World War II: A Comprehensive Overview - The global conflict that reshaped modern history spanned from 1939 to 1945, fundamentally altering the geopolitical landscape.
• The war began with Nazi Germany's invasion of Poland, triggered by Hitler's expansionist ambitions
• Two major alliances emerged: the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, Japan) and the Allies (France, UK, China, Russia, USA)
• The conflict progressed through distinct phases: Blitzkrieg (1939-1940), the Battle of Britain (1940), and the turning point year of 1943
• The Italian Resistance movement played a crucial role in liberating Italy from fascism
• The war concluded in 1945 with Allied victory and the redrawing of European borders