World War II began on September 1, 1939, with Germany's invasion of Poland. The war continued until September 2, 1945, when Japan formally surrendered, marking the official end of the conflict. The war in Europe ended earlier, with Germany's unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945.
Key Dates of World War II
- Start: September 1, 1939 (Germany invades Poland)
- Start of British and French war declaration: September 3, 1939
- End of war in Europe: May 8, 1945 (V-E Day)
- Official end of war: September 2, 1945 (Japan's surrender)
These dates encompass the global conflict involving major powers across multiple continents, making WWII the deadliest war in history.
