The Germany army’s invasion of Poland plunged Europe into war. Many countries were occupied by the German army. In 1941 the war spread. Germany attacked Russia, and Japan bombed the American fleet at Pearl Harbour. The world was at war.
There were two groups of countries which fought against each other in the Second World War. On one side were Germany, Italy and Japan, and on the other side the Allies, including the United States, Russia, Great Britain and France. Germany started the war. The German army occupied many European countries, and the Japanese army occupied several countries in Asia. The Allies wanted to liberate these countries.
Millions of victims
Millions of people were killed in the Second World War. The exact number is unknown. Estimates range from a minimum of 40 million to a maximum of 55 million men, women and children.
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