The Second World War, often referred to as World War II, was a global conflict that took place from 1939 to 1945. It involved many of the world's nations, divided into two major alliances: the Allies and the Axis powers.
Causes of the war can be traced back to various factors, including unresolved issues from the First World War, economic instability, political ideologies, territorial ambitions, and the rise of fascist and totalitarian regimes.
The war began on September 1, 1939, when Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, invaded Poland. In response, Britain and France declared war on Germany. The conflict quickly escalated, with the Axis powers, including Germany, Italy, and Japan, expanding their territorial gains through military invasions and alliances.
The war witnessed major military campaigns and battles in different theaters across the globe. Some notable events include the German Blitzkrieg tactics in Europe, the Battle of Britain, the North African Campaign, the Eastern Front between Germany and the Soviet Union, the Pacific War between Japan and the United States, and the Allied invasion of Normandy (D-Day) in 1944.
The war had a profound impact on civilians as well, with widespread destruction, displacement, and loss of life. The Holocaust, carried out by Nazi Germany, resulted in the systematic genocide of approximately six million Jews, along with millions of other victims, including Romani people, disabled individuals, and political dissidents.
As the war progressed, the tide began to turn in favor of the Allies. The United States, after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, joined the war effort, providing significant military and economic aid to the Allies. The Allies, which also included the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and other nations, launched a series of offensives that gradually pushed back the Axis powers.
The war finally came to an end in 1945. Germany surrendered on May 7-8, 1945, following the Battle of Berlin, and Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945, after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The aftermath of the war led to significant geopolitical changes, including the establishment of the United Nations, the division of Germany, and the start of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.
World War II remains one of the deadliest conflicts in history, with an estimated death toll ranging from 70 to 85 million people. It had far-reaching consequences that shaped the course of the 20th century and continues to influence the world to this day.