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The Darker Side of World War II
The level of human suffering in World War II was enormous. Some of the most notorious atrocities in modern history were carried out between 1939-1945, and the anguish of living with war devastated populations around the globe. The annihilation of humans through the holocaust and atomic weaponry, human medical experimentation by Nazi doctors, the torture of prisoners of war and displacement on a massive scale represent just part of the never-before seen scale of horror visited upon mankind during World War II.
Concentration camps
Nazi Germany kept prisoners in concentration camps throughout its controlled territories. Millions died, incarcerated without trial or judicial process. View the gallery
Medical experiments
The Nazis conducted a series of controversial medical experiments on large numbers of prisoners in concentration camps during World War II. View the gallery
Displacement
Thousands of people in many countries were displaced as a result of direct hostilities between Axis and Allied powers in World War II.
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Atomic bombs
The U.S. carried out atomic bomb attacks on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki near the end of World War II. View the gallery
POWs
Many World War II combatants kept in custody were not treated in accordance with international agreements. The death toll among POWs in general is estimated at between 6 and 10 million. View the gallery
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Focus on WWII
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Flashpoints
Turning points in the war included the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
Read more about World War II flashpoints -
Figureheads
Focus on the leaders of the axis powers and the allied countries in World War II
Learn about World War II figureheads -
D-Day
The story of the Allied forces invasion aimed at liberating Europe from the Nazis
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Living with War
When the Blitz came to Britain in September 1940, the bombs fell like rain
Read about Living with War -
The Troops
The Allied Forces were made up of around 20 million men from across the globe
More on the Troops in WW II