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World War II Begins
On this day, Nazi Germany attacked Poland. This event started World War II. Many say that the Treaty of Versailles, which ended WW1, was a factor in starting WW2. -
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WW2
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U.S. Proclaims Neutrality
On this day, the United States proclaimed its neutrality in the war in Europe. Many americans, including the president, didn't want to be mixed up in European affairs. Eventually, America does indeed get sucked into the whirlpool of war. -
Italy Declares War on Britain & France
Italy had been withholding a formal allegiance to either side of the war. But, eventually they decided that they wanted to share in the Allies victories and declared war on Britain and France. -
The German "Blitz" Begins
Blitz, which is short for "Blitzkrieg" is an intense military campaign meant to bring about a swift victory. The blitz was a very intense bombing of London and several other cities over a period of 57 consecutive days. The bombings started in London and occured in both day and night. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
America had tried its hardest to stay out of the war, but were finally pushed over edge when Japan bombed the military base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack killed more than 2,400 people. -
The Battle of Midway
This battle was the most important naval battle in the Pacific Campaign of the war because it was the turning point in the naval part of the war. It was fought by the tiny Central Pacific island of Midway. Four Japanese carriers were sunk. -
Germans Surrender at Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad- a major Russian city- began in summer of 1942, Germans were not prepared for the harsh, cruel, Russian winters and they were running out of resources. Hitler wouldn't allow them to surrender, but on January 31st, 1940, Friedrich von Paulus, the leader of the German 6th Army finally did, despite Hitler's orders. Although having already surrendered, pockets of German belligerence continued until this day in 1943. -
D-Day: Allies attack on Normandy, France
Also known as Operation Overlord, this battle is famous for being the largest amphibious military operation in history. U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower launched 6,000 landing craft, ships and other vessels carrying 176,000 troops from England to France. -
The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima
At 8:26 a.m. Japanese time, a B-29 bomber plane flew over the Japanese city of Hiroshima and dropped the world's first atomic bomb. The blast directly killed about 80,000 people and injured 35,000. At least another 60,000 would be dead by the end of the year from other effects of the bomb. -
Japan Officially Surrenders
An official statement of Japan's unconditional surrender is released to the Japanese people on the day. The next day, August 16, is when an Imperial Proclamation of surrender is made by the Emperor of Japan and is put on live broadcast. That day is known as VJ-Day, Victory in Japan. World War II is finally over.
