The Second World War, also known as World War II, was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the majority of the world's nations, including the major powers of the Allies (including the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union) and the Axis (led by Germany, Italy, and Japan). Alternative terms for the Second World War include simply "World War II", the "Great Patriotic War" (in Russia), or the "European War" (in Britain). It was the deadliest conflict in human history, with an estimated 70-85 million fatalities, and marked the end of the era of European dominance in global affairs.