World War II

World War II (often abbreviated as WWII or WW2), also known as the Second World War, was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. It was the most widespread war in history, and it directly involved more than 100 million people from over 30 countries.

Causes

The causes of World War II can be traced back to the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I. The treaty's harsh terms led to widespread dissatisfaction in Germany, contributing to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.

Course of the War

World War II is generally considered to have begun on 1 September 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. The UK and France declared war on Germany in response. Over the next six years, the conflict would expand to involve most of the world's nations and result in the deaths of millions of people.

Major Events

Some of the major events of World War II include the Battle of Britain, the Pearl Harbor attack, the Battle of Stalingrad, and the D-Day invasion. The war ended with the unconditional surrender of the Axis powers. On 8 May 1945, the Allies accepted Germany's surrender, about a week after Adolf Hitler had committed suicide. Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945, after the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Aftermath

The aftermath of World War II was the beginning of a new era. It was defined by the decline of the old great powers and the rise of two superpowers: the Soviet Union and the United States of America. This set the stage for the Cold War, which lasted for the next 46 years.

See Also

• World War I
• Cold War
• Holocaust
• Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki