Chronology of World War II- A Timeline of Key Dates in History’s Greatest Conflict
What dates were World War II? World War II, one of the most devastating conflicts in human history, spanned a period of six years, from 1939 to 1945. This global conflict involved the majority of the world’s nations, including all of the great powers, organized into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis.
The war began on September 1, 1939, when Nazi Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, invaded Poland. This aggressive action triggered a series of events that led to the declaration of war by France and the United Kingdom against Germany. The conflict then escalated into a full-scale war, involving numerous countries and regions across the globe.
The war reached its peak in 1942, with the Battle of Stalingrad and the Battle of Midway being significant turning points. The Battle of Stalingrad, fought from August 1942 to February 1943, was one of the bloodiest battles in human history and marked a significant defeat for the Axis powers. Meanwhile, the Battle of Midway, fought from June 4 to June 7, 1942, was a decisive naval battle that turned the tide in favor of the Allies.
The war concluded on September 2, 1945, with the formal surrender of Japan, which was the last major Axis power to surrender. This date is often considered the official end of World War II. The war had a profound impact on the world, reshaping the political, social, and economic landscape of the 20th century.
