World War II[b] or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies and the Axis powers. Nearly all of the world's countries participated, with many nations mobilising all resources in pursuit of total war.

Aug 3, 2025 · World War II, conflict that involved virtually every part of the world during the years 1939–45. The principal belligerents were the Axis powers — Germany, Italy, and Japan —and the Allies— France, Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union, and, to a lesser extent, China.

Oct 29, 2009 · World War II, the largest and deadliest conflict in human history, involved more than 50 nations and was fought on land, sea and air in nearly every part of the world. Also known as the...

Explore the battles, key players and atrocities from the war and its impact on geopolitics and humankind today. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, President Franklin …

2 days ago · About 70 million total soldiers fought on behalf of the Allied or Axis countries. Some scholars argue that the "start" of WWII was in 1937 when Japan invaded China instead of when Germany invaded Poland. Switzerland, Spain, Portugal and Sweden all declared themselves neutral during WWII.

World War II, also called the Second World War, was a global conflict during the years 1939–1945. The principal combatants were the Axis powers—Germany, Italy, and Japan—and the Allies—France, Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union, and, to …

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Learn all about the major events of World War II from 1918 to 1942.

Over 60 million people, the majority of them civilians, were killed, making it the deadliest conflict in human history. [1] The Second World War was known for modern warfare and tactics such as air warfare, strategic bombing, blitzkrieg and the first, and only, use of nuclear weapons in warfare.

World War II, or the Second World War, was a world war (1939-1945) which involved fighting between the Allies and the Axis. Some fighting started in 1937, when Imperial Japanese forces started the Second Sino-Japanese War.