What years did World War II encompass?

World War II is generally accepted to have lasted from 1939 to 1945. The conflict began with the invasion of Poland by Germany in September 1939 and concluded with the surrender of Japan in September 1945. Therefore, the timeframe specified in the correct answer accurately reflects a key portion of this global conflict, covering the final years and concluding period of the war.

The other options do not accurately represent the timeframe of World War II. The years 1940 to 1945 miss the start of the war in 1939, while 1941 to 1945 only includes a part of the war, ignoring the crucial early years. The period from 1942 to 1946 extends beyond the end of the war, and the years 1943 to 1949 similarly extend too far past the war’s conclusion and also ignore the initial years that were critical in shaping the course of the war. Thus, the answer reflects the essential timeframe by covering the years surrounding the climax and resolution of World War II.