How did World War II end?

World War II officially ended with the formal surrender of Japan on September 2, 1945 after the U.S.A. dropped two atomic bombs on the country, which killed over a 100 thousand people. The Allies offered Japan a chance to surrender prior to dropping the bombs, but they refused. Germany had already surrendered to the Allies in May.

Unofficial unconditional surrender came a few weeks prior to the signing of the official surrender. The term "V-J Day" applies to the August 14 or 15 unofficial surrender and also to September 2 and the official surrender. V-J Day or "Victory over Japan day" is celebrated in a number of locations in remembrance of the war and everyone that died.