What years did World War II span?

World War II spanned from 1939 to 1945, beginning on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland, which prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany. The war involved many of the world's nations and was marked by significant events and battles across Europe, Asia, and the Pacific, culminating in the defeat of the Axis powers in 1945.

The other years listed relate to different historical conflicts. The years 1914-1918 correspond to World War I, a major conflict that preceded World War II. The period from 1861-1865 is known for the American Civil War, a critical event in United States history. Lastly, 1775-1783 marks the American Revolutionary War, which established the United States' independence from British rule. Each of these conflicts is significant in its own right but is distinct from the timeline of World War II.