World War II is generally considered to have begun on 1 September 1939, when Nazi Germany, under Adolf Hitler, invaded Poland, after which the United Kingdom and France declared war on Germany. Poland was divided between Germany and the Soviet Union under the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact.

2 days ago · World War II was a conflict that involved virtually every part of the world during 1939–45. The main combatants were the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) and the Allies (France, Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union, and China).

World War II, or Second World War, (1939–45) International conflict principally between the Axis powers—Germany, Italy, and Japan—and the Allied powers—France, Britain, the U.S., the Soviet Union, and China.

Facts, information, and stories about World War II, the global conflict that killed tens of millions between 1939 and 1945.

World War II was a conflict that involved virtually every part of the world during 1939–45. The main combatants were the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) and the Allies (France, Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union, and China).

1 day ago · French President Emmanuel Macron, right, lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier during ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, Thursday May 8, 2025 in Paris.

World War II, or the Second World War, was a global conflict involving all continents of the world, except Antarctica. It involved fighting in most of the world from 1939 to 1945. Some fighting started in 1937, when Imperial Japanese forces started the Second Sino-Japanese War.

2 days ago · On this Victory Day for World War II, we celebrate the unmatched might, strength, and power of the American Armed Forces, and we commit to protecting our sacred birthright of liberty against all ...

World War II was the central event of the twentieth century. It involved all six major continents, all three of the great oceans on the planet, scores of countries, and billions of people. It caused 57 million deaths and unimaginable human suffering.

May 2, 2025 · World War II started in 1939 when Germany invaded Poland, leading to a global conflict. Key events included the Battle of Britain, Pearl Harbor attack, and D-Day invasion. The war ended in 1945 after Germany and Japan surrendered following significant battles.