World War II
Largest war in modern history, fought across Europe, North Africa, Asia and the Pacific, ending with a new global order.
Historical overview
Overview adapted from a Wikipedia summary and stored locally on May 11, 2026.
World War II, or the Second World War, was a global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies and the Axis powers. Nearly all of the world's countries participated. Tanks and aircraft played major roles, the latter enabling the strategic bombing of cities and delivery of the only nuclear weapons used in war. World War II was the deadliest conflict in history, causing the death of 60 to 75 million people. Millions died as a result of massacres, starvation, disease, and genocides, including the Holocaust. After the Allied victory, Germany, Austria, Japan, and Korea were occupied, and German and Japanese leaders were tried for war crimes.
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Border context
World War II borders in motion
Occupation zones, annexations and fronts change rapidly across Europe, North Africa and Asia-Pacific.
The map changes year by year through invasion, occupation and liberation. Postwar borders begin to harden after 1945.