World War II

Also known as the Second World War. A large scale military conflict that took place between 1939 and 1945. Engulfing much of the globe, it was the largest and deadliest war in history. The war began between Germany and the Allies. The Allies at first consisted of Poland, the United Kingdom, France, and others. Germany was later joined by Italy, Japan, and others, jointly known as the Axis. In 1941, Germany invaded the Soviet Union, causing the Soviets to enter the war on the side of the Allies. In December of the same year the United States entered the war on the Allies' side after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. China, which had been at war with Japan since the mid-1930s, also joined the Allies, as did a number of other countries. Italy surrendered to the Allies in 1943. Germany surrendered to the Allies in May of 1945. The war ended on September 2, 1945 with the formal surrender of Japan. Approximately 62 million people died as a result of the war. (from Wikipedia).