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the Munich Pact
Hitler wanted a region of Czechoslovakia called the Sudetenland. Britain and France who were allied with Czechoslovakia offered to sign the Sudetenland over to Hitler without question in order to avoid a war. The Munich Pact was signed by Neville Chamberlain of Britain and Edouard Daladier of France. When Chamberlain returned he thought of it as an honorable victory, however he was accused of appeasement by Winston Churchill, his political rival. -
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
An agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union that promised that no acts of aggression would occur between the two states and divided Europe into spheres of influence. -
Battle of Britain
An intense air war launched by the Germans in an attempt to gain control of Britain's air space after France had been defeated. It was a poorly planned and ultimately the British overcame the Germans around the May of 1941. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
Japan launch surprise attack on a Naval Base on Pearl Harbor killing upwards of 2400 Americans. -
Battle of Stalingrad.
Battle between the Soviet Union and the Axis Powers that resulted in upwards of 2 million casualities. Stalingrad was the center of communication of Russia so attacking it was seen as a strong strategic maneuver by Hitler. Not only that but it was also a strong industrial area and if he took capture of it, he could disarm the Red Army, as well take over its rich abundance of oil. The Russians would ultimately win. This battle is regarded as the turning point of WWII. -
D-Day
The allies stormed Normandy and bested the Germans. This defeat would lead to the eventual downfall of Germany, -
The Battle of the Buldge
A last ditch German offensive to take control Ardennes in order to stop the momentum of the Allies that was eventually fought off by American soldiers. -
The Yalta Conference
A meeting held between Wintson Churchil, Joseph Stalin and FDR where the topics of Germany's surrender, Poland's border, the USSR's entry of war against Japan and the USSR's joining of the United Nations was discussed. -
V-E Day.
The day victory was declared in Europe for the Allies as Germany had crumbled and Hitler had committed suicide in the weeks prior. -
Potsdam Conference
A meeting held in Potsdam, Germany between Prime Minister of Britain, Whinston Churchill, President Truman and Joseph Stallin where post-war arrangements for Europe were discussed along with what would be done with Japan. An ultimatum was given to the Japanese that they surrender or meet "prompt and utter destruction. The conference concluded on the second of August. -
Nuremburg Trials
A series of trials held for people who took part in fighting for or aiding Nazi Germany and the Third Reich.
