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Nazi Party Becomes the Most Powerful in Germany
When the Nazi party became the most powerful party in Germany, it foreshadows the control they would have over Europe in the future. The Nazi's power in Germany meant that they had very little opposition to their ideas, and those who did oppose were not strong enough to stop any attacks. This gave the Nazis time and power to plan their attacks, and the influence to make them happen. -
Non-Aggressive Pact
Germany signed an agreement with the Soviets that stated that Germany's military would not attack the Soviets as long as the Soviets did not attack Germany. This event was important because it allowed Hitler to focus on fighting in the west by freeing him from the threat of the east. He then had a stronger military force on the western front, which gave them more of an advantage for future attacks. -
Hitler Invades Poland
Hitler sent tanks and his air force (Luftwaffe) into Poland to overtake them. This attack (and the capturing of Czechoslovakia) broke the Munich Pact which had been signed by Britain, France, and Hitler in 1938. This event is very important because this was what triggered Britain and France to declare war three days later, marking the beginning of World War 2. -
Britain and France Declare War on Germany
Britain and France declared war on Germany after Hitler broke the Munich Pact and captured the rest of Czechoslovakia and Poland. This event marks the beginning of World War 2, and is the start of an event that will cost many lives of both civilians and soldiers. It also signifies one of the first oppositions Hitler has faced from other countries. -
Pearl Harbor
The Japanese military bombed a United States military base. There were over 3,400 casualties, 180 aircraft destroyed, and eight battleships were damaged or sank.This event caused US citizens to become more invested in war because they had a reason to fight. President Roosevelt announced Executive Order 9066, which placed Japanese in internment camps. It also caused the United States to declare war on Japan and we entered World War 2. -
Operation Overlord
This operation is also known as Storming the Beaches of Normandy and D-Day. The Allied forces invaded five beaches (Omaha, Sword, Utah, Juno, Gold). General Dwight Eisenhower was the leader of these attacks, and George Patton was the commander of the ghost army. This battle is often called 'the beginning of the end of the war', so it was a very significant event. This victory marked the time when things were starting to turn against Hitler, and less than a year later Germany surrendered. -
Battle of the Bulge
This battle lasted from Dec.16, 1944-Jan. 25, 1945. Germany planned to cut between the US army, then circle back. The US was caught by surprise, and the bad weather meant they could not use their air force. However, once the weather cleared the planes took off and General George Patton provided support, leading to a German defeat. This battle was Germany's last offensive battle. It was important because the German army became much smaller, which weakened their forces for the rest of the war. -
Hitler Commits Suicide.
Hitler committed suicide in Berlin and his new wife also killed herself. He shot himself, but she drank poison. This event was very important because his death left the German forces with no leader, and lead to their surrender one week later. The German surrender was a major event in World War 2, and Hitler's death made this happen faster. -
Germany Surrenders
General Wilding officially surrendered for Germany one week after Hitler committed suicide. This was the end of the war in Europe, and the day after became known as V-E Day (victory in Europe). This event ended all fighting in Europe, and countries and their leaders began to focus on post-war negotiations instead of fighting. -
Atomic Bomb in Hiroshima
"Little Boy" was dropped by Paul Tibbets from the Enola Gay. This bomb caused mass destruction when it was dropped over a field of soldiers in the Japanese army. An estimated 70,000 people died instantly, but within five years the death toll had grown to 200,000. This event was considered a 'warning' and used as a threat to Japan (threatened to drop a second bomb). It was also the first time a weapon of that power had been used in war, and this weapon is what caused Japan to surrender.