World War II

World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world’s nations. It was primarily fought between two major alliances: the Allies, which included the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, China, and others, and the Axis powers, primarily Germany, Italy, and Japan. The war began with the invasion of Poland by Germany in September 1939 and was marked by significant events such as the Holocaust, the use of atomic weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and major battles across Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. The conflict resulted in an estimated 70-85 million fatalities, making it one of the deadliest wars in history. World War II led to significant political, social, and economic changes globally, including the establishment of the United Nations, the beginning of the Cold War, and the decolonization in Asia and Africa. The war’s aftermath reshaped the world order and laid the foundations for the contemporary geopolitical landscape.