What happened during World War II?

World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving most 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 directly involved more than 100 million people from over 30 countries.

The war is generally considered to have been triggered by Nazi Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939. In response, Britain and France declared war on Germany, marking the start of the conflict. Other countries around the world would soon become involved due to alliances, colonial ties, and the spread of conflict regions.

Key events during World War II include:

1. Major battles: Notable conflicts include the Battle of Britain, the Battle of Stalingrad, the battles in the Pacific (including Midway, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa), and D-Day when Allied forces invaded Normandy in northern France.

2. Holocaust: The genocide of approximately six million Jews, as well as the mass murder of Roma, disabled individuals, Polish and Soviet civilians, communists, socialists, and others by Nazi Germany.

3. Use of atomic weapons: The United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, leading to Japan’s surrender and the end of the war.

4. Axis expansion and defeat: Led by Germany, Italy, and Japan, the Axis Powers sought expansion throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia but were ultimately defeated as the Allies, primarily the United States, the Soviet Union, and Britain, pushed them back.

WWII ended with the unconditional surrender of the Axis powers. In Europe, V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day) is marked on May 8th, 1945 when German forces agreed to an unconditional surrender. In Asia, V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day) is celebrated on September 2nd, 1945, after the formal Japanese surrender.