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Germany invades Poland
marking what many regard as the start of the war, though Japan invaded China on July 7, 1937. Two days later, France and the United Kingdom declare war on Germany. -
Germany takes control of much of Western Europe, including France.
A Frenchman weeps as German soldiers march into Paris.
A Frenchman weeps as German soldiers march into Paris on June 14, 1940, after the Allied armies had been driven back across France. -
Germany, Italy and Japan sign the Tripartite Pact
Leaders of the Axis powers, Japan, Italy and Germany, sign the Tripartite Pact, creating an alliance between the three countries, Sept. 1940. -
The United States declares war on Germany and Italy.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the declaration of war against Germany. -
The U.S. Navy defeats the Japanese navy at the Battle of Midway.
A Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat fighter takes off from the USS Yorktown on combat air patrol during the Battle of Midway.