World War II: A Global Catastrophe

World War II was the deadliest conflict in human history. It lasted from 1939 to 1945 and involved

more than 30 countries. The war began when Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, invaded Poland.

Britain and France declared war soon after. Germany rapidly conquered much of

Europe using blitzkrieg tactics. In 1941, Hitler invaded the Soviet Union while

Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, bringing the United States into the war.

The conflict spread across Europe, Africa, and the Pacific. During the war,

Nazi Germany carried out the Holocaust, killing six million Jews and millions of others.

It remains one of history's darkest crimes. Turning points came at Stalingrad,