World War III or the Third World War, often abbreviated as WWIII or WW3, are names given to a hypothetical third worldwide large-scale military conflict after World War I and World War II.

The term has been in use since at least as early as 1941. Some apply it loosely to limited or more minor conflicts such as the Cold War or the War on Terror.

In contrast, others assume that such a conflict would surpass prior world wars in both scope and destructive impact.

How Many Countries Fought In World War III?

The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Netherlands, and Belgium all fought in World War III.

Exercises Grand Slam and Longstep were maritime activities held in the Mediterranean Sea during 1952 to work on dislodging an adversary possessing power and land and/or water capable attack.

It required more than 170 warships and 700 airplanes under the general order of Admiral Robert B. Carney. The general exercise leader, Admiral Carney summed up the achievements of Exercise Grand Slam by stating: “We have demonstrated that the senior commanders of all four powers can successfully take charge of a mixed task force and handle it effectively as a working unit.”

The Soviet Union called the exercises “war-like acts” by NATO, with particular reference to the participation of Norway and Denmark, and prepared for its own military maneuvers in the Soviet Zone