World War II was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. The vast majority of the world's countries including all the great powers eventually formed two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. World War II changed the political alignment and social structure of the globe. The United Nations (UN) was established to foster international co-operation and prevent future conflicts; the victorious great powers—China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States became the permanent members of its Security Council. This is a Brand New World War II Veterans Committee 2004 Commemorative 12x15 Calendar