World War II, also known as the Second World War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It was the deadliest and most widespread war in history, involving over 30 countries and resulting in the deaths of millions of people. The war had a profound impact on the world, shaping the course of history and leaving a lasting legacy that is still felt today.
The origins of World War II can be traced back to the aftermath of World War I, when the Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany and laid the groundwork for the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. Hitler's aggressive expansionism and territorial ambitions led to the invasion of Poland in September 1939, triggering the start of the war.
The conflict quickly escalated as other countries, including Great Britain, France, the Soviet Union, and the United States, joined the Allies in opposition to the Axis powers of Germany, Italy, and Japan. The war was fought on multiple fronts, from the