AboutTom Expertise While it is a huge topic, I am well-versed in World War II generally. There is a huge wealth of information available on the internet, HOWEVER, one has to know the trash from the gems. Many sites which are not obviously credible (govt, university, and museum sites, for ex.), provide erroneous information (intentionally or otherwise).
Experience BA in history, and been reading and studying WW2 as my 'hobby' for 30 years. Regular contributor to several online forums in military history, WW2, and related areas and topics.
Organizations None relevant to this topic.
Education/Credentials BA, History (Secondary Education), with minor in Geography
US Army Engineer Officer (Officer Basic and Advanced Courses)
Expert: Tom Date: 7/15/2006 Subject: The term WW II
Question Hello Tom.
When was the term World War II first used ? World War I was known as The Great War up until the 1940s, so presumably at some point the 1939-45 War was termed WW II and The Great War became WW I, but when ?
Thanks
Answer Here's the info I was seeking, thanks to a friend:
Two items that may be of interest to you:
1) Churchill was asked (I don't have a date), what the war should be called. His reply, "The unnecessary war".
This of course reflected his view that a firm stand against totalitarian adventurism from the beginning, was the only course of action that would work - and was ultimately the course of world history.
2) This interesting tidbit, which made the term official (and note the date, about a week after the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri):
THE NAMING OF WORLD WAR II, SEPTEMBER 11, 1945
[United States, Department of State, Bulletin (Government Printing Office, Washington, 1945), XIII, 427-428.]
10 September 1945
The President
The White House
Dear Mr. President: President Wilson, under date of July 31, 1919, addressed a letter to Secretary of War Baker which read, in part, as follows:
"It is hard to find a satisfactory 'official' name for the war but the best, I think, that has been suggested is 'The World War,' and I hope that your judgment will concur."
Subsequently, under date of October 7, 1919, War Department General Orders No. 115 directed:
"The war against the Central Powers of Europe, in which the United States has taken part, will hereafter be designated in all official communications and publications as 'The World War.'"
As a matter of simplicity and to insure uniform terminology, it is recommended that "World War II" be the officially designated name for the present war covering all theaters and the entire period of hostilities.
The term "World War II" has been used in at least seven public laws to designate this period of hostilities. Analysis of publications and radio programs indicates that this term has been accepted by common usage.
If this recommendation is approved it is further recommended that the title "World War II" be published in the Federal Register as the official name of the present war. [See 10 Federal Register 1188.]
Respectfully yours,
HENRY L. STIMSON,
Secretary of War
JAMES FORRESTAL,
Secretary of the Navy.
Approved: September 11, 1945
HARRY S. TRUMAN
***************************
Note that this isn't a full and direct answer to your question, as I have never seen the war referred to as anything besides WW2, but don't know when it became that in either the media or popular culture, or in government documentation, either here or abroad.
Naturally, to the soviets it was (and is still in Russia) the Great Patriotic War. To China, it is largely the Sino-Japanese War (not the only one, btw).
Hope this helps or was interesting to you at least.
tom
