-
Germany Invades Poland
On this day, Germany bombs Poland on both ground and air in an attempt to regain its lost territory and rule Poland. This was a part of Hitlers 'Blitzkrieg' strategy, which meant to bomb the enemies resources such as railroads, communication lines, air capacity and much more. This is an important event in WWII because it sparks the declaration of war between Britain and France against Germany. -
Britain and France declare war on Germany
On this day, France and Britain declare war on Germany in response to Hitler's invasion of Poland, who was an ally of both France and Britain. Britain also began dropping anti-Nazi leaflets across Germany. This is an important event because France and Britain are now involved with the war as they declare war against Germany. -
France Surrenders To Germany
After a battle against Germany, France surrenders to Nazi Germany, resulting in the French Government signing an armistice with Nazi Germany. This is an important event because it marks the victory of Nazi Germany and the truce between France and Germany. -
Germany Invades Russia (Operation Barbarossa)
On this day, Hitler launched his forces to invade the Soviet Union, which was otherwise known as operation ‘Barbarossa’. As more than 30 million German soldiers, 150 divisions and 3 thousand tanks took over the frontier of the Soviet territory. This is a crucial moment in WWII because if operation ‘Barbarossa’ had failed, Germany would have to fight a ‘two-front’ war, which means to fight in a war in 2 different locations. -
Japanese Bomb the American Fleet at Pearl Harbour
On this day, the Japanese launched a surprise attack on the American fleet at Pearl Harbour which was located in Hawaii. The attack nearly destroyed 20 American ships, more than 300 airplane and killed almost 2,500 men. This is an important event because it got the United Sates involved with WWII, however Japan and America had wanted to declare war on each other for decades. -
USA Declares War on the Axis Powes
On this day, the house approves declaration of war against the Axis Powers in response to the attack on Pearl Harbour. This is an important event because it confirms the entrance of the USA into the war, and officially states that by declaring war on the Axis Powers, they are involved with WWII. -
Japanese Bomb Darwin
On this day, the Japanese flew 64 raids on Darwin and 33 raids on other locations across North Australia, using 188 Japanese planes. This is significant because the authorities initially believed that the invasion was imminent, which it was. And when the bombing occurred, it caused quite a shock to Australia and distracted the allies from other areas. -
Germany Loses the Battle of Stalingrad to the USSR
On this day, the city of Stalingrad was successfully defended by the Soviet Union, as Soviet forces surrounded and eliminated an entire German army which was led by General Friedrich Paulus. This event is crucial in the war because this was a huge turning point on the Eastern Front and was one of the most essential engagements of WWII. -
Allied Bombing of Dresden
During this time, the British Royal Air Force (RAF) and the United Sates Army Air Forces (USAAF) launched an attack on Dresden in Germany, although the city was a cultural center, it had many factories which were producing weapons which would be used against them, and was also located in Nazi Germany. The bombings resulted in the death of around 100,000 German citizens which caused a lot of controversy, but was important because it cut Germany's supply of weapons. -
Allied Enter Berlin and Hitler Commits Suicide
On this day, Soviet artillery from the 1st Belorussian Front began firing at Berlin and would not stop until the city had surrendered. Each day, the American forces managed to move 10 miles a day by passing surrendered villages. And when the allied forces managed to reach the heart of Nazi Germany, Hitler committed suicide above his bunker. This is one of the most important events of WWII because it marks the defeat of Nazi Germany and the ending of the war. -
The End of War in Europe
On this day, German troops all across Europe lay down their arms and surrender to the Soviet forces. Citizens in both nations put out their flags and banners, to celebrate the defeat of the Nazi’s. This day is important because it marks the victory of Europe and the end of the war in Europe -
Atomic Bomb Dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
On this day, an American B-29 bomber dropped the worlds first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, which destroyed 90% of the city and immediately killed 80,000 people. 3 days later, a second atomic bomb was released on Nagasaki, which killed another 40,000. This event is significant because it causes Japan to unconditionally surrender after the amount of collateral damage Japan took.
