Why did the Axis Powers lose WWII?
Data Scavenger Hunt
Find answers to the following questions using the visual above:
List the Axis Powers shown on the map above.
List the Allied Powers shown on the map above.
Gross domestic product is a monetary measure of the market value of all the final goods and services produced in a specific time period by a country or countries. It is basically, the income of a country for any given year. Which of all the Axis powers had the highest GDP (made the most money)?
Overall, did the Axis or allied powers have a greater GDP?
A student named Beatrice looked at the map above and concluded that there were two islands in the South Ocean near Antarctica named “Allied Powers” and “Axis Powers”. Explain why Beatrice is WRONG!
Big Brain Questions
Answer these questions by yourself using your brain and the links below:
World War II began on September 1, 1939, with the German invasion of Poland. At that time none of the allied powers were yet at war with Germany, In fact, the Soviet Union was, at that time, an ally of Germany. In 1939, explain whether Germany would have been concerned about the GDP of the US and UK.
Notice that by the end of the war the United States and the USSR and China were all allies. Wow. Had fighting in World War II been confined to European nations only do you think the outcome of the war would have been the same?
Once the United States and the Soviet Union entered on the Allied side of the war in 1941, the combined economic output of the Allies was approximately twice that of the Axis powers. World War II was the most mechanized war in history up to that point. Troops needed a constant supply of new tanks, guns, airplanes, ships, bombs, and other manufactured goods. A wise woman once said, “Armies fight war, but GDPs win wars.” Explain whether you agree with her statement.
Based on the map above and your knowledge of World history, why do you think the Allies won the war and explain whether you think Ukraine - GDP: $200.1 billion (2021), will defeat Russia - GDP: $1.779 trillion (2021)? Or whether Palestine - GDP $18.04 billion USD (2021) will defeat Israel - GDP $488.5 billion USD (2021)?
Explain whether a country’s best strategy for winning wars is increasing GDP.
Write and Discuss
Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.
Act on your Learning
Contact the White House and let President Joe Biden know what you think he should do about support Ukraine in their war against Russia.
Or call the White House and tell the President I said hi at phone number:
1-202-456-1414 (Switchboard)
1-202-456-1111 (Comments)
Get Creative
Some would argue that winning a war is more about culture, morale, bravery, and fighting spirit than it is about just numbers like money and tropps. What do you think? Write a rap or a poem about what it takes to win a war.
