Introduction
World War II began in the year 1939 lasting for six years in the battle field and came to an end in the year 1945. The world war was considered as the most contested war involving the major powers of the world. The major powers divided into two; the allies and the axis or the triple alliances and the triple entente. The major powers broke into war in a show to proof each country’s superiority. The way caused thousands of deaths of the military and civilians as well as destroying property costing the economic development of the world.
Alfred von Schlieffen
Alfred von Schlieffen is famous for the Schlienffen plan that failed during World War I. However, his Schlienffen plan doctrines and principles were applied in the creation of the German blitzkrieg doctrine for World War II. Alfred von schlienffen was ranked third in the 19th and 20th centuries among the German general staff officers (Curtis, 2003). He was born as a son of a military official in the year 1833 and witnessed several military actions while he commanded the Franco Prussian War in the year 1870. He was the author of much military writings and that was the foundation of his Schlienffen plan.
According to Curtis the Schlienffen plan suggested the avoidance of a two front combat, and this would have been possible by grounding quickly the French first before pursuing the Russians (2003). Alfred von Schlienffen died in 1913 before the First World War began and his plan was manipulated and altered to help German in the Second World War by his successor Helmuth von Moltke and parted with much of his ideas in the plan. This led to the failure of the plan and defeat of German in World War I.
During the world war II Schleinffen’s theories on war and the Schleinffen plan were greatly applied in the Blitzkrieg doctrine commanded by General Hans von Seeckt. Hans looked into the deepest details of Schlienffen plan and theories helping in the drafting of Blitzkrieg doctrine which was a success in the Second World War. The plan was a replica of Schlienffen plan which insisted on a quick attack by surprise to the enemy and containing of the enemy destabilizing it before any successful response (Curtis, 2003). This helped German to defeat her enemies in the Second World War.
Christmas Truce
The Christmas Truce traces its roots back to the December of 1914 when the French, British and German army decided to enjoy Christmas happiness in “no man’s land’ putting aside their enormity. During the truce the two sides of the War agreed on no shooting terms sharing gifts, shaking hands, enjoying meals together and most notably played football (Martin, 2004). The Christmas Truce was meant to represent peace in the middle of the world’s historic war.
The Second World War experienced the Christmas Truce too, but not as of a great magnitude as that of World War one. The Second truce involved as small Christmas celebration unexpectedly happened between the Americans and the Germany. Three US soldiers who had been badly wounded tried to trace their way out of the Ardennes forest hidden and unclear with snow. A mother named Elizabeth with her Son Fritz anticipating the head of their family, a soldier, in vain held custody of the three soldiers who failed to their way out.
After the arrival of the three US soldiers, later four German soldiers visited Elizabeth and her son. Elizabeth aware of the lurking danger if the two rivals met in the house cabin, she warned the German side further emphasizing they were wounded. After discussion the German soldiers agreed to get to the cabin leaving their weapons outside. She prepared roast Hermann which the soldiers from both sides enjoyed and changed their mood for Christmas one. They shared a talk and wished each other merry Christmas enjoying the warmth of the fire too. The Christmas Truce lasted till the following morning and that new day the two rivals found their way out and left in different and opposite directions.
Wilson 14 points
In an attempt to end the First World War, President Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points speech explained how to prevail peace among nations. This speech was delivered on the 8th of January, 1918 together with the British Prime Minister in an effort to end war and bring peace to the world. He gave 14 points that were agreed on for the peace of the world. Despite the effort to bring peace to the world historical saddest moments, only points 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14 were implemented meaning eight points were not put in practice.
The failure to implement the rest of the points provoked and marked start of the Second World War. The settlement of colonial powers was the most controversial fifth point whose failed implementation led to the War Two. Taking into consideration that the citizens of colonial territories uneven distribution brought up disagreements and as a result the Second World War II sparked. The league of nations was created following the 14th point but the United states of America itself did not join causing confusion to the rest of the nations and hence the World war two. The parliament of the United States of America disobeyed the presidents’ speech and voted against the United States joining the League of Nations.
The Triple Alliance
The Triple Alliance traces its name backwards to the year 1668 initially created by the Netherlands, England, and Sweden against France following the invasion of the Spanish Netherlands. However, the most key definition of the Triple Alliance of 18182 that included the Italy, Australia-Hungary and German military collaboration to contest against the Triple Entente alliance. It was in operation from 1882 up to the beginning of the World War I in 1914. The three countries had agreed to take jointly on any revenge attack from either France or Russia.
During the Second World War the triple alliance re emerged as a military collaboration of the Italy, Germany and Japan leaving the weaker Australia out. The alliance was widely and well known as the ‘Axis Powers’ that was aimed at contesting the main powers during the Second World War. The main powers consisted of Russia, France and the United States of America. The alliance helped German to develop its own military which later became a fear factor for Russia and France.
The Triple Entente
The triple Entente is the collaboration of Russia, the Great Britain and France created to counter the formation of the triple alliance in 1882. The triple alliance had signed to their alliance with the aim of helping each other in case of a military attack from any powerful country, France and Russia. France was intimidated by the three countries and while Britain feared the development of the German navy military started the Entente relationship.
They were later joined by the Russia who too raised concerns about the German Army development. The three countries together formed the triple entente which was primarily created to protect each other jointly in case they were attacked by the Triple Alliance. The Russia government had also been concerned about the chances of Australia making greater the amount of empire it had. The two triple alliances carried on their rivalry to the Second World War.
Conclusion
The failure to implement the fourteen points as President Wilson stipulated in his speech greatly provoked and marked the start of the Second World War. The major powers divided into two; the allies and the axis was the major cause of the Second World War II. The axis consisted of the Italy, Germany and Japan while the allies consisted of France, Russia and the Great Britain. The Second World War II was deadly resulting into wounding several people as well as causing the deaths.
References
Curtis, V. J. (2003). Understanding Schlieffen (6). Canadian Army.
Martin, L. (2004, December 19). Last survivor of 'Christmas truce' tells of his sorrow. The Guardian [London], p. 21.
Wilson, W. (1918). President Wilson's fourteen points: The basis of the new world order. Boston: League for permanent peace.
