World War II ended in 1945 with the surrender of Axis powers Germany and Japan. Here are the key events that led to the end of the war:
V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day): On May 8, 1945, Germany surrendered to the Allied powers, ending the war in Europe. This followed the Battle of Berlin, which saw the Soviet Union capture the German capital and effectively end Hitler's regime.
Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa: In the Pacific theater, the United States fought a series of brutal battles against Japanese forces. The Battle of Iwo Jima, which took place from February to March 1945, resulted in the deaths of over 6,800 Americans and 21,000 Japanese. The Battle of Okinawa, which lasted from April to June 1945, was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific theater and resulted in the deaths of over 12,000 Americans and 100,000 Japanese.
Bombing of Hiroshima: On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, killing an estimated 140,000 people. The bombing was intended to force Japan's surrender by demonstrating the devastating power of the atomic bomb.
Bombing of Nagasaki: Three days later, on August 9, 1945, the United States dropped a second atomic bomb on the city of Nagasaki, killing an estimated 74,000 people. The bombing, along with the Soviet Union's declaration of war on Japan, prompted Japan to surrender.
Surrender of Japan: On August 15, 1945, Japan announced its surrender, bringing an end to the war. The formal surrender ceremony took place on September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.