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World War II Begins
The first events of World War II begin when Germany invades Poland on this day. Hitler wanted more land for the Nazi influence to spread throughout. They were in violation of the treaty of Versailles and were pushing for war across Europe. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:March_down_a_street_in_Sanok_past_a_swastika_1936.jpg -
Germany invades Denmark
German forces invade Denmark on this day violating their peace treaty. Hitler used the excuse that he was just protecting Denmark. This was apparently not so as soon as tanks were moved across the borders. -
Paris Falls; France Surrenders
German air raids begin on Jusne 3rd. The government left with thousands of refugees on June 11. The Germans were going to win and there was no hope, on the 22nd an armistince was signed. Much like at the end of World War I, the armistince was signed in railway car. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WagonNapoleonIII.jpg -
Germans Reach Soviet Capital
The Germans were on the outskirts of Moscow and son planned to attack. However, the German forces were not prepared to face the bitter cold of Russia. The infantry forces were quickly worn down and the Soviets pushed back. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
Japanese forces bombed the fleet at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This bombing brought the U.S. into the war against Japan. The U.S. lost many ships including 6 due to sinking. The Japanese lost far fewer vehicles than they destroyed. -
Japan Attacks Phillipines
Japan begins its attack on the Phillipines the day after attacking Pearl Harbor. They believed the control of the islands would be key to Pacific control. The Phillipines finally fell early the next year. -
Germany and Italy Declare War on the US
As axis powers Italy plans to assist Japan in their efforts against the US. Hitler did not want to go directly into war with the US, but had to support its fellow allies. The US immediately responded with a declaration of war in return. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:President_Woodrow_Wilson_asking_Congress_to_declare_war_on_Germany,_2_April_1917.png -
Allies land in Italy
Allied forces landed on the beaches of Anzio, Itlay. The goal was to push on into the capital of Rome. Unfortunately, the Italians were not going to let it be easy. All exposed forces on the beaches were bombarded in hope to kill as many as possible. -
D-day in Normandy
Allied forces land on the beaches at Normandy and press inland towards Paris. The allies were struggling at first, but once a beach front was established a strong hold on the land could be established. About two months later the French capital fell. One step closer to victory. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Queen-white-sword-beach.jpg -
Soviets enter Berlin
The battle of Berlin begins when the Soviets enter the city. There they finished their conquest across the empire. This battle marked the last major offensive in Europe. -
US Forces Make Land At Iwo Jima
The island of Iwo Jima was one of the final islands standing in the way of attacking Japan directly. Iwo Jima was first bombarded by sea before the D-day there. Japanese forces hid in caves for protection. The famous picture of the soldiers raising the American flag come from this battle. -
FDR Dies
FDR returned to his "little white house" in Georgia where he was relaxing before a UN meeting. He said that he felt a sharp pain in the back of his head and had to sit down. He had a cerebral hemmorage and died. Wilson became president after him. -
UN Created
In San Francisco, the first official meeting of the United Nations occured. The United Nations replaced the League of Nations which failed to prevent World War II. The name was originally coined by FDR. -
Mussolini Killed
Mussolini is executed after trying to escape to Spain. He had been moving with German retreating forces. He wore a German military uniform to avoid recognition. He was reognized and executed; his body was publicly displayed. -
Germany Surrenders
Hitler had committed suicide as the Russian forces got closer and closer to him. He appointed a succesor to continue fighting but the surrender had already begun. German surrender was complete by the 8th of May 1945. -
Atomic Bomb Tested
Out in the New Mexican desert the military leaders of the United States secretly tests the atomic bomb. This was the first successful test of the weapon. The detonation produced the energy equal to 20 kilotons of TNT. Those present at the test were at least 10 miles away at the time of detontation. -
Germany Divided into Four Zones
Germany was divided into 4 occupation zones after their surrender. Each of four countries would control a zone until the sovreignity was resolved, The divisions hoped to keep the Nazi Party from regaining power and military force. -
Atomic Bomb dropped on Hiroshima
About 140000 people were killed after the blast. The entire town was obliterated and covered in radiation. This was the first major threat to Japan and the first use of the bomb for war. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HiroshimaStationOct1945.jpg -
Atomic Bombed Dropped on Nagasaki
The atomic bomb is dropped on Nagasaki killing 40,000 to 75,000 people. This was the final nail in the coffin for the Japanese war effort. It wouldn't be long until Japan would surrender. -
Japan Surrenders
Japan surrenders to the allied forces after many long years of war. This marks the end of World War II when "peace" is settled and fighting ends once and for all. The official surrender was formally performed aboard the USS Missouri after the battle of Okinawa. The Allies had captured Okinawa and the Japanese had no choice.
