World War II

World War II was a global conflict between the Allies and the Axis powers from 1939 to 1945, resulting in 70 to 85 million fatalities, including millions of civilians. The war was caused by unresolved tensions after World War I, the rise of fascism in Europe and militarism in Japan, and was preceded by events such as the Japanese invasion of Manchuria and the German annexation of Austria. The war began on September 1, 1939, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland, and continued primarily between Germany and the British Empire, with campaigns in North and East Africa, the Balkans, and the Soviet Union. Japan aimed to dominate East Asia and the Asia-Pacific, and attacked American and British territories in December 1941, leading to the United States and the United Kingdom declaring war against Japan. The war turned in favor of the Allies in 1943, with key setbacks for Germany and Japan, including the defeat at Stalingrad and the Battle of Midway.learn more on wikipedia