-
Invasion of Poland
On this date, Germany decides to invade Poland while saying it was because Poland was persecuting their people and going to dismember Germany with Britain and France. They then staged a fake attack on themselves, blaming Poland for it, and invading "in retaliation." Germany attacked using their lightning war strategy, and Poland could not defend due to their lack of modern weaponry and the Soviet Union joining in and fled. Britain and France declare war on Germany, while Germany takes the land. -
Why the invasion of Poland was important
The invasion of Poland was important because it was the event that caused Britain and France to declare war on Germany. -
The Fall of France
In the war, the Germans began sweeping through the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. This was all a diversion to get Britain and France to focus there while lots of tanks went through the Ardennes. The troops regrouped while still encircling the British and French troops. Their plan had worked. The French and British troops retreat to Dunkirk and get rescued. Shortly after, France falls because France's resistance weakens, the French leaders surrender, and Germany takes France. -
Why the Fall of France was Important
The fall of France was important because it marked a large victory for the Germans, showing their strength and wits, and also gave more control of Europe to Germany. -
Battle of Britain
Britain was Germany's next target for invasion. While they were alone for this fight, Winston Churchill declared they would not surrender. Britain was being bombed by Germany's air force. They started to focus on bigger cities like London, but this did not affect Britain. The British used radar to see incoming attacks by aircraft and a machine called Enigma which could decipher German code. Both of these things turned the tables in the battle. The British now knew when the attacks were coming. -
Battle of Britain continued and why it was important
The Germans switched from daytime bombings to night bombings. The British waited them out in shelters and subways. Germany called off the attacks after seeing Britain's resilience. The Battle of Britain was important because it proved that Germany was not as powerful as they seemed and that the Allies way have a chance at winning this war. -
Pearl Harbor
Japan joins the war. America decides to cut off military supplies and place sanctions on oil to Japan. Japan takes this as America joining the war. Japan, using its air force, destroys many naval ships & planes at Pearl Harbor. -
Why Pearl Harbor was important
Pearl Harbor was important because it caused America, who was originally not interested in the war, to declare war on Japan and join the war, adding another country to the allied powers. -
Battle of Midway
Japan becomes to become extremely powerful, thanks to taking over surrounding countries and cities, including the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, Burma, Malaya, and Indonesia. Japan's next target was Midway because of an American airfield there. America breaks their code and sets up a secret attack at Midway. Japan comes with their fleet, and America quickly counterattacks. Almost all of Japan's naval fleet was destroyed and many of their planes as well. -
Why the Battle of Midway was important
The Battle of Midway was important because it weakened Japan's naval warfare drastically because of losing almost all of their ships and planes, giving the Allies more of an advantage in naval warfare. -
Battle of Stalingrad
Germany begins to attack the Soviet Union, taking present day Ukraine and Belarus. Their advance had stopped there because of the cold winter and Russia defending. But In the summer, Russia targets Stalingrad and drops many bombs in night bombings, which destroyed the city. Germany controlled most of the city now, but some Soviet troops were ready to counterattack. Their counterattack was to cut off supplies & exit routes and surround Germany's army. It had worked. The troops later surrendered. -
Why the Battle of Stalingrad was important
The battle of Stalingrad was important because it caused Germany to become more defensive and less offensive, which allowed the Soviet Union to push back Germany's troops further west. -
D-Day
This is one of the biggest events in the second world war. The Allies secretly build up their army in Great Britain. Then, they launch a secret invasion by sending many troops onto the beaches and sending paratroopers behind Germany's defensive lines. Germany was well defended, though, and at first the Allies could not make it as far as their goal. But, a month later, Allied troops got out of Normandy and into France. Paris was then liberated and they finally crossed into Germany's territory. -
Why D-Day was important.
D-Day was important because it gave control of Paris back to the Allies, It caused lots of damage to Germany, and caused the Allies to finally go into German territory. -
Battle of the Bulge
The Allies were finally crossing through German territory, but Germany had the plans of splitting up the allies. German tanks and troops went through the Ardennes to break through American defenses. Germany was slowed down by those defensive units, even though they suffered many casualties, and eventually halted. The Allies then proceeded to destroy the German army and attacked German defenses. The Allies had successfully defended themselves and moved closer to Germany. -
Why the Battle of the Bulge was Important
The Battle of the Bulge was important because Germany lost many troops and it caused the Allies to follow up with an attack on Germany, which was a key part of the war. -
Dropping of the Atomic Bombs
After Germany was defeated, Japan did not give up. They had actually become even stronger and took out many of the Allied troops. Japan rejected surrendering to the allies, which caused 2 atomic bombs to be dropped on Japan by America. After, Japan surrenders. These atomic bombs affected the population and caused lots of destruction. -
Why the Dropping of the Atomic Bombs was Important
The dropping of the atomic bombs was important because it marked the end of the second world war.