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Firebombing of Tokyo
A devastating air raid that destroyed large parts of Tokyo, causing massive civilian casualties. -
D-Day
D-Day, also known as the Normandy Invasion, was the largest amphibious military operation in history. Allied forces, primarily from the United States, Britain, and Canada, landed on five beaches in Normandy, France, marking the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control. -
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Liberation of Paris
After months of fighting, the Allies liberated Paris from Nazi occupation. The city's inhabitants celebrated as German forces retreated. The liberation was a significant morale boost for the Allies and marked the beginning of the end for Nazi control over Western Europe. -
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Battle of Leyte Gulf
A decisive naval battle between the Allied forces and Japan, leading to the destruction of much of Japan's fleet. -
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Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge was the last major German offensive in the West, launched in the Ardennes Forest. Despite initial successes, the German forces were eventually pushed back by the Allies, and it marked the beginning of the end for Germany on the Western Front. -
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Yalta Conference
The Yalta Conference was a meeting between the "Big Three" Allied leaders—President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Premier Joseph Stalin. The leaders discussed the post-war reorganization of Europe, the fate of Germany, and the establishment of the United Nations. -
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Firebombing of Dresden
Allied forces conducted a series of bombing raids on the German city of Dresden, which resulted in massive destruction and civilian casualties. The raids remain controversial due to the heavy civilian toll and the city's cultural significance. -
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The Battle of Okinawa
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Soviet Invasion of Berlin
The Soviet Red Army launched a final assault on Berlin, leading to the city's surrender. This marked the collapse of Nazi Germany, with Soviet forces capturing the German capital. -
Hitler Suicide
As Soviet forces closed in on Berlin, Adolf Hitler, realizing defeat was inevitable, committed suicide in his bunker. His death marked the symbolic end of the Nazi regime. -
Germany's Surrender
Germany officially surrendered to the Allied forces on May 8, 1945, which became known as Victory in Europe (V-E) Day. The surrender marked the end of the war in Europe and was celebrated worldwide. -
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Potsdam Conference
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Hiroshima Bombing