World War 2 Timelime

Invasion of Poland

Sep 1, 1939

German invades Poland with Blitzkrieg (lighting war).

Allies Declare War on Germany

Sep 3, 1939

Great Britain and France declare war on Germany after the blitzkrieg against Poland. Could not help Poland in time as Poland collapsed within weeks

Netherlands and Belguim Fall

May 10, 1940

Germany conquers Holand and Belgium in May while the French are attacked through the Ardennes.
Netherlands: May 10-17
Belgium: May 10-28

France Falls

Jun 25, 1940

France falls after a month of fighting. Divided into German occupied France, Italy occupied France, and an unoccupied part which would be in control by French Officials in cooperation with Hitler.

Battle of Britain

Jul 10, 1940

Germans try to invade Britain by bombings to make way for ground troops. Failed in creating path for land invasion and Britain is first country to still stand after battle. Ended October 31, 1940

Germany Invades Soviet Union

Jun 22, 1941

Invades Soviet Union and advances deep into Soviet territory until winter comes and freezes and destroys their attempt.
Ends: December 5, 1941

Japanese Attack Pearl Harbor

Dec 7, 1941

The Japanese bombard Pearl Harbor, destroys majority of base.

United States Delcares War

Dec 8, 1941

United States declares war immediately after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Bataan Death March

Apr 9, 1942

Soldiers surrender to Japanese in the Philippines and forced on a 5 day march. Thousands of soldiers died.

Battle of Coral Sea

May 4, 1942

Halted the Japanese attack on New Guinea. First time to halt the Japanese forces.

Battle of Midway

Jun 4, 1942

Americans broke the japanese code and had intelligence to counter the planed attack on midway, again stopping Japanese advancement.

Guadalcanal Campaign

Aug 7, 1942

First major offense against the Japanese by Allied forces. Control over Guadalcanal and area islands now put Japan on the retreat.

Operation Torch

Nov 8, 1942

American forces invade North Africa to and are successful in taking terrirtory by Nov 16

Allied Forces Invade Siciliy

Jul 9, 1943

Allied forces invade Siciliy to gain access to Italy. Invasion lasts till August 17.

Allied Invasion of Italy

Sep 3, 1943

Allies invade Italy to gain access to mainland Europe. Invasion ends on the 16th and takes a year to work their way up to Rome.

D-Day: The Invasion of France

Jun 6, 1944

Allied forces invade Normandy, France and eventually secure the area.

Battle of the Bulge

Dec 16, 1944

German surprise offensive attack that created a bulge in the allied front line.

Battle of Iwo Jima

Feb 19, 1945

American invade Iwo Jima in order provide a much needed range for emergency landing for B-29 Bombers and attack on main land Japan. Japanese troops refused to surrender. Island was taken by March 26.

VE Day

May 8, 1945

Victory in Europe Day, Allies accept unconditional surrender of armed forces.

Surrender of Japan

Sep 2, 1945

Japan surrenders ending World War 2. Taken place on USS Missouri a month after 2 atomic bombings and the invasion of Manchuria by Soviets.