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Nazi-Soviet Pact
Also known as the Molotove-Ribbentrop treaty, the Nazi-Soviet Pact was a non-aggression treaty made between hitler and Stalin. Hitler tried to avoid war at two fronts, and Stalin wanted to make allies through this treaty. This was phenomenal during that time, because no one even imagined that Germany and Russia would come together. They have been thinking that war between Germany and Russia, due to difference in ideologies, was inevitable. But the impossible happened. -
Invasion of Poland
Germany started her campaign on attacking Poland, on September 1st, 1939. Germany invaded Poland from the west side. Not only Germany, but also Soviet Russia invaded Poland from the east side. Towards the end of the campaigns, Germany and Russia would divide Poland and annex Poland. -
The Phoney War
The Phoney War refers to a period where there was no active military reactions against the German powers, by the Allies. Even after the Germans committed the Blitzkrieg, the Allies did not respond in any way to stop Hitler. It is also known as "Sitzkrieg", which means sitting war. -
The Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain mainly consisted of aerial battles between Britain and Germany. Germany's main goal was to gain Britain's surrender and destroying Britain's air defences by bombing places with political importance, war factories, and infrastructure. However, Germany would fail in doing such. -
Invasion of France
France, expecting that Germany would attack through the eastern borders between Germany and France, build the Maginot defenese line. However, Germany simply stampeded over Belgium, and invaded France through its northern borders. The German Blitzkrieg advanced through France's interior, eventually leading to France's surrender. As a result, southern France, which was not taken over by Germany, built a new government. However, this government was very cooperative with Hitler and the Germans. -
The Dunkirk Evacuation
The Phoney War was now over. Using the Blitzkrieg, the Germans advanced, eventually trapping French and British forces in Dunkirk. 345,000 men were trapped there, and the Allies could not afford to lose those trained soldiers. Through the Operation Dynamo, planned out by General Ramsey, the soldiers were transferred to safe places on small fishing boats. -
Operation Barbarossa
Operation Barbarossa was a plan of Germany invading Soviet Russia. The campaign started during the summer, to avoid the deadily winter of Russia. The German soldiers slaughtered everyone in their way up until Moscow. The Russian soldiers used the scorched earth policy, where they burnt every useful resource as the fled, leaving the Germans desperate for supplies. The Germans nearly took over Moscow, and other important cities, but the cruel winter devastated them. -
The Battle of El Alamein
The Battle of El Alamein is a significant battle fought in North Africa, between the Allies and Germans. El Alamein was an important place for the Allies, becaue it was a place where the Allies could gather supplies and armies to attack Italy. It was a strategic point where both sides needed. Eventually, the Allies captured El Alamein. -
Battle of Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad is a major battle between Germany and Russia, which fought over the control of the city, Stalingrad. Due to the deadly winter and stubborn Russian forces, the German army failed to take over Stalingrad, and had to retreat. -
Invasion of Normandy
This battle took place in Normandy, France. The Allied force took over Normandy, through amphibious regiments, parachutes, bombing and etc. American, British and Canadian armies successfully fought off the German defense lines. This battle was the beginning of Germany's collapse. -
Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge was where Germany pushed through the weak Allied lines on the western border, during the last winter of WWII. Hitler hoped to force Britain to evacuate or surrender, but did not work out. The name of the battle comes from the shape of the Allies' lines while the Germans attacked. -
Victory in Europe Day
Also known as V-E Day, Victory in Europe day was the day that Germany officially accepted their surrender, and the end of Hitler's rule. Celebrations occurred over the world.
