What years are recognized as the duration of World War II?

The years recognized as the duration of World War II are 1939 to 1945, which is widely accepted by historians and educational institutions. The conflict began on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland, leading to Britain and France declaring war on Germany shortly thereafter. The war in Europe officially concluded on May 8, 1945, with Germany's unconditional surrender, marking Victory in Europe Day. The war in the Pacific continued until Japan's surrender on September 2, 1945, which brings the overall duration of World War II to the years 1939 to 1945. This timeline encompasses the major events and theaters of the war, demonstrating the global scale and impact of the conflict.