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Battle of the Bulge
Battle of the Bulge — Nazi Germany launches its last major offensive on the Western Front, which is eventually repelled by the Allies. -
Winston Churchill becomes UK Prime Minister
Winston Churchill became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom*, leading Britain during World War II. -
Hitler occupies Paris
Paris falls to Nazi Germany* — Germany occupies Paris, marking a pivotal moment in the fall of France during World War II. -
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The Blitz
The Blitz — Nazi Germany begins bombing London and other British cities, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. -
Operation Barbarossa
Germany invades the USSR (Operation Barbarossa) — Nazi Germany launches a massive invasion of the Soviet Union, breaking the non-aggression pact and marking the beginning of one of World War II’s most prominent and deadliest campaigns. -
The Atlantic Charter
The Atlantic Charter was issued, a joint declaration by Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill outlining the Allies' goals for the post-war world. -
Pearl Harbor
Japan attacks Pearl Harbor — The United States is drawn into World War II after a surprise attack on its Pacific naval base in Hawaii. -
US enters WW2
December 8, 1941*: *The United States declares war on Japan, officially entering World War II. -
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Battle of Midway
Battle of Midway — A decisive U.S. naval victory over Japan, marking the turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II. -
Quit India
Gandhi leads the “Quit India” movement* — Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress launch a campaign for an end to British rule in India. -
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Casablanca Conference
Casablanca Conference — Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt met to plan the next phase of World War II and demand unconditional surrender from the Axis powers. -
Battle of Stalingrad
Battle of Stalingrad — One of the bloodiest battles in history, resulting in a decisive Soviet victory and a significant turning point on the Eastern Front. -
Operation Husky
Allied invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky) — The Allies successfully invaded Sicily, paving the way for the liberation of Italy. -
Italy Surrenders to Allies
Italy surrenders to the Allies, though fighting against German forces in Italy continues. -
Operation Overlord (D-DAY)
D-Day (Operation Overlord)— Allied forces land on the beaches of Normandy, France, marking the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control. -
Paris Liberated
Liberation of Paris — Allied forces liberate Paris from German occupation. -
Tokyo Bombing
U.S. firebombing of Tokyo — A devastating bombing campaign kills around 100,000 civilians, one of the deadliest air raids in history. -
Germany Surrenders
Germany surrenders — Nazi Germany signs an unconditional surrender, marking the end of World War II in Europe -
Hiroshima Bombing
The U.S. drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, killing tens of thousands instantly. -
Nagasaki Bombing
The U.S. drops a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki*, leading to Japan's surrender. -
Japan Surrenders
Japan surrenders*, effectively ending World War II (V-J Day). -
United Nations Founded
The United Nations was founded*, replacing the League of Nations and aiming to prevent future conflicts. -
Iron Curtain Speech
Winston Churchill delivered the “Iron Curtain” speech, warning of the division between Western democracies and Soviet-controlled Eastern Europe, marking the early stages of the Cold War. -
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Indochina War
First Indochina War (French War)* — A conflict between the French and the Viet Minh in Vietnam, leading to France's eventual withdrawal and the division of Vietnam. -
The Truman Doctrine
The Truman Doctrine is introduced by U.S. President Harry Truman, pledging support to nations threatened by Soviet communism -
Partition of India
Partition of India — India gains independence from Britain, resulting in the creation of the separate states of India and Pakistan and sparking mass migration and violence. -
Israel established
Israel is declared an independent state*, leading to the first Arab-Israeli War as neighbouring Arab countries invaded in opposition to the establishment of Israel. -
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Berlin Airlift
Berlin Blockade and Airlift—The Soviet Union blocked access to West Berlin, prompting a massive airlift by the U.S. and its allies to supply the city with food and fuel. -
EO 9981
U.S. President Harry Truman integrates the armed forces* with Executive Order 9981, ending racial segregation in the U.S. military. -
NATO Established
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is founded* — A military alliance formed to counter Soviet influence in Europe. -
People’s Republic of China Established
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) was established when Mao Zedong declared the founding of Communist China, marking the end of the Chinese Civil War. -
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The UN adopts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights*, setting global standards for human rights.