when was ww2?
World War II took place from 1939 to 1945. Here are the key dates:
- Start: The war began on September 1, 1939, with the German invasion of Poland245.
- End in Europe: The war in Europe ended with the unconditional surrender of German armed forces on May 7, 1945, which took effect on May 8, 1945 (V-E Day)4.
- End in the Pacific: The war in the Pacific theater ended on September 2, 1945, with the official signing of surrender documents by Japan4.