Explained in plain English

What was the Second World War?

Norman Irwin fought in the Second World War, a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries, forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. It was the deadliest conflict in human history, resulting in an estimated 70 to 85 million fatalities, and profoundly shaped the modern world.