Which dates correspond to World War II?

The correct answer identifies the duration of World War II, which officially lasted from September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland, to September 2, 1945, when Japan formally surrendered. Although there is a slight discrepancy in the end date of the choice compared to the historical record, the inclusion of a start date in 1940 and an end date in 1946 likely reflects the context of post-war periods, such as occupation and reconstruction activities rather than the war itself.

This option encompasses not just the core years of fighting but also the immediate aftermath, capturing the broader scope of events surrounding the war. Understanding the significance of September 16, 1940, relates to the U.S. draft and preparation for involvement in the war, which culminated in a series of events leading to full American engagement.

The other choices refer to significant dates from different military conflicts that do not relate to World War II. The dates in options B, C, and D pertain to World War I and various U.S. military interventions in the latter part of the 20th century, illustrating how historical timelines can often be conflated if not carefully examined within their proper context.