Here are 15 facts you need to know about World War Two on VE Day

The VE Day bank holiday is upon us. Intended to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, which marked the end of the Second World War in Europe, nationwide plans had been drawn up to celebrate the occasion.

However, they’ve had to be scrapped because of the coronavirus lockdown, so many of us will be celebrating from behind closed doors.

If you're looking to brush up on your knowledge about World War II or VE Day and the history behind it, here are 15 facts to learn.

How many people died in World War Two?

It’s estimated that over 75 million people died due to the effects of World War II, whether through direct combat or more indirect causes.

That death toll is a greater number than the entire population of Great Britain today.

This figure includes about 20 million military personnel and 40 million civilians.

What were the big world changes after WW2?

The colossal impacts of World War Two led to major changes in all walks of life for years to come.

On a political level, the Second World War gave way to the Cold War, which saw America and Russia - allies during the war - turn on each other in a dangerously competitive race to acquire nuclear weapons capabilities.

The conflict never resulted in direct declared war between the two superpowers, but the fear that it might at any moment, kept the world nervously on its toes.

When did World War Two start?

World War Two began on 1 September 1939.

Why did World War Two start?

Having been one of the countries to lose the First World War, Germany had to sign an agreement that said they were to blame for the conflict, and also had to pay a fine and lose some of their acquired land.