-
Japanese invasion of China
Conflict in Asia began well before the official start of World War II. Seeking raw materials to fuel its growing industries, Japan invaded the Chinese province of Manchuria in 1931. By 1937 Japan controlled large sections of China, and war crimes against the Chinese became commonplace.
https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/liberation-china-and-pacific -
Rape of Nanking
The Nanking Massacre, also called Rape of Nanking was the mass killing and the ravaging of Chinese citizens and capitulated soldiers by soldiers of the Japanese Imperial Army after its seizure of Nanking, China. It resulted in the rape of over 20 000 woman of all ages.
https://www2.gvsu.edu/walll/nanking%20massacre%20wikipedia.htm -
German Blitzkrieg
Blitzkrieg is a term used to describe a method of offensive warfare designed to strike a swift, focused blow at an enemy using mobile, maneuverable forces, including armored tanks and air support. Such an attack ideally leads to a quick victory, limiting the loss of soldiers and artillery.
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/blitzkrieg-lightning-war -
Fall of Paris
German assault on north-west Europe, known as the Battle of France, resulted in the capture and subjugation of not only France but three other countries – Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Belgium.
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/blitzkrieg-lightning-war -
Pearl Harbor
Japan launched a surprise air attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Japanese forces also overran Allied possessions in south-east Asia and The Philippines. Japan hoped for a short war, seeking to quickly weaken US naval strength and capture strategically vital oil supplies. It resulted in the US joining the war.
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/blitzkrieg-lightning-war -
Wansee Conference
High-ranking Nazi Party and German government officials gathered at a villa in the Berlin suburb of Wansee to discuss and coordinate the implementation of what they called the "Final Solution of the Jewish Question." It resulted in the mass use of gas chambers for mass genocide.
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/blitzkrieg-lightning-war -
Battle of Midway
Japan hoped to defeat the US Pacific Fleet and use Midway as a base to attack Pearl Harbor, securing dominance in the region and then forcing a negotiated peace. The initial attack resulted in naval combat between Japan and the US.
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/blitzkrieg-lightning-war -
Warsaw Ghetto uprising
The Warsaw ghetto uprising began after German troops and police entered the ghetto to deport its surviving inhabitants. Jewish insurgents inside the ghetto resisted these efforts. The Germans crushed the uprising and deported surviving ghetto residents to concentration camps and killing centers.
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/blitzkrieg-lightning-war -
Battle of Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge was a major German offensive campaign on the Western Front during World War II. The German goal was to split the Allied forces, capture the vital port of Antwerp, and ultimately turn the tide of the war in their favor. However, despite initial successes, the Allies were able to regroup, counterattack, and ultimately defeat the German forces, marking a significant turning point in the war.
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/blitzkrieg-lightning-war -
VE day
VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, is a significant day marking the end of World War II in Europe. It is celebrated on May 8, 1945, when Nazi Germany officially surrendered, bringing an end to the war in Europe. VE Day is a momentous occasion that symbolizes the victory of the Allied forces and the end of the devastating conflict that had engulfed Europe for years.
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/blitzkrieg-lightning-war -
D-Day (Battle of Normandy)
D-Day was the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, and it was a significant turning point in the war. The operation involved a massive amphibious assault on the beaches of Normandy by Allied forces, leading to the liberation of German-occupied Western Europe. D-Day marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany's control in Europe.
https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/topics/d-day-and-normandy-campaign -
Liberation of concentration camps
Allied forces liberating these camps, uncovered the atrocities committed by the Nazis, including the systematic genocide of millions of people, Jews, Roma, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled individuals, and others deemed undesirable by the regime. The liberation of these camps brought to light the horrors of the Holocaust and served as a reminder of the importance of fighting against hatred, discrimination, and injustice.
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/liberation-of-nazi-camps -
Battle of Iwo Jima
The Battle of Iwo Jima was a major battle between the United States and Japan during World War II. Iwo Jima is a small island located in the Pacific Ocean and was considered strategically important for both sides. Despite the challenges, the U.S. forces were able to secure the island after weeks of intense fighting. The iconic raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi during the battle became a symbol of victory and sacrifice.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Battle-of-Iwo-Jima -
VJ Day
It marks the day when Japan surrendered to the Allies, effectively bringing an end to the war. VJ Day is celebrated to honor the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought during the war and to remember the impact of this historic event on the world.
https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Experience/VJ-Day/#:~:text=Aug.,-15%2C%201945&text=15%20as%20V%2DJ%20Day.,news%20of%20the%20day's%20events. -
Dropping of the Atomic Bombs
The United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. These bombings resulted in massive destruction, loss of life, and long-term health effects due to the radiation exposure. The bombings led to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/bombing-of-hiroshima-and-nagasaki