World War II was the deadliest war in history. It was fought on land, at sea, and in the air.
Around 17 million people died in combat on three continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa. Civilian deaths were even higher as bombing raids, disease, and hunger took their toll. Over 6 million European Jews died in death camps and slave labor camps set up by Germany’s Nazi leaders.
Despite its horror, World War II is often called the “good war.” That’s because nations led by brutal dictators (Germany, Italy, and Japan) fought democratic nations, led by Great Britain and the United States. After almost six years of fighting, from 1939 to 1945, the Allies won. They overpowered the enemy with more troops and industrial strength, especially after the U.S. entered the war. But the price of freedom was high. And the road to victory was long and hard.