The Outbreak of World War II
The Second World War, one of the deadliest and most significant conflicts in human history, officially began on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. This act of aggression prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany, marking the beginning of six years of global warfare.
Duration of the War
World War II lasted for a total of six years, from 1939 to 1945. During this time, countries from all corners of the globe were drawn into the conflict, with battles raging on land, sea, and air.
Key Events
- 1939: Germany invades Poland, prompting the outbreak of war.
- 1940: The Battle of Britain sees the Royal Air Force defend the UK against German air attacks.
- 1941: Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, drawing the United States into the war.
- 1944: D-Day sees the Allied forces launch a major offensive in Normandy, leading to the liberation of Western Europe.
- 1945: The war in Europe ends with Germany’s surrender in May, while the war in the Pacific ends with Japan’s surrender in September.
Casualties and Aftermath
The Second World War resulted in the deaths of an estimated 70-85 million people, making it the deadliest conflict in history. The war also led to widespread destruction and displacement, with entire cities reduced to rubble and millions of people left homeless.
The aftermath of the war saw the rise of the United Nations, the division of Europe into Eastern and Western blocs, and the beginning of the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States.
