World War II, a global conflict raging from 1939 to 1945, reshaped the world as we know it. Sparked by Nazi Germany's aggressive expansion, it pitted the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, Japan) against the Allied forces (primarily Great Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union).
The war witnessed unprecedented levels of destruction and loss of life, with an estimated 70 to 85 million fatalities. From the blitzkrieg tactics on the Eastern Front to the island-hopping campaigns in the Pacific, the conflict involved land, sea, and air battles across multiple continents. Key events include the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Battle of Stalingrad, and the D-Day landings.
Ultimately, the Allied victory resulted in the collapse of the Axis powers and the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as global superpowers. The war's legacy continues to shape international relations, technological advancements, and our understanding of human conflict.
