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Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany
Hitler was a charismatic speaker. He believed Germany had been betrayed by communists and Jews. During this time Germany was in an economic crisis; which led to violence and the uprising of extremists. He and the Nazi Party soon gained popularity, and became the largest party in Germany during this time. Hitler's political ideologies were expressed in his biography Mein Kampf. -
Hitler is Fuhrer
Hitler runs for the presidential election a second time. This time Hitler campaigned against communists. He blamed them for burning the German parliament building down. Hitler and his Nazi followers elect Hitler. Soon the government is run mainly by Nazis. This allows the group to override the Congress, and elect Hitler as Fuhrer. -
Germany Invades Poland beginning of WWII
In Hitler's book Mein Kampf he describes three main goals of foreign policy. The take over Poland and the restoration of German territory was one of those goals. Hitler wanted more living space for Germany. On this day 1.5 million German troops invade Poland, along with aircraft bombings, and U-boats. This crippled Poland, and easily gained control. This caused Britain and France to declare war of Germany igniting WW2. -
The Miracle of Dunkirk
Belgium, Britain, and France were ready to take on the German military. Germany knew this, and strategically targeted the weak channel coast. Germany had to get through a majority of Belgium first. Belgium fought optimistically, but surrendered. During this time British ships rescued 338,000 troops stationed in the French port city of Dunkirk. 40,000 men had become POW's. Even though Germany won this battle & French territory. Britain decided to continue the fight against the Axis powers. -
Germany Bombs London- Battle of Britain
Germany's next move was increase territory NW. First German aircrafts bombed the British Channel and South Wales. Britain had advantages such as a radar system, highly advanced aircrafts, and a cohesive government. This was the largest prolonged bombing between the two countries during the time. The German Air Force was no match to British Air Forces. This allowed Britain to win the battle. German Air Forces were weak and left in shambles. This gave hope of liberation to European countries. -
Germany Invades the Soviet Union
Hitler wanted more living space, resources, & to replace the inferior people of the USSR with Germans. Germany prepared to invade the USSR. (Operation Barbarossa) Stalin prepared for an attack during summer. Germany planned to invade the Soviet Union in early May, but were held back a few weeks. Once Germany was ready Hitler sent 3 million + troops, and over 3,000 tanks into the Soviet Union on a 2,800 mi. front. There were 3 groups one invaded Leningrad, one to Moscow, & another Ukraine. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
During this time 1/3 of Europe was under German rule. The Axis Powers consisted of Germany, Japan, and Italy. The U.S., Britain, and the Netherlands made an oil embargo on Japan. Japan had developed a new war plan, but needed to destroy the Pacific Fleet based in Pearl harbor to succeed. Japanese aircrafts sank or damaged 18 ships, 350 aircrafts, and killed over 3,500 Americans. Franklin D. Roosevelt entered the U.S. into the war. All able bodied men age 21-30 were to register for the military. -
Battle of Bataan
Japan wanted to take over the Philippines from the U.S.. Japan attacked the Philippines unexpectedly. General Doulas MacArthur lead an army of about 150,000 American & Filipino troops and volunteers. Their goal was to defend the Philippines long enough for the U.S. & Australia to recoup. Roosevelt ordered MacArthur & staff to flee to Australia, leaving thousands of troops behind. With a majority of the troops wounded, General Edward King surrendered April 9. Resulting in the Bataan Death March. -
Franklin D. Roosevelt approves the interment of Japanese Americans
During the war with Japan fear of Japanese-Americans grew in the U.S.. Japanese-Americans were seen as untrustworthy & devious. Roosevelt signed an Executive order 9066 to begin internment of Japanese-Americans. Thousands of Japanese-Americans were taken to a remote area in Alabama. These camps were barrack style. Imprisoned men enlisted to show their loyalty. After the war the camps were ruled unconstitutional. Each interred Japanese-American was awarded $20,000 and an apology letter. -
Bataan Death March
Located in the Philippines approximately 75,000 P.O.Ws (mainly Filipinos & 10,000 Americans) were forced by Japanese troops to march north around 65 miles. During the march captives were starved, killed, beaten, & sometimes beheaded. Small groups at one time would complete the march from the Bataan Peninsula to San Fernando. Then survivors were taken to camps where conditions were no better if not worse. About 20,000 people died during the march, & thousands more died in prison camps. -
The Battle of Stalingrad
Germany had sent a many of it's troops to invade the USSR; leaving the rest of Germany vulnerable. Germany had already invaded 3 major cities. Next German forces bombed Stalingrad. Winter crept on, weakening the Nazis. The Soviets accustomed to the cold surrounded the Nazis, forcing the Germans to surrender on February 2, 1943. With 2 million+ casualties this became the most tragic battle in modern history. This was a major turning point in WW2, toward the downfall of Germany. -
D-Day Invasion
Allied forces planed another attack to liberate France. 156,000 American, British, & Canadian troops invaded Normandy, France with 5,000 boats. Code names for the beaches were Juno, Sword, Utah, Gold, & Omaha. German defenses made it difficult to take over Normandy. In Calais troops set up inflatables to trick Hitler. Far away it looked like the enemy was preparing to attack. Hitler sent troops to surround the area. By late August, France was liberated. Hitler's plans crumbled, & so did Germany. -
Battle of Iwo Jima
American troops used a strategy called island hopping to gain control of islands necessary for bomber planes to land, and military bases. Iwo Jima was one of those islands. The Japanese was very outnumbered, but had the advantage of underground tunnels. Japanese soldiers fought to the death. American & Filipino soldiers obliterated the Japanese. About 6,000 American soldiers died. This defeat was detrimental to Japan because Iwo Jima contained 2 airfields, & allowed Japan notice of an attack. -
The Manhattan Project
This was the code name for the creation of the atomic bomb. Two scientists named E. Fermi & L. Szilard asked Einstein to write a letter addressing the atomic bomb to President F.D.R. Scientists in Germany were repeating work on the atomic bomb; which deemed a threat to the U.S.. American troops were fighting in the Pacific against Japan who seemed to never surrender. The atomic bomb was an efficient way to stop the Japanese with few casualties. Effects of the radiation are still felt today.
