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World War II

Definition

World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving many of the world's nations. It was marked by significant events like the Holocaust and the use of nuclear weapons.

Analogy

Imagine a schoolyard fight where almost every student gets involved, either picking a side or being forced into it. That's what World War II was like - nearly every country in the world got pulled into this massive conflict.

Related terms

Holocaust: The systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during World War II.

Pearl Harbor: A U.S. naval base in Hawaii that was attacked by Japan on December 7, 1941, leading to America’s entry into World War II.

Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: The United States dropped two atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, leading to Japan's surrender and ending World War II.

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Practice Questions (20+)



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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.