At the beginning of the war Allied manpower was 70.6% that of the Axis manpower strength. However, at war's end a huge reversal with Allied strength now almost double that of the Axis powers. But in 1940 it was far from clear what manpower levels would be needed and their respective responses to mobilizations corresponded to their unique … [Read more...] about Allied versus Axis Manpower 1939-1945
Japan
Relative Productivity Ranking Of World War II Foes
Of six major World War II combatants four Allied and two Axis nations the four Allied nations ranked one, two four, and five in industrial relative productivity ranking. Whereas Germany and Japan were third and sixth overall. Most of the combatant nations increased their productivity as the war went on but the Axis nations were fighting a losing battle industrially as well as … [Read more...] about Relative Productivity Ranking Of World War II Foes
Military Manpower by Nation 1940 to 1945
Germany’s manpower peaked in 1943. Germany’s raw military manpower numbers for 1944-45 don’t reflect that more and more of their men haven’t either reached their prime fighting age or were well beyond it. Japan’s manpower levels peak in 1945 but they have similar quality personnel as Germany making up those numbers. Germany and Japan are getting men into the ranks with less … [Read more...] about Military Manpower by Nation 1940 to 1945
Warships Produced by Nation by Total Tonnage 1940-45
The two Allied nations, the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK), far outproduced their Axis counterparts in warships. Strategically, both the US and the UK believed in two ocean navies as well as worldwide trade. Japan to a lesser degree depended upon trade but it was limited in scope to the Pacific and their navy reflected that fact. Additionally, the US and UK had … [Read more...] about Warships Produced by Nation by Total Tonnage 1940-45
Tank Production by Nation 1940 to 1945
Every year from 1940 to 1945 the Allies outproduced the Axis in tanks. Overall, the Allies tank production outstripped the Axis by a 4.2 to 1 ratio. Japan’s tanks production was minimal reflecting the type of war they faced in the Asia Pacific theater. In the European theater Germany’s production went up against the two war production heavyweights in the Union of the Soviet … [Read more...] about Tank Production by Nation 1940 to 1945
WW2 Aircraft Losses by Country
The Allies loss aircraft at a 1.9:1 ratio compared to their Axis counterparts. This was part of the price the Allied air forces paid in order to gain air superiority. However, the air superiority that they did gain was a key to final victory. Total Losses The total number of airplanes lost during World War II is difficult to determine with complete accuracy due to … [Read more...] about WW2 Aircraft Losses by Country
Conventional Bombing Damage to Japanese Cities in WW2
During World War II, conventional bombing raids inflicted devastating damage on Japanese cities. Major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Yokohama, and Kobe were all targeted. The first United States Army Air Force (USAAF) raid on Japan’s homeland was the Doolittle Raid on April 18, 1942. This was a one-off operation with sixteen B-25 Mitchells launched from the USS Hornet … [Read more...] about Conventional Bombing Damage to Japanese Cities in WW2
Annual Allied Axis Naval Construction 1939-45
In all aspects of naval construction, save submarines, the Allies outproduced their Axis foes significantly. In battleship production the Allies outproduced the Axis by a 2.6 to one ratio. Aircraft carriers, cruisers, escorts, and destroyers the Allies’ ratios were higher. In submarines the Axis produced 1336 to 370 Allies units for a 3.6 to one ratio. The UK and US both … [Read more...] about Annual Allied Axis Naval Construction 1939-45
Annual Allied Axis Tank and Self-propelled Gun Production 1939-45
Tank and self-propelled gun production was near parity between the Allies and Axis in 1939 and 1940, however with Germany’s invasion of the USSR a production divergence begins in 1941. In 1942 US and USSR production numbers ramp up significantly and the divergence becomes huge. Germany produced 90 percent of the Axis tanks and self-propelled guns but were outproduced by the US … [Read more...] about Annual Allied Axis Tank and Self-propelled Gun Production 1939-45
Allies Axis Weapon Production – Naval Forces
Reflecting the German versus Allies naval forces philosophical differences on prosecuting the naval war it is only in submarines that the Axis nations out produce the Allied nations. Although Japan desired to expand their sea power capabilities, they did not have the wherewithal to match the US and UK naval forces production capabilities. Sea Faring Culture Of the … [Read more...] about Allies Axis Weapon Production – Naval Forces