World War Two

World War Two period toy soldiers.

World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world’s countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis powers. Military operations were conducted in Europe, Asia and Africa and in the waters of all oceans. Major military campaigns: Invasion to Poland (1939), Russo-Finnish (Winter) War (1939-40), France defeat (1940), North Africa, Mediterranean and Balcans (1940-43), Russian Great patriotic War (1941-45), Pacific War (1941-45), Battle of Normandy (1944).