HISET Social Studies Practice

What years did World War II take place?

1. 1914 - 1918

2. 1939 - 1945

3. 1941 - 1945

4. 1936 - 1940

The correct answer is: 1939 - 1945

The years of World War II are defined as 1939 to 1945. This global conflict involved most of the world's nations and was marked by significant events, including the rise of totalitarian regimes, the widespread use of military technology, and the involvement of many countries across different continents. The war commenced with the invasion of Poland by Germany in September 1939 and officially came to an end in September 1945 after the surrender of Japan following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The years 1941 to 1945 only capture part of the war, as it was already underway in 1939. The years 1914 to 1918 pertain to World War I, while 1936 to 1940 does not account for key battles and strategies that occurred beyond 1940. Thus, the correct timeframe encapsulated for World War II is indeed from 1939 to 1945.