Who Won World War II: An Analysis of Contributions and Perspectives

Introduction

The question of who exactly won World War II remains a subject of discussion and national pride in many countries. While historically and legally, victory is attributed to the anti-Hitler coalition, the perception of this event varies depending on the country and cultural context.

The Anti-Hitler Coalition

World War II ended on September 2, 1945, following Japan's surrender, although combat operations in Europe ceased on May 8, 1945. The anti-Hitler coalition, which included the USSR, USA, UK, and over 50 other countries, played a crucial role in the victory over the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, Japan).

- The USSR: The Soviet Union arguably made the most significant contribution to the military efforts against Germany, especially on the Eastern Front. The USSR's contribution to defeating Nazism was monumental, including pivotal battles like Stalingrad and Kursk. In the Soviet Union, the victory over fascism is perceived as a national achievement, highlighted in educational programs and Victory Day celebrations.

- The USA: The United States joined the war in 1941 after the attack on Pearl Harbor and provided substantial aid through the Lend-Lease program, significantly supporting the Soviet economy and war efforts. The U.S. also played a decisive role in the Pacific Theater, where American forces decisively defeated the Japanese navy and ground forces, leading to the end of the war with Japan.

- The UK and France: The UK's contribution included key moments like the Battle of Britain, which thwarted a German invasion. France, although occupied, continued to fight through the Resistance movement and later through Free France.

National Perceptions of Victory

- In Russia: In Russia and other former USSR countries, the victory in the war is seen as exclusively Soviet, despite the coalition participation. This perception is reinforced by the enormous losses and heroic efforts of Soviet troops and civilians. Many Russians are proud of the USSR's role in the victory, seeing it as a source of national identity and pride.

- In the USA: In the United States, while the contributions of allies are acknowledged, there is often an emphasis on the country's own role in the war, especially in the context of the Pacific Theater and the economic victory through Lend-Lease. Americans also frequently highlight their role in ending the war with Japan, including the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

- In Europe and other countries: In the UK, the nation's resilience during the bombings and the role in holding back the Nazis before the U.S. joined is emphasized. In other European countries, especially those that were occupied, the memory of the war includes both pride in participating in the Resistance and awareness of the suffering from occupation.

Conclusion

The victory in World War II was a collective achievement of the anti-Hitler coalition, where each participant made a unique contribution. However, differences in the perception of this victory reflect national identities, historical narratives, and cultural nuances. It's important to recognize that without the combined efforts of all allies, victory would have been unattainable.

Understanding this contribution should foster international peace and cooperation, emphasizing that global challenges require unity of effort, not competition for historical supremacy.