How did World War II affect civilians around the world?

Question

Elena Arenas · Accepted Answer

I would divide these effects into two main categories:

The effects of the fighting during WWII on the civilians could be summarized as follows:

1) Direct: these are the effects of bombing, shelling and direct occupation of cities and towns. In this case civilians were subjected to direct life threatening actions resulting in casualties (dead and wounded). Examples are: the carpet/fire bombings of towns such as Dresden, Tokyo or Coventry including the two nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; the shelling of civilians areas for military purposes such as at Stalingrad, Manila in the Philippines or Monte Cassino in Italy; retaliation from occupation forces against partisans' attacks or racial motivated persecution such as the deportation and extermination of Jews in the concentration camps or the slaughtering of Chines civilians at Nanking.

2) Indirect: displacement of a great number of civilians (millions) due to invasions, occupations and deportation; we can remember the inhabitants of East Prussia and of the eastern parts of Germany escaping from the Red Army soldiers and the civilians eradicated from their countries and sent to Germany to work or in concentraton camps.
Destruction of houses, factories, railways and in general all kind of infrastructures needed to get food, shelter, sanitation and jobs; these destructions affected the civilians in a specific hard way because as a consequence they weren't able to obtain the necessary means to survive (considering that most of the goods/supplies were diverted to the army leaving the civilians, in particular in the cities, without food or medicines).

Apart for the ones I reported here there might be many other effects I am not aware of. For sure the civilians suffered the most in WWII.

Dominic Anderson · Answer

undefined World War II had profound effects on civilians around the world. Some of the major impacts include:

1. **Casualties and Loss of Life:** World War II resulted in a staggering loss of life, with millions of civilians killed directly or indirectly due to the conflict. Bombings, military campaigns, and atrocities led to widespread devastation and loss of life across various regions.

2. **Displacement and Refugees:** Millions of civilians were displaced from their homes due to the war, either forcibly by military actions or voluntarily to escape the conflict zones. This displacement led to the creation of vast numbers of refugees who faced hardships, including lack of shelter, food, and medical care.

3. **Economic Hardships:** The war caused significant economic disruptions worldwide. Civilian economies were strained due to mobilization efforts, resource shortages, and destruction of infrastructure. Rationing of essential goods became common in many countries, leading to hardships and sacrifices for civilians.

4. **Psychological Trauma:** The war inflicted deep psychological scars on civilians, including survivors of bombings, those subjected to occupation, and victims of persecution and atrocities. The trauma experienced during the war had long-lasting effects on individuals and communities, manifesting in various mental health issues.

5. **Civilian Targeting and Atrocities:** Civilians were often deliberately targeted during the war, leading to atrocities and mass killings. Examples include the Holocaust, the bombing of civilian populations in cities like Dresden and Hiroshima, and acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing in various regions.

6. **Resistance and Resilience:** Despite the hardships, many civilians demonstrated remarkable resilience and resistance against oppressive regimes and occupying forces. Underground movements, partisan groups, and civilian resistance networks played significant roles in resisting tyranny and supporting the war effort.

7. **Social and Cultural Changes:** The war brought about significant social and cultural changes in many societies. Women took on new roles in the workforce and the military, challenging traditional gender norms. Racial and ethnic dynamics were also reshaped, often leading to increased awareness of civil rights and equality.

Overall, World War II profoundly affected civilians worldwide, leaving a lasting legacy of suffering, resilience, and social transformation. The war's impact continues to shape global geopolitics, societies, and individual lives to this day.