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World War 2 Era
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Germany's Invasion of Poland
Approximately 1.5 million German troops bombed and attacked Polish territory. Hitler claimed it was a defensive action. As a result, Britian and France declared war, starting World War 2. -
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German Blitzkreig
German airplanes attacked and dropped bombs on enemy forces, as tanks and foot soldiers provided firepower on ground. This tactic resulted in shorter campaigns and the preservation of human lives. The method was first used in World War 1 by the Nazis when they used the "lightning war" to catch and push back British forces. In turn, countries no longer stood a chance to the unique style of war. -
Pearl Harbor
Hundreds of Japanese airplanes attacked and bombed an American naval base near Honolulu, Hawaii. The Japanese had previously stated they had interest in expanding into Chinese territory, however, the United States did not approve. With this attack, the U.S. entered World War 2. -
Battle of Stalingrad
This battle involved a successful Soviet defense of Stalingrad, located in the U.S.S.R., during World War 2. The Nazis, who were trying to overtake the city, saw the conquest of such an influential town essential towards conquering southern Russia. However, the Russians remained strong and stopped the German advance into the Soviet Union, which became a turning point in the war. 2 million casualties were suffered as a result of the battle. -
D-Day
156,000 troops landed on five beaches along a 50-mile coast in an effort to push back German forces. The Allied forces weree on a mission to liberate Paris and remove the Germans from northwestern France. As a result of the bloodshed, the Allies successfully liberated Western Europe from Nazi Germany's control. -
Battle of the Bulge
Here in Belgium, France, Hitler staged a blitzkreig against the U.S. forces. However, the United States fought back against the Nazis until a shortage of materials forced Germany to surrender. Hitler initially attempted to divide the Allied armies. The war turned out to be the costliest action ever for the U.S. army, which suffered over 100,000 casualties. -
Battle of Iwo Jima
U.S. troops landed on the island of Iwo Jima, which was being defended by 23,000 Japanese foot soldiers. AFter a month of constant fighting, the U.S. emerged victorious. The United States had an interest in building a base along the Japanese coast, but the natives disagreed, further commencing the Battle of Iwo Jima. The entire Japanese army was wiped out, while the U.S. lost approximately 5,900 men. -
Battle of Okinawa
On April 1,1945, Allied forces invaded the Japanese island of Okinawa. The battle involved over 287,000 U.S. troops and 130,000 Japanese soldiers. Similar to the Battle of Iwo Jima, the Allies wanted to claim air bases on foreign soil. After the bloodshed ended, 65,000 casualties were suffered by the Allies. However, the Japanese losses were far greater, considering they lost 77,000 of their men and 2,800 of their aircraft were destroyed. -
VE Day
This holiday was declared by Great Britian and the U.S. as a result of Germany's surrender, ending the war in Europe. Due to suffering an extreme amount of casualties throughout their numerous battles, Germany decided to lay down their arms. Eventually, thousands of prisoners of war, or POWs, were released by the Nazis and returned back to their homelands. -
Potsdam Declaration
The Potsdam Declaration was issued by the Allies and called for a Japanese surrender or else the country would face utter destruction. Previously, Japan was not ready to end the war with the Allies. Instead, they weighed all possible options and were eventually threatened with the Potsdam Declaration. Japan refused to surrender, which then led to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. -
Dropping of the atomic bombs
President Harry Truman ordered atomic bombs to be dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as a result of Japan's refusal of the Potsdam Declaration. Using careful consideration, Truman believed that the bombings would be the quickest end to the war and spare thousands of American lives. The first bomb was dropped on August 6 and the second followed on August 9. As a result, Japanese citizens were killed instantly; land was decimated and buildings were destroyed to rubble. -
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Dropping of the atomic bombs
President Harry S. Truman ordered bombs to be dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the first dropped on August 6 and the latter on August 9. Truman agreed that the bombs would bring the ongoing war to an end and help to spare American lives. An estimated 130,000 people lost their lives. -
VJ Day
This day was marked as a celebration of Japan's surrender to the Allies, effectively ending World War 2. Japan had seen the devastation caused by the atomic bombs; their country and citizens could not bear to suffer such losses again so surrendering was the only option. Parades and celebrations took place throughout the United States after hearing about Japan's announcement.
