Timeline: The War for Europe and North Africa

Dec 7, 1941

Japan Bombs Pearl Harbor

The Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The United States enters World War Two shortly after the attack.

Mar 25, 1942

"Trading with the Enemy"

Attorney General Thurman Arnold announces that William Stamps Farish Sr. pled "not guilty" to charges of criminal conspiracy with the Nazis.

Jun 28, 1942

Germany Launches New Offensive in the Soviet Union

German troops fight their way into Stalingrad (Volgograd) on the Volga River and penetrate deep into the Caucasus after securing the Crimean Peninsula.

Oct 23, 1942

British Troops Defeat the Germans and Italians in Egypt

At El Alamein British troops in Egypt send the Axis forces in chaotic retreat across Libya to the eastern border of Tunisia.

Nov 8, 1942

U.S. and British Troops Land on the Beaches of Algeria and Morocco in French North Africa

The failure of the Vichy French troops to defend against the invasion enables the Allies to move swiftly to the western border of Tunisia, and triggers the German occupation of southern France on November 11.

May 13, 1943

Axis Forces Surrender in Tunisia

Axis forces in Tunisia surrender to the Allies, ending the North African Campaign.

Jul 10, 1943

U.S. and British Troops in Sicily

U.S. and British troops land on Sicily, and by mid-August, they have control over Sicily.

Jul 25, 1943

Benito Mussolini

The Fascist Grand Council deposes Benito Mussilini, enabling the Italian marshall, Pietro Badoglio, to form a new government.

Sep 8, 1943

The Badoglio Government Surrenders

The Badoglio government surrenders to the Allies. The Germans seize control of Rome and northern Italy, establishing a puppet Fascist regime under Mussolini, who is freed from imprisonment by German commandos on September 12.