In which year did World War II officially end?

World War II officially ended in 1945, marking a significant turning point in global history. This date is recognized because it encompasses key events such as the unconditional surrender of Germany on May 7, 1945, which was ratified on May 8, known as V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day). Following Europe’s surrender, the war continued in the Pacific until Japan's surrender on August 15, 1945, after the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, with the formal signing of surrender taking place on September 2, 1945. This series of events cements 1945 as the year World War II came to an official conclusion, leading to the establishment of the United Nations and significant geopolitical changes around the world.

The other years listed do not hold significance as ending points for World War II: 1940 marks the beginning of significant conflicts within the war, 1950 is well beyond the end of the war, and 1939 is the year it began.