History of World War II
The Second World War (1939-1945) was one of the deadliest and most influential conflicts in human history, involving nations from across the globe. The war was primarily fought between two major alliances: the Allied Powers—comprising the United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, China, and others—and the Axis Powers, led by Germany, Italy, and Japan.
The war began when Nazi Germany, under Adolf Hitler, invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, prompting Britain and France to declare war. Over the next six years, battles spanned Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. Pivotal events included the German invasion of the Soviet Union, the attack on Pearl Harbor, D-Day in Normandy, and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The Holocaust, a systematic extermination of six million Jews and other minorities by Nazi Germany, remains one of the war's most harrowing episodes. The conflict ended in 1945 after the unconditional surrender of Germany in May and Japan in September, reshaping global politics and leading to the establishment of the United Nations.
World War II's legacy continues to influence modern geopolitics, human rights discussions, and international relations. Its lessons on diplomacy, conflict resolution, and the importance of addressing fascism and totalitarianism are still relevant today.
Related Topics:
World War I OverviewThe Cold War
The Holocaust: A Summary
Origins of the United Nations
