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Battle of the Atlantic Begins
The longest running campign in World War II, the battle lasted for over five years. It included both Britain's and Germany's blockade in the Atlantic. -
Pearl Harbor
Japan bombed an American Base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 2400 Americans died and almost all of the ships and planes in America's Pacific fleet was destroyed. -
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Manhattan Project
America's effort, with help from the UK and Canada, to build an atomic weapon. -
Battle of the Coral Sea
Prior to this battle Japan was dominating the USA on the Pacific front. But in this battle the Australians and Ameicans suceeded in stopping the invading Japanese from taking any land in Australia. -
Battle of Midway
The USA launched a suprise atatcked on Japan on a Pacific Island called Midway. Both sides suffered losses but the US was victorious and destroyed a lot of Japanese equipment and 4800 Japanese soldiers lost their lives. -
Battle of Stalingrad Begins
Germany attacked Russia although they were allied at the time. It was one of the bloodiest battle in the history of warfare. When winter came the German's had trouble coping with the weather. -
Battle of Stalingrad Ends
The battle ended in a huge Soviet victory. The German Sixth Army was destroyed. In total over a million people lost their lives. -
Normandy Invasion (D-Day)
Countless allies landed on the beach of Normandy in France which was controlled by the Axis. The battle is considered one of the allies greatest victories. In total 156000 Aliies fought against 10000 Axis soldiers. -
Battle of the Bulge
German tanks broke through American lines in one of WWII's bloodiest battles. America won the battle but with many losses. 80,000 Americans dies as well as 120,000 Axis. -
Yalta Conference
Lasted until Feb. 11, 1945. Was a conference held in Russia where heads of Russia, Britain, and America discussed Europe's post war reorganization. A few years later when Russia expaned the USSR and the Cold War began Yalta became the subject of heated controversy. -
Battle of Iwo Jima begins
Iwo Jima was a pacific island which was crutial for America to win. 27000 Japanese troops were stationed at Iwo Jima so it became a very bloody battle. -
Battle of Iwo Jima ends
The US won the battle of Iwo Jima. Of Japan's 27000 soldiers only 200 survived. Only 6000 US marines died in comparison. -
The Battle of Okinawa begins
Okinawa was Japan's last defensive stronghold and was just over 300 miles from mainland Japan. This battle came at the tailend of a long American island hopping process. -
FDR dies in Office.
At the beginning of his forth term Franklin D. Roosevelt died. The American people went through a big grieving period. Harry S. Truman, the Vice-President, took over Presidential duties. -
The end of Hitler
Hitler, with his new wife Eva Braun, killed themselves with cyanide pills. -
Battle of The Atlantic Ends
The Battle of the Atlantic ends with a strategic victory for the Allies with the German's blockade failing. the most complex naval battle in history. Many allied ships were sunk by U Boats throughout the battle. -
V-E Day
General Eisenhower accepted a surrender by the Third Reich. VE Day means Victory in Europe day. -
The Battle of Okinawa ends
110,000 Japanese troops died in the battle including almost 2000 Kamikaze pilots. The USA only lost around 10000 mens and sucessfully took Okinawa. -
Potsdam Conference Begins
The leaders of the big four, Stalin, Truman, Churchill, and Atlee met in Potsdam, Germany to discuss the disarming of Germany and how to end the nazi regime. -
Potsdam Conference Ends
The conference divided Germany into 4 sections occupied by the Big Four. Berlin was split into a communist Soviet East and a democratic West. It set up the Nuremberg Trials to punish leaders for war cimes. And they stated that Japan must "Unconditionally Surrender" -
Bombing of Hiroshima
The USA dropped a atomic bomb nicknamed Little Boy on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. In 43 seconds the entire city was turned to dust. eventually leading to the death of over 100,00 people. Japan still refused to surrender after the bombing. -
Bombing of Nagasaki
Another atomic bomb dropped on the Japanese city of Nagasaki just three days after the bombing of Hiroshima. It killed around 70,000 people and led to Japan's surrender. -
V-J Day
V-J Day means Victory in Japan day. Japan offered their unconditional surrender shortly after the bombing of Nagasaki. Japan formally surrendered on September 2nd and the Pacific war was over. -
United States occupation of Japan
After the war America occupied Japan for six years. They held trials for the Japanese leaders similar to the Nuremburg trials. During their stay in Japan the US granted women voting rights, and they introduced a free market economy which helped Japan a lot. The occupation was led by American General Douglas MacArthur. -
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Nuremberg Trials
International court with members from 23 nations tried Nazi officials. 12 of the 22 major defendents were put to death. 299 lesser officials were given smaller penalties.