• Period: to

    The Manhattan Project

    The Manhattan Project was a secret U.S. program during WWII to develop the very first atomic bomb. It brought the top scientists together, like Robert Oppenheimer, to work at different locations across the U.S. The project was successful in creating atomic bombs that were later dropped on cities.
  • Period: to

    The Battle of Hedgerows

    This battle took place in Normandy, France, following the D-Day invasion. American soldiers faced tough German resistance, as the enemy used the dense hedgerows for cover and defensive positions. Even though the Allies faced heavy losses and challenging territory, they eventually broke through and liberated Paris.
  • The Battle of the Bulge

    The Battle of the Bulge
    This battle was Germany’s final big offensive on the Western Front. Hitler tried to divide the Allies and take control of Antwerp (a city in Belgium), but the Allies were strong even through the freezing weather upon them, not to mention the many losses as well. The Allies ultimately won, leaving Germany too weak to continue fighting on the Western Front.
  • The Battle of Two Jima

    During this battle, American forces fought to take control of the Japanese-held island. The Battle of Jima was ruthless, with many deaths on both sides, but the U.S. eventually won after fighting against Japan. Japanese bunkers were attacked with weapons including flamethrowers as well as explosives.
  • Firebombing Japan

    Firebombing Japan
    The United States targeted major Japanese cities, including Toyko. American bombers dropped harsh bombs, causing large fires that caused great destruction to the area and killed thousands of civilians. This bombing campaign weakened Japan’s ability to keep fighting and helped eventually lead to their surrender.
  • Period: to

    The Invasion of Okinawa

    American forces tried to capture the Japanese island. It was one of the deadliest battles in the Pacific, with harsh fighting and many casualties as the Japanese defended the island. The victory gave the U.S. and important base for future attacks on Japan but also showed how costly an invasion of Japan would be.
  • Hitler Commits Suicide

    Hitler Commits Suicide
    The Soviet troops were closing in on Berlin in the last days of World War II. With Berlin surrounded and Germany about to lose, Hitler took his own life in his bunker, his wife following alongside him. His death marked the end of Nazi leadership and helped lead to Germany’s surrender.
  • Hiroshima

    Hiroshima
    Hiroshima was the first city to be bombed with an atomic weapon during WWII. The U.S. dropped the “Little Boy” atomic bomb, causing massive destruction and killing 63% of the city's population. The bombing played a large role in Japan’s choice to surrender.
  • Nagasaki

    Nagasaki
    Nagasaki was the second city to be bombed with an atomic weapon, just three days after Hiroshima. The U.S. dropped the “Fat Man” bomb, killing between 35,000 - 74,000 people. The bombing, along with Hiroshima, pushed the idea of surrender to Japan.
  • Japan Surrenders

    The emperor of Japan, Hirohito, was faced with massive destruction and the shock of the Soviets joining the war. In conclusion, on V-J Day, Japan surrendered and the war was over.
  • Period: to

    Nuremberg trials

    A trial was held to prosecute major leaders of Nazi Germany for war crimes. They took place in Nuremberg, Germany, and many key figures, including military leaders and government officials, were convicted for crimes, as example genocide. The trials helped to set the standards for how crimes would be prosecuted in the future.