World War II
One of the most significant armed conflict between global powers was witnessed between the clash of the Allied nations and the Axis nations. Most notably, countries such as the United States, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union fought against Germany, Japan and France. Amidst the war, many military personnel found themselves caught in enemy territory and subjected to being prisoners. An international agreement arose at the time of WWII, the Geneva Convention (discussed in another section of this website), for the right and just treatment of those soldiers that are wounded or sick at a time of war, guaranteeing them the protection from the war regardless of what nation they come from. However, not all countries may abide wholeheartedly.
This picture shortly summarizes the some key aspects of the major powers during WWII. The USSR, as indicated by it's purple color, remained neutral to a point until it became necessary to join forces with the Allies to defeat Germany.
WWII can be characterized by both the decent treatment and maltreatment of prisoners of war. Such maltreatment included intentional starving, slaving, torturing, and in some cases, murdering. These atrocities committed are often associated with the actions of fascist Germany and Japan. However, maltreatment of POWs during WWII led the Allied Powers to seek justice for those responsible. Many German and Japanese officers/officials faced postwar trials and some were even granted the death penalty for their participation in enforcing slave labor or torture that violated the Geneva Convention.
This picture shortly summarizes the some key aspects of the major powers during WWII. The USSR, as indicated by it's purple color, remained neutral to a point until it became necessary to join forces with the Allies to defeat Germany.
WWII can be characterized by both the decent treatment and maltreatment of prisoners of war. Such maltreatment included intentional starving, slaving, torturing, and in some cases, murdering. These atrocities committed are often associated with the actions of fascist Germany and Japan. However, maltreatment of POWs during WWII led the Allied Powers to seek justice for those responsible. Many German and Japanese officers/officials faced postwar trials and some were even granted the death penalty for their participation in enforcing slave labor or torture that violated the Geneva Convention.
Why is this Important?
It's important to learn about the premises of prisoners of war during WWII because history witnesses partial agreement between nations even at a time of war. Despite the fact that there are instances where the terms of the Geneva Convention were violated, global powers together can come together to alter the Geneva Convention so that nations can understand the consequences of violating such an important treaty. As global conflicts arise, maintaining treaties that regulate a certain peace is crucial for there to be a balance in place around the globe.
In addition, it's surprising to learn that treatment of POWs had a massive impact on the public of the United States during WWII. How might you ask? Propaganda. As the government conveyed the situations happening across the oceans to the citizens of the U.S, history sees a major rise in propaganda across the U.S in pursuit of pushing more and more citizens to fight for their country, to fight against the atrocities being committed overseas. One of these atrocities included the Bataan Death March (which you can read more about in another part of this website), the forcible transfer of American and Filipino POWs across more than 50 miles of land by foot, leading to thousands of death. And what better way to stir the American rage than to portray the enemy as murderous and violent. They see a prisoner of war suffering from their own country and that can only mean one thing. Join the war to bring the United States to victory.
In addition, it's surprising to learn that treatment of POWs had a massive impact on the public of the United States during WWII. How might you ask? Propaganda. As the government conveyed the situations happening across the oceans to the citizens of the U.S, history sees a major rise in propaganda across the U.S in pursuit of pushing more and more citizens to fight for their country, to fight against the atrocities being committed overseas. One of these atrocities included the Bataan Death March (which you can read more about in another part of this website), the forcible transfer of American and Filipino POWs across more than 50 miles of land by foot, leading to thousands of death. And what better way to stir the American rage than to portray the enemy as murderous and violent. They see a prisoner of war suffering from their own country and that can only mean one thing. Join the war to bring the United States to victory.