【第二次世界大战简介英文版】World War II, also known as the Second World War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved most of the world's nations, including all the great powers, organized into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. The war resulted in an estimated 70–85 million fatalities, making it the deadliest conflict in human history.
The war began in Europe on September 1, 1939, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Two days later, Britain and France declared war on Germany. The conflict quickly spread across the globe, involving major powers from different continents. The war ended in 1945 with the defeat of the Axis Powers, primarily Germany, Italy, and Japan.
Below is a summary of key events, participants, and outcomes of World War II:
Category | Details |
Time Period | 1939 – 1945 |
Main Causes | Rise of totalitarian regimes, territorial expansion, economic depression, failure of the League of Nations |
Key Participants | Allies (e.g., USA, UK, USSR, China) vs. Axis (e.g., Germany, Italy, Japan) |
Major Events | Invasion of Poland, Battle of Stalingrad, D-Day, Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki |
Key Leaders | Winston Churchill (UK), Franklin D. Roosevelt (USA), Joseph Stalin (USSR), Adolf Hitler (Germany), Emperor Hirohito (Japan) |
Casualties | Estimated 70–85 million deaths (military and civilian) |
End of War | Germany surrendered in May 1945; Japan surrendered in August 1945 after atomic bombings |
Aftermath | Formation of the United Nations, Cold War, decolonization, and rise of superpowers |
World War II reshaped the political, economic, and social landscape of the world. It led to the decline of European colonial empires, the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers, and the establishment of international institutions aimed at preventing future conflicts.
In conclusion, the Second World War was a defining event of the 20th century, with long-lasting effects on global politics, technology, and society.