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The beginning of the Second World War
Germany invades Poland. World War II begins. -
France and Great Britain declare war on Germany.
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Germany invades and takes control of Denmark and Norway.
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Germany uses quick strikes called blitzkrieg, meaning lightning war, to take over much of western Europe including the Netherlands, Belgium, and northern France.
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Winston Churchill becomes leader of the British government
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Italy enters the war as a member of the Axis powers.
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Germany launches an air attack on Great Britain. These attacks last until the end of October and are known as the Battle of Britain.
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Germany, Italy, and Japan sign the Tripartite Pact creating the Axis Alliance.
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Germany and the Axis Powers attack Russia with a huge force of over four million troops.
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The Japanese attack the US Navy in Pearl Harbor. The next day the US enters World War II on the side of the Allies.
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The US Navy defeats the Japanese navy at the Battle of Midway.
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The Allies invade and take the island of Sicily.
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Italy surrenders to the Allies, however Germany helps Mussolini to escape and set up a government in Northern Italy.
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D-day and the Normandy invasion. Allied forces invade France and push back the Germans.
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Paris is liberated from German control.
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The Germans launch a large attack in the Battle of the Bulge. They lose to the Allies sealing the fate of the German army.
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US Marines invade the island of Iwo Jima. After a fierce battle they capture the island.
