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Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles represented the formal end to World War I. It was signed between the Allied Powers and Germany in an attempt to restore peace and make Germany face consequences to their actions. However the Germans saw the treaty as being too harsh and it caused nationalistic sentiments to rise within the country and fueled the future German violence. -
Hitler Becomes Chancellor
Hitler was apart of the largest party in the reichstag and because of how badly the economy was suffering, he was sworn into office, placing the Nazi's in power. This is important as Hitler's power was abused and a key proponent of the future war and the violence that was apart of it. -
Rome-Berlin Axis Treaty
The Rome-Berlin Axis Treaty was a treaty between Italy and Germany where they pledged to follow a common foreign policy. This was formalized in 1939 with the Pact of Steel. This was influential as there was now unity between two fascist leaders: Mussolini and Hitler. -
Japan Invades China
Also known as the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, this event was fought between China and Japan outside of present day Beijing. This was a significant event in the war because it represented the start of warfare and is sometimes considered the first battle of the Pacific Side in World War II. -
Anschluss
This was the annexation of Austria into what was then Nazi Germany. The Austrian people didn't overly object, because they thought it would solve some of their economic problems. This directly went against both the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Saint Germain. It was significant because it was Germany's first act of territorial aggression and showed that Germany wasn't willing to listen to the other countires. -
Declaration of War
France and Britain declared war on Germany following the invasion of their ally, Poland. Britain attempted to reason with Hitler but when no reply came about, Churchill made it clear they were going to stand for it. This was significant because it represented the formal and official start to World War II. -
Blitzkrieg
Blitzkrieg was one of Germany's main tactics throughout the war, featuring rapid attacks. Blitzkrieg translates to "Lightning War" and over time Germany used it to their advantage to take territory all over Western Europe including in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Northern France. Lasting until June 22nd these attacks were significant to Nazi Germany's increasing power and control of land. -
Battle of Britain
This marks the start of Germany's attack on Britain. Germany began by attacking British shipping within the English Channel and attacking key coastal areas. They gradually moved inland, concentrating on more airfields and centers of communication. Britain successfully uses their advanced technology (ex: radar) to fend off Germany and force Hitler to call off the operation. This is a significant event because of Britain and the Allied Powers win. -
Attack of Pearl Harbor
A date that will forever live in infamy, this is when Japan attacked the U.S. military fleet in Pearl Harbor. The next day U.S. declares war. This is significant because it means that the war is becoming a true "world war" now that America is a part of it. -
Battle of Midway
As a well known turning point in the war, this battle was a success for the U.S. navy against Japan's navy. It was a turning point for the war in Asia and allowed for America to establish their naval superiority within the Pacific. It was significant as it marked the beginning of a shift in who was leading the war. -
Battle of Stalingrad
This was a major battle that took place on the eastern front, and won by the Soviet Union against the German offensive when they tried to take the city of Stalingrad. It was one of the bloodiest and most violent battles in the war and was significant for the soviets decisive victory. -
Italy's Surrender
Italy was forced to surrender to the allied powers. Mussolini was removed from office and placed under arrest until the Germany's freed him and helped him set up a new government in northern Italy. Soon after Rome fell. Due to Italy's weak economy it was hard for them to stay afloat which made it difficult for them to fight back. This was important because it cut off one of the Nazi's biggest allies. -
D-Day
Led by General Dwight D Eisenhower, troops attempted a naval invasion of German controlled Normandy in France. Within three months they were able to break through German defenses. Using their combined power the Allied forces began to push back against the Axis powers, turning the tide of the war. It was significant for the path of victory that it placed the Allied Powers on. -
Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge was a surprise attack launched by Germany. It was fought in freezing temperatures and had high casualties everywhere especially for the U.S. forces. The allies win and it is considered a major loss for Germany and the axis powers. It was significant because it is considered the last German offensive of the war. -
Germany's Surrender
On May 7th, Germany officially surrenders to the allied powers, marking the end of the war in the European Theatre. This event follows the murder of Mussolini and the suicide of Hitler. Germany had already accepted defeat, yet this event was significant due to the formal end of the European part of the war.