World War II, a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, came to a definitive end on September 2, 1945. This date marks the formal surrender of Japan, which was the last Axis power to capitulate, thereby concluding the war. The war involved most of the world's nations, including all of the great powers, eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. The aftermath of the war led to significant geopolitical changes, including the rise of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers, and set the stage for the Cold War.
The conclusion of World War II was characterized by several key events. In Europe, the war effectively ended with the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany on May 7, 1945, followed by the official announcement of victory by Allied forces on May 8, 1945, celebrated as Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). However, the conflict continued in the Pacific Theater, where Japan faced fierce resistance from Allied forces.
The critical turning point in the Pacific came with the dropping of atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. On August 6, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, killing an estimated 140,000 people by the end of the year. Three days later, on August 9, a second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, resulting in approximately 70,000 deaths. These bombings played a crucial role in Japan's decision to surrender.
Following Japan's surrender, the formal signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender took place on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. This event was attended by representatives from multiple Allied nations, symbolizing the end of hostilities in the Second World War. The conflict resulted in unprecedented destruction, with millions of civilian and military casualties, large-scale atrocities, and the Holocaust being among the most notable impacts.
Moreover, the end of World War II also led to the establishment of the United Nations in 1945, aimed at fostering international cooperation and preventing future conflicts. It also paved the way for decolonization processes in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, significantly changing global political landscapes.