resigned his command after the failed Gallipoli campaign in 1916, accepting a commission with an infantry battalion in France.

British-led forces also combated the Ottoman Turks in Egypt and Mesopotamia , while in northern Italy, Austrian and Italian troops faced off in a series of 12 battles along the Isonzo River, located at the border between the two nations.

Battle of the Isonzo

The First Battle of the Isonzo took place in the late spring of 1915, soon after Italy’s entrance into the war on the Allied side. In the Twelfth Battle of the Isonzo, also known as the Battle of Caporetto (October 1917), German reinforcements helped Austria-Hungary win a decisive victory.

After Caporetto, Italy’s allies jumped in to offer increased assistance. British and French—and later, American—troops arrived in the region, and the Allies began to take back the Italian Front.

World War I at Sea

In the years before World War I, the superiority of Britain’s Royal Navy was unchallenged by any other nation’s fleet, but the Imperial German Navy had made substantial strides in closing the gap between the two naval powers. Germany’s strength on the high seas was also aided by its lethal fleet of U-boat submarines.

After the Battle of Dogger Bank in January 1915, in which the British mounted a surprise attack on German ships in the North Sea, the German navy chose not to confront Britain’s mighty Royal Navy in a major battle for more than a year, preferring to rest the bulk of its naval strategy on its U-boats.

The biggest naval engagement of World War I, the Battle of Jutland (May 1916) left British naval superiority on the North Sea intact, and Germany would make no further attempts to break an Allied naval blockade for the remainder of the war.

World War I Planes

World War I was the first major conflict to harness the power of planes. Though not as impactful as the British Royal Navy or Germany’s U-boats, the use of planes in World War I presaged their later, pivotal role in military conflicts around the globe.

At the dawn of World War I, aviation was a relatively new field; the Wright brothers took their first sustained flight just eleven years before, in 1903. Aircraft were initially used primarily for reconnaissance missions. During the First Battle of the Marne, information passed from pilots allowed the allies to exploit weak spots in the German lines, helping the Allies to push Germany out of France.

The first machine guns were successfully mounted on planes in June of 1912 in the United States, but were imperfect; if timed incorrectly, a bullet could easily destroy the propeller of the plane it came from. The Morane-Saulnier L, a French plane, provided a solution: The propeller was armored with deflector wedges that prevented bullets from hitting it. The Morane-Saulnier Type L was used by the French, the British Royal Flying Corps (part of the Army), the British Royal Navy Air Service and the Imperial Russian Air Service. The British Bristol Type 22 was another popular model used for both reconnaissance work and as a fighter plane.

Dutch inventor Anthony Fokker improved upon the French deflector system in 1915. His “interrupter” synchronized the firing of the guns with the plane’s propeller to avoid collisions. Though his most popular plane during WWI was the single-seat Fokker Eindecker, Fokker created over 40 kinds of airplanes for the Germans.

The Allies debuted the Handley-Page HP O/400, the first two-engine bomber, in 1915. As aerial technology progressed, long-range heavy bombers like Germany’s Gotha G.V. (first introduced in 1917) were used to strike cities like London. Their speed and maneuverability proved to be far deadlier than Germany’s earlier Zeppelin raids.

By the war’s end, the Allies were producing five times more aircraft than the Germans. On April 1, 1918, the British created the Royal Air Force, or RAF, the first air force to be a separate military branch independent from the navy or army. 

Second Battle of the Marne

With Germany able to build up its strength on the Western Front after the armistice with Russia, Allied troops struggled to hold off another German offensive until promised reinforcements from the United States were able to arrive.

On July 15, 1918, German troops launched what would become the last German offensive of the war, attacking French forces (joined by 85,000 American troops as well as some of the British Expeditionary Force) in the Second Battle of the Marne . The Allies successfully pushed back the German offensive and launched their own counteroffensive just three days later.

After suffering massive casualties, Germany was forced to call off a planned offensive further north, in the Flanders region stretching between France and Belgium, which was envisioned as Germany’s best hope of victory.

The Second Battle of the Marne turned the tide of war decisively towards the Allies, who were able to regain much of France and Belgium in the months that followed.

The Harlem Hellfighters and Other All-Black Regiments

By the time World War I began, there were four all-Black regiments in the U.S. military: the 24th and 25th Infantry and the 9th and 10th Cavalry. All four regiments comprised of celebrated soldiers who fought in the Spanish-American War and American-Indian Wars , and served in the American territories. But they were not deployed for overseas combat in World War I. 

Blacks serving alongside white soldiers on the front lines in Europe was inconceivable to the U.S. military. Instead, the first African American troops sent overseas served in segregated labor battalions, restricted to menial roles in the Army and Navy, and shutout of the Marines, entirely. Their duties mostly included unloading ships, transporting materials from train depots, bases and ports, digging trenches, cooking and maintenance, removing barbed wire and inoperable equipment, and burying soldiers.

Facing criticism from the Black community and civil rights organizations for its quotas and treatment of African American soldiers in the war effort, the military formed two Black combat units in 1917, the 92nd and 93rd Divisions . Trained separately and inadequately in the United States, the divisions fared differently in the war. The 92nd faced criticism for their performance in the Meuse-Argonne campaign in September 1918. The 93rd Division, however, had more success. 

With dwindling armies, France asked America for reinforcements, and General John Pershing , commander of the American Expeditionary Forces, sent regiments in the 93 Division to over, since France had experience fighting alongside Black soldiers from their Senegalese French Colonial army. The 93 Division’s 369 regiment, nicknamed the Harlem Hellfighters , fought so gallantly, with a total of 191 days on the front lines, longer than any AEF regiment, that France awarded them the Croix de Guerre for their heroism. More than 350,000 African American soldiers would serve in World War I in various capacities.

Toward Armistice

By the fall of 1918, the Central Powers were unraveling on all fronts.

Despite the Turkish victory at Gallipoli, later defeats by invading forces and an Arab revolt that destroyed the Ottoman economy and devastated its land, and the Turks signed a treaty with the Allies in late October 1918.

Austria-Hungary, dissolving from within due to growing nationalist movements among its diverse population, reached an armistice on November 4. Facing dwindling resources on the battlefield, discontent on the homefront and the surrender of its allies, Germany was finally forced to seek an armistice on November 11, 1918, ending World War I.

Treaty of Versailles

At the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, Allied leaders stated their desire to build a post-war world that would safeguard itself against future conflicts of such a devastating scale.

Some hopeful participants had even begun calling World War I “the War to End All Wars.” But the Treaty of Versailles , signed on June 28, 1919, would not achieve that lofty goal.

Saddled with war guilt, heavy reparations and denied entrance into the League of Nations , Germany felt tricked into signing the treaty, having believed any peace would be a “peace without victory,” as put forward by President Wilson in his famous Fourteen Points speech of January 1918.

As the years passed, hatred of the Versailles treaty and its authors settled into a smoldering resentment in Germany that would, two decades later, be counted among the causes of World War II .

World War I Casualties

World War I took the lives of more than 9 million soldiers; 21 million more were wounded. Civilian casualties numbered close to 10 million. The two nations most affected were Germany and France, each of which sent some 80 percent of their male populations between the ages of 15 and 49 into battle.

The political disruption surrounding World War I also contributed to the fall of four venerable imperial dynasties: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia and Turkey.

Legacy of World War I

World War I brought about massive social upheaval, as millions of women entered the workforce to replace men who went to war and those who never came back. The first global war also helped to spread one of the world’s deadliest global pandemics, the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918, which killed an estimated 20 to 50 million people.

World War I has also been referred to as “the first modern war.” Many of the technologies now associated with military conflict—machine guns, tanks , aerial combat and radio communications—were introduced on a massive scale during World War I.

The severe effects that chemical weapons such as mustard gas and phosgene had on soldiers and civilians during World War I galvanized public and military attitudes against their continued use. The Geneva Convention agreements, signed in 1925, restricted the use of chemical and biological agents in warfare and remain in effect today.

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165 World War 1 Topics for Essays with Examples

Looking for good World War 1 topics to write about? This area of study is exciting, controversial, and worth analysing!

  • 🔝 Top 10 WW1 Topics to Write about
  • 📝 WW1 Essay: How to Write
  • 🏆 Best WW1 Essay Topics & Examples

💡 Good Essay Topics on WW1

  • 🔎 Interesting Topics to Write about WW1
  • ⭐ WW1 Research Topics
  • 📃 Simple & Easy WW1 Essay Titles
  • ❓ WW1 Essay Questions

In your WW1 essay, you might want to focus on the causes of the conflict, its participants, or answer the question of who started the First World War. In this article, we’ve gathered 139 WW1 ideas that you can use in any project, presentation, or even debate. There are also great World War 1 essay examples to inspire you even more.

🔝 Top 10 World War 1 Topics to Write about

  • Causes of World War I
  • Political and military alliances before the WWI
  • Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand as the starting point of WW1
  • Naval warfare of World War I
  • Ottoman Empire in World War 1
  • The role of technology in World War 1
  • The use of chemical weapons in WWI
  • The most cruel war crimes of WW1
  • Armenian genocide as a part of World War 1
  • The effects and consequences of WW1

📝 World War 1 Essay: How to Write

With over 60 million people mobilized and involving countries all around the world, any World War 1 Essay is bound to touch upon a wide variety of topics.

The mechanics behind the start of the war, its process, and results all interconnect, which may make the subject seem hard to understand and harder to outline.

However, navigating your way around World War 1 essay questions is only a matter of taking note of a few cornerstone historical processes.

Before You Start Your Outline

Do some research on your assigned issue. The more books and journals you peruse, the more aware of your subject you will be. You will not use all of them, but you will form an understanding of which titles your essay needs.

As you continue your research, start compiling your bibliography, which will be the backbone of your essay’s credibility. World War 1 is a highly historiographical event, and you will be sure to find a wide variety of literature on it on the internet.

Write down some essential terms and think about how they relate to your essay. Imperialism, nationalism, the Versailles treaty are good starter examples of omnipresent processes and results of World War 1. Doing so may help you give your essay a new, previously explored perspective.

Structuring your Thoughts into an Essay Outline

After you have finished with your sources and key terms, think about how you can split your main theme into subtopics.

Even if your essay is a single page, doing so will allow you to divide your ideas evenly between paragraphs. If it is on the longer side, think about including subheadings in your work.

This action gives your essay a more rigid structure that is easy to read. Additionally, now is the time to think about your essay’s title. World War 1 essay titles should reflect your stance as the writer and hint at the conclusion that you will draw.

You may feel like your outlined subheadings are overlapping, making your essay seem messy. In this case, find and read a World War 1 essay sample. Plagiarism is a severe academic offense, but getting inspired by someone else’s work, while giving credit, is not.

Beginning to Write

You should try to start your essay with something that attracts the attention of your readers. This World War 1 essay hook can be a fact or an intriguing explanation of a process central to your topic. Then, in this paragraph:

  • Give your readers a brief overview of the events that are relevant to your essay;
  • Hint at your intent, explain your methods and make your point of view clear;
  • Make sure your readers are aware of what problems you will touch upon;
  • Create a working thesis statement that will be your guideline throughout your work.

Each paragraph you include should link back to your thesis statement. Always be sure to ask yourself when writing:

  • Does this further my argument?
  • Can my facts be used against me? How can I fix that?
  • Is there a different perspective on this issue?
  • Could I remove this without hurting the quality of my essay?
  • Is my structure reflective of the problem it is covering? What can I do better?

Remember that a good structure reflects the amount of effort you put into your work. Need a sample to get inspired? Head over to IvyPanda!

🏆 Best World War 1 Essay Topics & Examples

  • First World War: Causes and Effects This later led to the entry of countries allied to Serbia into the war so as to protect their partners. In conclusion, the First World War led to the loss of many lives.
  • Positive and Negative Effects of WW1 on Canada: Essay Nonetheless, the war led to great negative impacts such as loss of lives, economic downtrend, and the generation of tensions involving the Francophones and Anglophones who disagreed after the emergence of the notion of conscription.
  • American Dream After World War I People lost vision of what this dream was supposed to mean and it became a dream, not of the vestal and industrious, but of the corrupt coterie, hence corrupting the dream itself.
  • Total War of World War I The paper will demonstrate that the First World War was a total war since it bore most the hallmark characteristics of the total war including unlimited warfare, prioritization of armament efforts, involvement of the civilian […]
  • Effects of the Industrial Revolution in Relation to World War I During the last period of the 19th century all the way to the early 20th century, Europe and America experienced revolutions in communication, transportation and weapons which were very crucial particularly in the manner in […]
  • World War I Technology Although the question of the origins of the Great War is highly debated, and although this war is considered by many as the beginning of a new stage in history and the real starting point […]
  • Causes of WWI and WWII: Comparing and Contrasting In the following paper, Kenneth Waltz’s levels of analysis will be used for the comparison and contrast of causes of WWI and WWII. The second similarity refers to the distribution of power and the division […]
  • Ernest Hemingway’s Personality and His Reflections on WWI The events of World War I and Hemmingway’s personal experiences seemed to have an impact on his writings as he sought to establish himself alongside great writers in the Lost Generation, thus portraying his sensitivity.
  • Federal Government Expansion During World War I The period between 1914 and 1918 was marked by the increased role of the federal government in the United States and the dramatic expansion of its bureaucracies.
  • America’s Involvement in World War I The issues that led to America’s involvement in this were the German’s resumption of unexpected submarine attacks and the Zimmerman telegram.
  • The Aftermath of World War I for Germany In spite of the fact that Germany was one of the most powerful European states before the war’s start in 1914, World War I led to the political, economic, and social decline in the country […]
  • Aboriginal Soldiers in the World War I and II Additionally, the paper will argue that the role and experiences of Aboriginal soldiers and the manner in which they have been overshadowed by other significant events in Australian history.
  • The Causes and Effects of World War I To this end, the Commission on the Responsibility of the Authors of the War and the Enforcement of Penalties met in Paris in 1919. It is impossible to name a single reason for the initiation […]
  • Effects of World War I on the Development of Modern Art For the artists and most of the people in Europe, the time that preceded the World War I, the actual war period and the aftermath of the was presented a period of profound disillusionment 13.
  • World War 1 Origins (How and Why the War Started) William Anthony Hay claims that according to McMeekin, a tutor of international relations, “The war’s real catalyst lay in Russia’s ambition to supplant the waning Ottoman Empire in the Near East and to control the […]
  • Events Leading Up to WWI This move also contributed to the start of the conflict and eventually to the war. This decision was vehemently opposed by the Slavs, which saw Russia come to the aid of Serbia while on the […]
  • The Progressive Era and World War I To achieve the intended goals, many progressives began by exposing the major evils and challenges that were affecting the United States towards the end of the 19th century.
  • Life of Soldiers During the World War I In this paper, we are going to discuss how the World War I affected live of people and what was the life of soldiers and civilians serving and living on the frontlines.
  • Eastman Kodak Company and Fujifilm The Eastman Kodak Company has been focusing on photography and has currently added the use of technology in combining images and information in order to alter the ways through which businesses and people communicate.
  • The Progressive Movement and the American Entry Into World War I The motivations of the progressive movement were complex and varied, but they all sought to improve the lives of the people of the United States.
  • World War I as the Catastrophe of the 20th Century There were increased cataclysms in Europe over time; for instance, the war laid a foundation for the rise of Hitler and increased the influence of the Nazism ideology.
  • World War I: American Policy of Neutrality Even though the people of America were shocked and firmly against involvement in the war, the US president thought of the crisis as a turning point that could significantly change America’s place in the world.
  • Economic Causes of World War I As of 1860, the American South was generating 75% of the world’s cotton due to the institution of slavery on the part of its wealthy farmers.
  • The Role of Canada in World War I The beginning of the war was marked by great losses in the field and in the economy of the state. By the war’s end, Canada had shown itself as a great power, which allowed the […]
  • America’s Progressive Era and World War I This paper will outline the events leading to America’s entrance into the war, the obstacles faced by the U.S.military, and the role of American women and minorities.
  • The Entry of the United States Into World War I The United States is believed to have entered the war after sinking the American liner Lusitania by a German submarine in 1915. Due to the competent actions of President W.
  • Role the United States of America in the World War I The main result of the battle was the victory of the Entente and the collapse of the four largest empires: the Russian, Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, and German.
  • Impact of World War I on the American Army Some of the major strategies include the use of airplanes in the field of battle, employing armored vehicles, and electronic communication.
  • The United States Priorities Following World War I Gentile, Linick, and Shurkin single out four important periods in the evolution of the US army: Constitutional moorings and the 19th century, the Spanish-American War to Total War, and the Korean War to Total Force […]
  • Biggest Influence on the US Involvement in World War I Although a combination of factors including trade alliances and the interception of the Zimmerman note encouraged the decision to join the fray, Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare was the biggest reason for the US involvement.
  • Nationalism in Europe Before WWI This movement was the result of effective propaganda and an aggressive policy aimed at the redistribution of territories and the seizure of power.
  • Factors Leading to the Termination of World War I However, the deliberate humiliation of the German leadership at the hand of the Allied forces perpetrated through the signing of the “war guilt clause” indicates that the reason for the Allied forces was not solely […]
  • World War I Causes by Ethnic Problems in Austro-Hungary The presence of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne in the said maneuvers was the perfect opportunity. After the capture of Gavrilo Princip it was time for the Austro-Hungarian Empire to react and teach the […]
  • World War I: Medias of Propaganda in the U.S. Posters of World War 1 presented a different style of propaganda because of the war time effort of U S government.
  • America Changes After World War I Among the various changes underwent by America during their recovery period in the 1920s were changes in culture, economy as well as in the workforce.
  • America in World War I One of the events that led America into the First World War was when a liner belonging to the British was sunk by the U-boat belonging to Germans.
  • The Nature of the Fighting in World War I and World War II So, the results of this war were awful, but still, speaking about the losses of the World War II, it can be said, that it was the bloodiest conflict in human history. The most obvious […]
  • Treaty of Versailles History: The Pact of Peace After WWI The differences among the winners of the war, later on, led to the emergence of more conflicts simply because Germany was not fully weakened; it is believed that the conflicts between these nations were the […]
  • The Wars Between 1815 and WWI in Europe Tsar Nicholas moved into Moldavia and Wallachia and secret accords with the Austrian and British governments for the disposition of the Ottoman empire were formulated in 1844 in London.
  • World War I Within the Context of Military Revolution The main peculiarity of the World War I is the advent of the so-called “three-dimensional conflict”, which means that the combat is held also in the air.
  • Life Before World War I and Life of Soldiers in Trenches The future of these Habsburg domains, assembled over the centuries by marriage, purchase and conquest, was the subject of endless coffee-table speculation, but the subsequent demise of the monarchy should not necessarily encourage the notion […]
  • Great Depression of Canada and Conscription During World War I in Canada Due to the depression in the United States, the people across the border were not able to buy the wheat produced and cultivated in Canada and as a result, the exports declined.
  • Anti-War Movement DADA Vs. Propaganda Posters of WWI In relation to the causes of the WWI, these can considered as pertinent specifically on the basis that the reasons can be related to the type of society that is present during the said era.
  • Leadership in the World War I Environment Military leadership is the process of influencing others to accomplish the mission by providing purpose, direction, and motivation and the basic responsibilities of a leader are the accomplishments of the mission and the welfare of […]
  • World War 1 and Technological Improvement The was sparked by the assassination of the Heir to the Austrian throne, Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian nationalist, Gavrilo Princip on June 28th, 1914.
  • The Battle of Verdun: World War One The choice of Verdun as the center of interest by the Germans was not very effective because the French men lost faith in the fortresses and the need to defend them.
  • Imperialist Global Order After World War I Thus, the general trend of the after-war years was the dismantling of multiethnic empires and the establishment of new nation-states. However, World War I also created new challenges to the existing hierarchies of wealth and […]
  • Soccer Influence on Sociopolitical Aspects of WWI During this period, many footballers and athletes were tempted or encouraged to join the militaries of their respective countries and become part of the ongoing war.
  • Idealist Philosophy After World War I Although I disagree with the philosophy of idealism, it is a fact that it managed to create a better world following the events of World War I.
  • World War I and Its Outbreak Causes Some of the events that influenced the eruption of World War I include the Franco-Prussian war, the Moroccan crisis, the Balkan wars, and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand from Austria.
  • World War I and Battle of Vimy Ridge for Canadians If the authors of the required readings gathered for a discussion of the First World War and Vimy Ridge, they would be likely to agree and disagree with one another on some points.
  • Aftermath of the WWI The source concludes that the provisions of the treaty were unfavorable to the government and the people of Germany, something that forced the country’s leaders to respond with militarization of the state.
  • Trucial States’ History From World War I to the 1960s During the decline of the pearling industry, the British were highly vigilant to sustain the existing regional trend of alienation amongst leaders and the people.
  • World War I and Its Aftermath In 1930, Hitler’s ambitions and the rise of Nazism was boosted by president’s declaration that the state was to be ruled autocratically.
  • American Experiences in World War I: Radio Broadcast There was a heated debate in the American society concerning the county’s involvement in the Great War, and President Wilson was heavily criticized not only for the fact of entering the war but also for […]
  • World War I and the 1920s In this case, American citizens went from industry workers and soldiers during the World War I to the explorers, who discover different forms of entertainment in the 1920s because of stabilization of the politics in […]

🔎 Interesting Topics to Write about World War 1

  • World War I, Its Origin and Allies Many researchers consider the assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, in June 1914 in Sarajevo to be the reason for the start of World War I.
  • World War I for Americans: Before and After It is important to say that lower classes had to deal with the biggest number of issues, and they have suffered the most.
  • France Before World War I and After World War II To overcome the negative consequences of the Franco-Prussian War, France needed to focus on new perspectives for the state’s economic and political development, and such an approach could provide the state with the necessary resources […]
  • Pozieres Battle in World War I on Western Front The battle for the village of Pozieres was one of the deadliest and most remarkable for the Australian troops which took part in the First World War.
  • Native Americans Role in World War I Most of the students who went to schools away from the reserves came to the realization that they were, ‘first Americans and then indians second.’3 The schools also taught patriotic songs as well as observation […]
  • American History From Reconstruction to World War I However, despite the popular opinion of the individual initiative of the first settlers, the federal government played a great role in facilitating the settlement of the West.
  • America & World War I The three years have been used to argue that the US was unwilling to enter the war; that the US was neutral as Woodrow Wilson had declared.
  • From World War One to Globalization Even though the First World War shook Europe to the core, the combination of the first and the Second World War created a three world order, modeled along three rival political affiliations.
  • How the Federal Bureaucracy Expanded During WWI? The role of the bureaucracy was expansive during the war since the state was expected to provide many services to the citizens, something that led to the formulation of stronger rules and regulations to guide […]
  • The Expansion of Federal Bureaucracy During WWI With these, a number of government agencies were created during the WWI particularly when it emerged that there was a need to regulate or control industrial sector as well as the call for the US […]
  • Role of Civilian Population in World War I Not only did the war encouraged people to join their forces in order to fight the enemy, but also affected their perception of the state’s key political processes raising political engagement rates among population, WWI […]
  • WWI: Germany’s Secret Gambles The “interception of the German arms shipment by the Royal Navy” led to the quick suppression of the Eastern uprising and execution of key leaders of the Irish Republicans.
  • The Second Battlefield: Women, Modernism, and the First World War The first theme is the connection of writings of women on the subject of the First World War and the modernism theoretical constructs.
  • The Book “The First World War” by John Keegan However, the emergence of the bill of the right to people’s life across the globe is owed to the occurrence of the First and the Second World War.
  • Watching the World Fall Apart: A Post-WWI Vision of the World in the Works of Otto Dix, Max Beckmann and George Grosz While it is quite understandable that at the current stage of the development of humankind, some conflicts still have to be resolved with the use of coercive methods, war as a massive homicide still remains […]
  • First World War and Germany In particular, the author is more concerned with giving the effects of the war on the German people, unlike other authors who generalize the effects of the war.
  • Ernist Junger’s World War I Experiences When the Storm of Steel was published, it became a favorite in Germany since it adored the greatness of war and the huge sacrifices made by the Germany warriors to end the war victoriously.
  • World War I Technological Advancements World War I saw the application of several new technologies to the battlefield, the most important being that of the internal combustion engine, which permitted the development of the first successful mechanized armored fighting vehicles1.
  • The First World War and the Russian Revolution Scholars argue that Russia’s involvement in the First World War and the economic consequences are the primary causes of the revolution.
  • United States and World War I The paper further gives an in-depth analysis of how the Germans waged war against the European countries and the circumstances that forced the United States to abandon its neutrality to take part in the Great […]
  • WWI-War: Revolution, and Reconstruction In as much as soldiers and civilians garnered experience during WWI, it is imperative to acknowledge that the unsuitable environment at the forefront led to deterioration of health standards; furthermore, civilians were forced to live […]
  • The Causes of the First World War In his description of the war, it is clear that Europe played a key role towards the formation of the war alliances.
  • The Role of Airplanes During World War I (1914-1918) The government further formed a consultative ‘Aircraft Production Board’ that was made up of members of the Army, Navy, as well as the sector to assess the Europeans’ fortunes in aircraft sector in a bid […]
  • The World War I The war brought to the fore various issues which had been in the air in the end of the nineteenth century and in the beginning of the twentieth century.
  • Importance of Accountability: World War I It is clear from the beginning of this article, that the statistics on the World War I causalities indicates that the Germans suffered fewer casualties compared to their western counterparts, who are the French and […]
  • America and Democracy, at Home and Abroad, During and Just After the First World War Democracy is a kind of regime in which all eligible citizens are allowed to contribute to the decisions of the state.
  • Causes and Consequences of World War 1 In social and economic cycles, the interaction of the whites and Blacks was controlled by the laws that neither of the groups was allowed to cross the other party’s path.
  • Changes in the Middle East After the World War I The involvement in the war by the countries from the Middle East not only led to loss of power but also spurred the economic decline and created social problems.

⭐ World War 1 Research Topics

  • Industrialization and Competition for Resources Which Led to the First World War
  • Factors That Made the First World War Unique
  • Identify and Evaluate Two Main Themes That Have Defined Management Thought Since the End of the First World War.
  • The Events and Results of the First World War I
  • Terrible Beauty: Music and Writing of the First World War
  • Liberal Democracy and Capitalism After World War 1
  • European Politics and the Impact of French Foreign Policy Before the First World War
  • Chemical Warfare During the First World War
  • The First World War and Russian Revolution
  • European Diplomacy and the First World War
  • With What Justification Can World War 1 Be Called a Total War
  • The Catalyst for the First World War
  • The Reasons for the Economic Prosperity in America After the First World War
  • Events Leading for the First World War
  • Imperialistic Rivalries and the Road to the First World War
  • Shaping the American Dream, Defining Success From the First World War to Present
  • Austro-Serbian Relations Provoked the First World War
  • America and the First World War
  • The Purpose and Intent of the League of Nations After the First World War
  • The First World War Impact on Australian Economy
  • The Long Term and Short Term Causes of World War 1

📃 Simple & Easy World War 1 Essay Titles

  • European Goods Market Integration in the Very Long Run: From the Black Death to the First World War
  • The Reasons for the American Support for the Involvement in the First World War
  • Military Technology During the First World War
  • German Foreign Policy and the Impact of Nationalism on It Before the First World War
  • The American Foreign Policy After the First World War
  • The Economic, Social, and Political Impact of the First World War on Eur
  • Technological Advancements During the First World War
  • The World Before the First World War According to Barbara Tuchman
  • The Effects That the First World War Had on Many People
  • The Effective Weapons Used in the First World War
  • Women’s Work During the First World War
  • Diplomatic Crises: The First World War and the Cuban Missile Crisis
  • The First World War Changed the Way People Thought About War and Patriotism
  • Gender Roles During the First World War
  • The Reasons for the Outbreak of the First World War
  • Australia’s Economic and Military Contribution in the First World War
  • The First World War: A New Era of Military Conflict
  • German Propaganda During the First World War
  • Analyzing Propaganda During World War 1
  • Britain During the First World War and the Social and Welfare Reforms

❓ World War 1 Essay Questions

  • How Important Was the Entry of the U.S. Into the First World War?
  • Was the First World War a Total War?
  • What Effect Did the First World War Have on Germany?
  • How Significant Was the First World War?
  • In What Ways Were People’s Lives at Home Affected by the First World War?
  • The Russian Revolution Us a Direct Result of the First World War
  • How Did Medical Care Change During the First World War?
  • How the First World War Created Modern America?
  • Was the First World War the Cause of the February Revolution in Russia?
  • Was the First World War Inevitable?
  • How Did the First World War Change the Role of Women?
  • How Industrialization Powered the First World War?
  • Why Did the First World War Last So Long?
  • How Far Was the First World War Responsible for the Growth of the Labour Party and the Decline of the Liberal Party?
  • Why Did the United States Entry Into World War 1?
  • How Did the United States Prepare to Fight for the First World War?
  • How Did the First World War Set the Global Stage for the Second World War?
  • Why Did World War 1 End So Quickly After the Years of Stalemate?
  • Why Did the First World War End When It Did?
  • How Did the First World War Affect Britain Society?
  • How Did Women Affected World War 1?
  • How Did Imperialism Cause World War 1?
  • How the First World War Impacted the Homefronts of Participating Nations?
  • Was the Alliance System the Main Cause of the First World War?
  • How Did the Middle East Change as a Result of World War 1?
  • Why Did the Ottomans Enter the First World War?
  • Why Did Germany Lose the First World War?
  • What Was the Most Important Cause of the First World War?
  • How Did the Allies Win World War 1?
  • Why Did Some Men Oppose Women’s Employment in the Industry During the First World War?
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, March 2). 165 World War 1 Topics for Essays with Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/world-war-1-essay-examples/

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IvyPanda . "165 World War 1 Topics for Essays with Examples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/world-war-1-essay-examples/.

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IMAGES

  1. Chapter 2 Ap World History Summary (500 Words)

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  2. An Analysis of a World War II Issue Essay Example

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  3. World War 2 Essay

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  4. World War II Issues Essay Example

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  5. World War Two Essay

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  6. World war 2 essay example. World War II: [Essay Example], 1360 words

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VIDEO

  1. "world War II: From Start To Finish

  2. World War II: Test Your Knowledge! #worldwar2 #history #shorts

  3. Exploring world war 2 history #history #worldwar #ww1 #hitler

  4. What if Nazis won World War ll? #shorts #history

  5. WW2

  6. Interesting Stories about World War II

COMMENTS

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  5. World War 2 Essay Topics: 50+ Ideas and Examples for Your Paper

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  9. World War II

    World War II was a conflict that involved virtually every part of the world during 1939-45. The main combatants were the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) and the Allies (France, Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union, and China). It was the bloodiest conflict, as well as the largest war, in human history.

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  12. 80 Best World War 2 Essay Topics [2024 Updated]

    10 Most Interesting Essay Topics World War 2. The Enigma Code: Analyzing the Role of Codebreaking in World War II and its Impact on Allied Victory. The Harlem Hellfighters: Examining the Contributions and Challenges Faced by African-American Soldiers in World War II.

  13. World War II: Causes and Timeline

    World War II. World War II was the biggest and deadliest war in history, involving more than 30 countries. Sparked by the 1939 Nazi invasion of Poland, the war dragged on for six bloody years ...

  14. World War 2 Essay: Outline + 100 WW2 Research Topics

    Cover the Themes of Atrocity and War-Crimes in the World War 2 Essay. Acts of genocides and atrocity against civil population occurred in such countries as Japan, the Soviet Union, and Germany. Some of them were so horrific and immense that they changed the psyche of many people and different nations.

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  16. World War II Essays

    World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the majority of the world's nations, including all of the great powers, eventually forming two opposing military alliances—the Allies and the Axis Powers. The war saw unprecedented levels of destruction and loss of life due to strategic bombing campaigns, mass ...

  17. World War 2 Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

    87 essay samples found. World War 2, spanning from 1939 to 1945, was a cataclysmic event that reshaped the global political and social landscape. Essays might delve into the origins of the war, exploring the political tensions, territorial ambitions, and ideological divides that fueled the conflict. The discourse might extend to the notable ...

  18. World War II: [Essay Example], 1360 words GradesFixer

    World War Ii. World War II also known as the Second World War, was a global war that lasted from September 1, 1939 to September 2, 1945. The war conflicts began earlier, it involved the vast majority of the world's countries. They formed two opposing military alliances, the Allies and the Axis. It was the most widespread war in history, and ...

  19. Causes of World War II Essay Topics

    World War II was a major conflict fought in Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific from 1939-1945. The essay topics in this lesson are designed to help your students explore the short-term and long ...

  20. Investigating the Impact of World War II A Multifaceted Assignment

    Discuss the ongoing significance of World War II in shaping the world we live in today. Evaluation Criteria: Depth of research and analysis. Clarity and organization of written and oral presentations. Creativity and originality of the creative project. Critical thinking and reflection demonstrated in the reflective essay. Active participation in group discussions and engagement with classmates ...

  21. World War I: Summary, Causes & Facts

    World War I began in 1914, after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and lasted until 1918. During the conflict, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire (the Central ...

  22. 165 World War 1 Topics for Essays with Examples

    Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand as the starting point of WW1. Naval warfare of World War I. Ottoman Empire in World War 1. The role of technology in World War 1. The use of chemical weapons in WWI. The most cruel war crimes of WW1. Armenian genocide as a part of World War 1.