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2 Dec 2025

35

2 pages

World War II: Comprehensive Overview

_

_jdce @_jdce

World War II was the deadliest conflict in human history, lasting from 1939 to 1945 and involving over... Show more

World War 11 ~ the second world war ~ WW II
1939-1945
What was the cause of World War P
- WW2 began on September 1 1939, when Germany invade

The Basics of World War II

World War II officially started on 1st September 1939 when Germany invaded Poland, forcing Britain and France to declare war. The war lasted exactly six years and one day, making it the biggest and deadliest conflict ever fought.

The main causes of WWII included the harsh Treaty of Versailles that left Germany angry and struggling, plus the Great Depression that hit many countries hard. Another major factor was the failure of appeasement - British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain mistakenly believed that giving Hitler what he wanted would prevent war.

The war split the world into two sides the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) versus the Allies (Britain, France, the United States, Soviet Union, and China). Key leaders included Adolf Hitler for Germany, Winston Churchill for Britain, and Franklin D. Roosevelt for America.

Did you know? Some historians argue WWII actually began in 1937 when Japan invaded China, not when Germany invaded Poland!

Hitler's anti-Semitic beliefs drove him to attempt the systematic murder of Jewish people across Europe. Ironically, whilst Germany started the war, it was Japan's official surrender on 2nd September 1945 that finally ended it.

World War 11 ~ the second world war ~ WW II
1939-1945
What was the cause of World War P
- WW2 began on September 1 1939, when Germany invade

Key Timeline Events

The early years (1939-1941) saw Germany's lightning-fast conquests across Europe. After invading Poland, German forces captured Paris in June 1940, forcing France to surrender just 11 days later. Britain stood alone during the Battle of Britain and survived the devastating Blitz bombing campaign that killed over 40,000 civilians.

Everything changed in 1941 when Hitler made two crucial mistakes. First, he launched Operation Barbarossa - the massive invasion of the Soviet Union that opened a deadly second front. Then Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, dragging America into the war and sealing the Axis powers' fate.

The turning point came in 1942 with major Allied victories. The Battle of Midway saw US dive bombers sink four Japanese aircraft carriers, whilst American forces landed in North Africa as part of Operation Torch. Meanwhile, the horrific Wannsee Conference approved the "Final Solution" - Nazi Germany's systematic plan to murder all European Jews.

Remember The war's outcome was largely decided by Hitler's decision to fight both the Soviet Union and United States simultaneously - something Germany simply couldn't win.

After years of brutal fighting across multiple continents, Japan's formal surrender on 2nd September 1945 finally ended the war, with the Allies victorious over the Axis powers.

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

History

35

2 Dec 2025

2 pages

World War II: Comprehensive Overview

_

_jdce

@_jdce

World War II was the deadliest conflict in human history, lasting from 1939 to 1945 and involving over 30 countries. This massive war began when Germany invaded Poland and ended six years later with Japan's surrender, forever changing the world... Show more

World War 11 ~ the second world war ~ WW II
1939-1945
What was the cause of World War P
- WW2 began on September 1 1939, when Germany invade

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Basics of World War II

World War II officially started on 1st September 1939 when Germany invaded Poland, forcing Britain and France to declare war. The war lasted exactly six years and one day, making it the biggest and deadliest conflict ever fought.

The main causes of WWII included the harsh Treaty of Versailles that left Germany angry and struggling, plus the Great Depression that hit many countries hard. Another major factor was the failure of appeasement - British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain mistakenly believed that giving Hitler what he wanted would prevent war.

The war split the world into two sides: the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) versus the Allies (Britain, France, the United States, Soviet Union, and China). Key leaders included Adolf Hitler for Germany, Winston Churchill for Britain, and Franklin D. Roosevelt for America.

Did you know? Some historians argue WWII actually began in 1937 when Japan invaded China, not when Germany invaded Poland!

Hitler's anti-Semitic beliefs drove him to attempt the systematic murder of Jewish people across Europe. Ironically, whilst Germany started the war, it was Japan's official surrender on 2nd September 1945 that finally ended it.

World War 11 ~ the second world war ~ WW II
1939-1945
What was the cause of World War P
- WW2 began on September 1 1939, when Germany invade

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Key Timeline Events

The early years (1939-1941) saw Germany's lightning-fast conquests across Europe. After invading Poland, German forces captured Paris in June 1940, forcing France to surrender just 11 days later. Britain stood alone during the Battle of Britain and survived the devastating Blitz bombing campaign that killed over 40,000 civilians.

Everything changed in 1941 when Hitler made two crucial mistakes. First, he launched Operation Barbarossa - the massive invasion of the Soviet Union that opened a deadly second front. Then Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, dragging America into the war and sealing the Axis powers' fate.

The turning point came in 1942 with major Allied victories. The Battle of Midway saw US dive bombers sink four Japanese aircraft carriers, whilst American forces landed in North Africa as part of Operation Torch. Meanwhile, the horrific Wannsee Conference approved the "Final Solution" - Nazi Germany's systematic plan to murder all European Jews.

Remember: The war's outcome was largely decided by Hitler's decision to fight both the Soviet Union and United States simultaneously - something Germany simply couldn't win.

After years of brutal fighting across multiple continents, Japan's formal surrender on 2nd September 1945 finally ended the war, with the Allies victorious over the Axis powers.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Most popular content in History

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user