Which global conflict occurred from 1939 to 1945?

The global conflict that occurred from 1939 to 1945 is World War II. This war involved many of the world's nations and was marked by significant events such as the Holocaust, the widespread use of new military technologies, and the development and deployment of atomic weapons. The conflict arose primarily due to unresolved issues from World War I, the rise of totalitarian regimes, and aggressive expansionist policies by Germany, Italy, and Japan.

In contrast, World War I took place earlier, from 1914 to 1918, while the Korean War occurred between 1950 and 1953, and the Vietnam War lasted from the late 1950s to 1975. Understanding the timeline and context of these wars is crucial, as they each had distinct causes, events, and consequences that shaped the world in different ways. World War II ultimately led to significant geopolitical shifts, including the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers and the commencement of the Cold War.