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End of WWI
Britain, France, the US, and other allies defeat Germany, bringing an end to World War I, billed as “the war to end all wars.” At this time the Treaty of Versailles is enacted which forces immense punishment onto the German state, this is the first cause of WWII. -
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Major events leading up to and including the early years of WWII.
this timeline includes the major events that lead up to WWII as well as those that took place in the early years which shaped the war. -
Hitler Appointed German Leader
on January 30th, 1933 Adolf Hitler becomes chancellor of Germany and later assumes dictatorial powers. He kickstarts German rearmament. -
World War II Begins
Germany invades Poland, inciting Poland’s allies Britain and France to declare war on Germany. -
Soviet Union Invades Poland
Working in concert with Hitler, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin orders the invasion of Poland, securing a share of Polish territory. -
Warsaw Captured
Warsaw surrenders to German troops. Poland holds out for another 9 days before capitulating. -
UK Wins War's First Sea Battle
British cruisers defeat a German pocket battleship at the Battle of the River Plate, the first major naval engagement of World War II. -
Norway Invaded
Germany invades Norway, ending a 6-month period of limited land operations called the “Phony War.” -
Churchill Becomes Prime Minister
Winston Churchill replaces Neville Chamberlain as British Prime Minister. The same day, Germany invades Belgium. -
Miracle of Dunkirk
The trapped British army evacuates to England from Dunkirk, France, surviving to fight another day. -
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Miracle of Dunkirk
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Paris Falls to Nazis
Paris falls to the German Blitzkrieg. France capitulates 11 days later. -
Britain Fights For Its Life
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Britain Fights For Its Life
The Battle of Britain pits German bombers against British fighters in a thwarted German prelude to invasion. -
U.S. Plunged Into War
Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, starting war with the US. Sensing weakness, Hitler declares war on America 4 days later.