The War for Europe and North Africa

Japan Bombs Pearl Harbor

Dec 7, 1941

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

"Trading with the Enemy"

Mar 25, 1942

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

Germany Launches New Offensive in the Soviet Union

Jun 28, 1942

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

British Troops Defeat the Germans and Italians in Egypt

Oct 23, 1942

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

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

Nov 8, 1942

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.

Axis Forces Surrender in Tunisia

May 13, 1943

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

U.S. and British Troops in Sicily

Jul 10, 1943

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

Benito Mussolini

Jul 25, 1943

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

The Badoglio Government Surrenders

Sep 8, 1943

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.

Japan Formally Surrenders

Sep 2, 1945

Having agreed in principle to unconditional surrender on August 14, 1945, Japan formally surrenders, ending World War II.