World War II by Country

The Second World War affected nations across the globe, and the experience of the conflict varied greatly from one country to another. Some states were aggressors, others were invaded and occupied, and many endured years of bombing, resistance and hardship. Examining the war country by country highlights how its causes, course and consequences differed according to each nation's situation.

Germany, under the Nazi regime, initiated the war in Europe and occupied much of the continent before its defeat in 1945. Poland was the first country invaded, in September 1939, and suffered occupation and immense losses. Belgium and France were overrun in 1940 and placed under German control, giving rise to occupation governments and resistance movements. Britain remained undefeated and became a base for the eventual liberation of Western Europe, enduring sustained aerial bombing during the period known as the Blitz. In Asia and the Pacific, Japan pursued wide-ranging conquests until its surrender in 1945.

Each nation's wartime story includes its military role, the impact on its civilian population, occupation and resistance, and the human cost of the conflict. The war reshaped borders, governments and economies, and its aftermath influenced national memory for decades. Studying the war from the perspective of individual countries provides a fuller picture than a focus on battles alone, showing how a single global conflict was lived very differently around the world.

Frequently asked questions

Which country was invaded first in World War II?

Poland was the first country invaded, when Germany attacked on 1 September 1939, an act that led Britain and France to declare war.

What happened to occupied countries such as Belgium and France?

They were defeated in 1940 and placed under German occupation, which led to collaborationist arrangements as well as organised resistance movements.

Why did the war affect countries so differently?

Nations played different roles as aggressors, allies, neutral states or occupied territories, and they varied in how much fighting, bombing and occupation they endured.