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German Invasion of Poland
In 1933, Hitler signed a pact with Poland to keep France and Poland from forming an alliance. Meanwhile, France and Britain were appeasing Germany to maintain peace. But, in 1938, Germans went in and destroyed Czechoslovakia. Later in 1939 the French and English chose to guard Poland as Germany signed a pact with Russia. In September, Germany invaded and quickly defeated Poland. Two days later, the French and British had declared war on Germany, marking the start of World War II. -
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World War II
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Battle of Britain
In July 1940, Hitler tried to defeat England by the air force, because of Britain’s superior naval force. However his plan was inconsistent while Britain was well prepared. (The Germans had to move their fighting inland). Blows were directed to begin the German invasion. The British retaliated and hit Berlin. Fighting continued until Britain won by shooting down their bombers. Hitler then ‘delayed’ the war. This battle is significant because it was the first war Germany was defeated in. -
Operation Barbarossa - Russia
In June 1941, Hitler launched the operation to invade the Soviet Union. Hitler had intended to break the pact in order to attack Russia. In June Germany invaded Russia as Stalin took control, until he gave up and had a breakdown. Later, he retaliated delivering his “Great Patriotic War” speech. The battle ended in winter when the German army failed (they weren't prepared). In Feb 1943 Germany surrendered. This loss is seen as one of Hitler’s biggest mistakes because it created a two-sided war. -
Battle of Moscow, Russia
Germany had been successful until this episode in 1941 when Germany failed to get Moscow. The Germans were poorly prepared, and limited in men when they attempted to get Moscow. While slowing down to defeat Russians behind them, they allowed them to reorganize and get stronger. When the Germans tried to get at Moscow they were met with Russian resistance. In 20 days the Germans lost due to limited men and a strong opposition. This was all significant because the Germans were shown to be beatable -
Battle of Stalingrad, Russia
In this Battle Germany’s sixth army was defeated at the Russian city of Stalingrad. This proved to be a blow to Hitler’s mission. In the fall of 1942 two Russian armies cut German forces off, and a bloody battle proceeded. Hitler ordered his army to stay, and soon Germany's men and supplies were obliterated by the Soviet Union, and the conditions. This battle was important because it displays how many people’s lives were sacrificed, and it is also recognized as one of the great military battles. -
Battle of Kursk, Russia
In July 1943, German forces attempted to surround Russian forces around Kursk and defeat them at the Eastern Front, like they had been defeated at Stalingrad. Because they had heard of plans of an attack, the Russians were ready and able to fortify Kursk before the Germans got there. When they arrived they fought with tanks. When the Germans were defeated was important because it marked when a German offensive had not failed a breakthrough, and the Germans were forced to retreat. -
D-Day, France
In June 1944, 156,000 American, British and Canadian forces invaded 5 beaches on France’s region, Normandy. This mission was complex and required a lot of planning. For example, the Allies had to design a deceiving campaign to trick the Germans from knowing what they were doing. In August 1944 Northern France was freed, and later in spring the Allies beat Germany. This battle is significant because it marks the beginning of the end of the war and it liberated Western Europe of Nazi force. -
Battle of the Bulge - Lux/Belgium
In December 1944, U.S. troops advanced toward Germany. However Hitler planned to cut through and stop them, something unexpected. At first the U.S. was unable to use their air force, however, later the fog lifted and they could. The U.S. attacked, and the bulge burst. Although the U.S. lost many men, the Germans began to retreat on December 16’th. This battle was significant because it is seen as Hitler’s last offensive, it ruined the chances for Germany, and it was seen as an end to the war. -
Battle of Berlin
Pushing through Poland, Russia was able to outnumber the Germans. When the Russians reached Berlin, there were many forces on both sides, leading to a strong battle. Stalin ordered generals to get to the capitol. Getting there was easy, but the actual battle was hard. Hitler relied on the 12’th army. On May 2’nd Berlin surrendered, and later on May 7’th Germany surrendered. Fought in April and May 1945, the Battle of Berlin marked the end of World War II, and it was the end of the Third Reich. -
Hiroshima/Nagasaki - Japan
In August 1945, a U.S. B29 bomber dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. This wiped out 90% of the city, as well as killing 80,000 people. The effects, such as radiation, would go on to kill more. Later, the U.S. dropped another atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan. This time it killing 40,000 people. These actions and battles were significant because it prompted Japan's Hirohito to surrender in the War.
