World War II
1939–1945
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.
The war was in many respects a continuation, after an uneasy 20-year hiatus, of the disputes left unsettled by World War I.
The 40,000,000–50,000,000 deaths incurred in World War II make it the bloodiest conflict, as well as the largest war, in history.
Causes Of World War II:
World War II began in Europe on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland.
Great Britain and France responded by declaring war on Germany on September 3. The war between the U.S.S.R. and Germany began on June 22, 1941, with Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union.
The war in the Pacific began on December 7/8, 1941. When Japan attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbor and other American, Dutch, and British military installations throughout Asia.
Countries Fought In World War II:
The main combatants were the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan). The Allies (France, Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union, and, to a lesser extent, China).
