World War II

Definition

World War II was a global conflict that took place from 1939 to 1945. It involved many of the world's nations, including all great powers, which eventually formed two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis.

Related terms

Holocaust: The systematic state-sponsored killing of six million Jewish men, women, and children and millions of others by Nazi Germany during World War II.

Pearl Harbor Attack: A surprise military strike by Japan against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941. This event led to America's entry into World War II.

D-Day Invasion (Normandy Landings): The landing operations on Tuesday, June 6th, 1944 (termed D-Day) were part of Operation Overlord during World War II; this marked a significant turning point in favor of Allied forces.