World War II ended in 1945, with the official surrender of Germany on May 8th, known as V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day), and Japan's surrender on September 2nd, marking V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day). The conflict, which began in 1939, was one of the deadliest conflicts in human history, resulting in millions of deaths and widespread destruction. The war involved many of the world's nations and had profound political, social, and economic consequences. The conclusion of World War II set the stage for the Cold War and the establishment of various international organizations aimed at promoting peace and cooperation among nations.