Consequences of the Second World War and their effects on today’s generations (Essay Sample)

Consequences of the Second World War and their effects on today’s generations Name Institutional Affiliation Course Instructor Date Consequences of the Second World War and their effects on today’s generations The Second World War is considered the most widespread war in history because it involved over thirty countries. It started after Adolf Hitler invaded Poland in 1939 and ended in 1945 after the defeat of Japan and Nazi Germany. The war led to the loss of over fifty million lives across the globe, women empowerment, the emergence of the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics as the superpowers, formation of the United Nations, the cold war and notable technological progress. Although the war ended over 70 years ago, consequences such as women empowerment and significant scientific and technological advances are still felt by today’s generations. The war led to women empowerment. During the war, men were drafted by their respective countries to serve in the armies. Before the war, men dominated the farms, offices, and factories. Recruiting men to serve in armies created a vacuum which was filled by women although most of them had never worked before. The women who filled the gap gained a strong sense of independence and developed self-confidence. When the war ended, and men returned home, women were not willing to give up their jobs; most women enjoyed making their living and minimizing dependence on their sons or husbands or brothers for money; governments were forced to allow women to work and enhance equality in pay (Plowright, 2006). Notable technological and scientific progress was made during the Second World War. During the war, different countries developed different technological war techniques with the hope of winning the war, for instance, the English developed radar. The radar later became the forerunner of television. Secondly, the American and European scientists developed atomic bombs during the war which marked the genesis of nuclear power industry in the world. During the war, the technology used in availing penicillin to millions of people was developed to help control syphilis and gonorrhea (Ross, 2003). In today’s generation, women empowerment and notable technological and scientific progress are still felt. Several countries have developed nuclear weapons, for instance, North Korea and Russia among others which are likely to shape future wars. Furthermore, several technology companies such as Apple and Samsung have emerged and designed some of the most sophisticated gadgets such as iPhones and Android phones. The technology used to produce more penicillin during the world became the precursor for antibiotics used by today’s generations to control simple infections. On the other hand, women empowerment is a matter of importance in the modern world. It has led to countries such as the United States and Britain promoting laws prote...