Score Big on HISET Social Studies 2025 – Challenge Yourself and Win!

World War II occurred from 1939 to 1945. This period marks the global conflict that involved many of the world's nations, divided into two main opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. The war officially began on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland, leading Britain and France to declare war on Germany. It continued until September 2, 1945, when Japan formally surrendered after the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Understanding these years is crucial as they frame a significant historical event characterized by major battles, significant political changes, and vast human impacts globally. The other timeframes listed do not correspond to World War II, with some relating to different conflicts, such as World War I or the Vietnam War. The period of 1914-1918 refers to World War I, while 1941-1945 focuses solely on the U.S. involvement after it entered the war post-Pearl Harbor. The years 1954-1975 are associated with the Vietnam War, which followed World War II and was influenced by the geopolitical landscape that emerged from the earlier conflict.