World War II was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945 and 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. It was the most widespread war in history, and directly involved more than 100 million people from more than 30 countries. In a state of "total war", the major participants threw their entire economic, industrial, and scientific capabilities behind the war effort, erasing the distinction between civilian and military resources. Marked by mass deaths of civilians, including the Holocaust (in which approximately 11 million people were killed) and the strategic bombing of industrial and population centers (in which approximately one million people were killed), it resulted in 50 million to over 70 million fatalities.
The war in Europe began with the invasion of Poland by Germany and the Soviet Union, followed by the British and French declaration of war on Germany in September 1939. From late 1939 to early 1941, in a series of campaigns and treaties, Germany conquered or controlled much of continental Europe, and formed the Axis alliance with Italy and Japan. Under the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, Germany and the Soviet Union partitioned and annexed territories of their European neighbours, including Poland, Finland, and the Baltic states.
In June 1941, Germany turned on the Soviets, opening the largest and the deadliest theatre of war in history. Nazi Germany acquired additional territories in eastern Europe, invaded the Soviet Union, and embarked on a massive campaign of extermination and enslavement, eventually committing the genocide of over 3 million Soviet and Polish Jews, as well as various Romani peoples, gay people, disabled people, priests, political opponents, and others deemed "unworthy of life" by the Nazi regime. In response, the Soviet Union, along with the United States, China, and the other Allies, eventually defeated the Axis powers and liberated Europe.
The drop of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 marked the end of World War II, as the Japanese surrendered to the Allies. The United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union emerged as the world's three dominant powers, and the United Nations, formed in the aftermath of the war, and including many of the victorious powers, became the first international organization to address issues of global concern, including decolonization, and the prevention and mitigation of future conflicts. The Cold War, which began in 1947 and lasted until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, was largely a continuation of the Western and Eastern conflict and resulted in the emergence of the Western Bloc and the Eastern Bloc, with the United States and its allies, including the UK, facing off against the Soviet Union and its allies.
The war had a profound impact on the course of world history. The United Nations, formed in the aftermath of the war, and including many of the victorious powers, became the first international organization to address issues of global concern, including decolonization, and the prevention and mitigation of future conflicts. The legacy of the war and the ensuing Cold War shaped much of the second half of the 20th century, and continues to influence contemporary international relations.
The White House, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. It is a symbol of the country's government and a popular tourist attraction.
Claude McKay, born Festus Claudius McKay in Jamaica in 1889, was a poet and writer who is known for his contributions to the Harlem Renaissance. He was a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that took place in the 1920s and 1930s and was centered in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City.
McKay's poetry and prose explored themes of race, identity, and politics, and his work was influential in shaping the discourse of the Harlem Renaissance. He is perhaps best known for his poems "If We Must Die" and "The White House," both of which were written during a time of racial tension in the United States.
"If We Must Die" was written in 1919 in response to the racial violence that was taking place in the United States at the time. The poem, which advocates for resistance and self-defense in the face of injustice, became a rallying cry for the civil rights movement.
"The White House," on the other hand, was written in 1922 and is a satirical critique of the government's treatment of African Americans. In the poem, McKay imagines a conversation between the White House and a black man, in which the White House insists that it is not responsible for the injustices faced by African Americans. The poem is a powerful indictment of the government's failure to address the needs and concerns of black people.
Both "If We Must Die" and "The White House" are important works that demonstrate McKay's commitment to social justice and his desire to use his writing as a tool for change. His contributions to the Harlem Renaissance and to the broader civil rights movement continue to be recognized and celebrated to this day.
A personal narrative essay is a story that is told from the writer's perspective and is usually about a significant event or experience in their life. It is a way for the writer to reflect on their own experiences and to share them with the reader.
Starting a personal narrative essay can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity to share a part of yourself with the reader. Here are some tips on how to start a personal narrative essay:
Choose a topic that is meaningful to you: A personal narrative essay is a chance to share a personal experience or event that has had a significant impact on your life. Choose a topic that is meaningful to you and that you feel passionate about.
Begin with an attention-grabbing introduction: The introduction is the first thing that the reader will see, so it is important to make it interesting and engaging. Start with a strong hook, such as a quote, a question, or a surprising fact, to draw the reader in.
Set the scene: In the body of the essay, provide some context for the reader by setting the scene for the event or experience that you are writing about. Describe the setting, the characters, and any other relevant details that will help the reader understand the story.
Use sensory language: Personal narrative essays are a chance to use descriptive language to bring the reader into the story. Use sensory language to describe the sights, sounds, and feelings that you experienced during the event or experience.
Reflect on the significance of the event: In the conclusion of the essay, reflect on the significance of the event or experience and how it has impacted your life. This is a chance to share your insights and lessons learned with the reader.
By following these tips, you can craft a personal narrative essay that is engaging, meaningful, and reflective.
