What war is occurring during The Cay?

In "The Cay" by Theodore Taylor, the backdrop of World War II serves as the primary conflict. The story unfolds in the Caribbean, where the protagonist, Phillip, and an older man named Timothy find themselves stranded on a deserted island after a German U-boat attacks their ship. The war influences their circumstances, highlighting themes of survival and the impact of prejudice, as Phillip learns to see beyond racial differences in their struggle for survival.