World War II, or the Second World War, was a global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies and the Axis powers. Nearly all of the world's countries participated. Tanks and aircraft played major roles, the latter enabling the strategic bombing of cities and delivery of the only nuclear weapons used in war. World War II was the deadliest conflict in history, causing the death of 60 to 75 million people. Millions died as a result of massacres, starvation, disease, and genocides, including the Holocaust. After the Allied victory, Germany, Austria, Japan, and Korea were occupied, and German and Japanese leaders were tried for war crimes.
World War II: Marshal Henri Philippe Pétain becomes Chief of State of Vichy France (Chef de l'État Français).
On June 16, in the year 1940, World War II: Marshal Henri Philippe Pétain becomes Chief of State of Vichy France (Chef de l'État Français). This event is recorded as a Historical Events event in the history of June 16, one of 425 recorded events on this date across all of history.
Key Facts
- This event took place on June 16, 1940 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Historical Events event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 3 Wikipedia articles.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 8 June 2026.
On This Date in History 425
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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