World War II
Modern Era
World War II
World War II was even more devastating than World War I. Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany attacked many countries. The Holocaust killed 6 million Jewish people and millions of others. The war killed about 70-85 million people, making it the deadliest war ever.
Time Period
1939 - 1945 CE
Era
Modern Era
Key Events
5
Quick Facts
World War II lasted 6 years and killed 70-85 million people
The Holocaust killed 6 million Jewish people, as well as gypsies, disabled people, and political prisoners
Atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki caused instant devastation
The war was won by the USA, Britain, and Soviet Union against Germany, Italy, and Japan
Timeline
War Begins
1939 CEGermany, led by Adolf Hitler, invades Poland, starting World War II.
Japan Attacks USA
1941 CEJapan bombs Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, and the USA joins the war against Japan, Germany, and Italy.
Holocaust Continues
1942 CENazi Germany continues to kill Jewish people and other groups they considered enemies in concentration camps.
D-Day
1944 CEAllied forces land in France on D-Day, beginning the liberation of Europe from Nazi control.
War Ends
1945 CEGermany surrenders in May. Japan surrenders in August after the USA drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
World War II: A Complete Summary
Essential information written in simple language
What Happened?
World War II was the deadliest war in human history. Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler wanted to conquer Europe and create a pure German race. Japan wanted to control Asia and the Pacific. The United States, Britain, Soviet Union, and other countries fought against them. The war involved all the world's major powers and killed 70-85 million people.
Why Did It Start?
Germany was angry about being punished after World War I. Adolf Hitler promised to make Germany powerful again. He blamed Jewish people and other groups for Germany's problems. He also wanted to conquer Europe and take over the world. Japan had similar ideas about conquering Asia.
Important People Involved
- •Adolf Hitler (German dictator)
- •Winston Churchill (British PM)
- •Franklin D. Roosevelt (US president)
- •Joseph Stalin (Soviet leader)
- •Emperor Hirohito (Japanese emperor)
What Happened During This Event?
The Holocaust was when the Nazi government systematically killed 6 million Jewish people and millions of others in concentration camps. The war was fought on land, sea, and in the air. New weapons like radar, jet planes, and eventually atomic bombs were used. Millions of civilians died from bombing, starvation, and violence.
What Happened After?
Germany and Japan were completely defeated. Millions of people were homeless and hungry. The world was divided between the Soviet Union and the United States, which led to the Cold War lasting 45 years. The United Nations was created to prevent another world war. The Holocaust showed the world how important it is to stand up against evil.
Visual History: World War II
Historical imagery showing key moments from World War II
Historical imagery showing key moments from World War II
Historical imagery showing key moments from World War II