- Surrender of Axis Powers: The war officially ended with the surrender of Japan on September 2, 1945, following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This marked the unconditional surrender of all Axis Powers, bringing an end to the six-year conflict that had claimed millions of lives.
- Occupation of Germany and Japan: The victorious Allied powers, led by the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and France, occupied Germany and Japan to prevent any resurgence of militarism and to facilitate their post-war reconstruction.
- Nuremberg Trials: The Allies established the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg, Germany, to prosecute Nazi leaders for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes against peace. The trials resulted in the conviction and execution of several prominent Nazi officials.
- Division of Germany: Germany was divided into four zones of occupation by the Allied powers, each administered by one of the four victorious countries. The division of Germany would eventually lead to the creation of two separate states: West Germany and East Germany.
- Cold War begins: The wartime alliance between the United States and the Soviet Union quickly deteriorated after the war, leading to the onset of the Cold War. The two superpowers engaged in a geopolitical, economic, and ideological struggle for global influence that lasted for several decades.
Long-term consequences
- Decolonization and Rise of New Nations: World War II accelerated the process of decolonization, as European colonial powers weakened and newly independent nations emerged in Asia and Africa.
- United Nations: The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945 as an international organization aimed at promoting peace and preventing future conflicts.
- Economic Recovery: The post-war period saw significant economic recovery and growth in many parts of the world, particularly in the United States, Western Europe, and Japan. This economic expansion became known as the "post-war economic miracle."
- Technological Advancements: The war accelerated technological advancements, particularly in the fields of aviation, electronics, and nuclear physics, which had a profound impact on society.
- Social Changes: World War II brought about significant social changes, including the rise of women's rights movements, the civil rights movement, and the expansion of welfare states in many countries.
- Cultural Impact: The war left a lasting impact on culture, literature, and the arts, with many works reflecting the horrors and transformations brought about by the conflict.