World War II or the Second World War ended on September 2 in 1945. The war was a global conflict between two global coalitions, involving more than 50 nations. The war took place on land, sea and air in nearly every part of the world. The deadliest war changed the political situation and social structure of the world, and it set the foundation of international relations for the rest of the 20th century and into the 21st century.
After the end of the war, the United Nations was established to foster international cooperation and prevent conflicts. As a result of the Second World War, the Soviet Union and the United States emerged as rival superpowers, setting the stage for the Cold War. In the wake of European devastation, the influence of its great powers waned, triggering the decolonisation of Africa and Asia. Most countries whose industries had been damaged moved towards economic recovery and expansion.
World War II began in Europe on September 1 in 1939 with the German invasion of Poland and the United Kingdom and France’s declaration of war on Germany. It ended after six years. In that time, the war had claimed the lives of an estimated 60-80 million people, approximately three per cent of the-then world’s total population. The vast majority of those who died in history’s deadliest war were civilians, including six million Jews were killed in Nazi concentration camps during the Holocaust.
Later, war crimes tribunals were conducted against German and Japanese leaders for the brutality during the six-year world war. On May 8 in 1945, World War II in Europe came to an end. As the news of Germany’s surrender reached the rest of the world, joyous crowds gathered to celebrate on the streets, clutching newspapers that declared Victory in Europe.
On September 2, Japan had formally surrendered in ceremonies aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, formally ending the bloodiest conflict in human history. Japan surrendered after atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The formal surrender documents were signed aboard the USS Missouri, designating the day as the official Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day). The news spread quickly and celebrations erupted across the United States.
The Surrender Ceremony, which lasted a mere 23 minutes, began at 9:00 am with a brief opening speech by General Douglas MacArthur. In his speech, the General called for justice, tolerance, and rebuilding.
After MacArthur’s speech, Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu, representing the Emperor of Japan, signed the Instrument of Surrender. He was followed by the Chief of the Army General Staff, General Yoshijirō Umezu, who signed for the Japanese Army.
After this, General MacArthur signed the Instrument of Surrender as the Supreme Allied Commander with six pens. Of these pens, he gave two to former POWs Lt. General Jonathan Wainwright and Lt. General Arthur E. Percival.
After the signing concluded, General MacArthur made a few concluding remarks and closed the proceedings. At 9:00 am on September 2 in 1945, the world war was officially over.
