-
Germany invades Poland
The Soviet Union signed a non - agression pact with Hitler. This pact allowed Hitler to invaded Poland with out Soviet opposition. On the 1st of September 1939 Germany invaded Poland. This caused Britain to respond by decalring war on Germany on the 3rd of September. This is a very important date as it signified the begining of World War II. -
Britain and France declare war on Germany
In response to Germany invading Poland, Britain and France declare war on Germany. Britain and France are both allies of Poland. This date is important as it shows the begining of a world war. It shows the begining of the different countries being pulled into the war. When one country is effected their allies will also be effected. -
France surrenders to Germany
Hitler unleashes his Blitzkrieg on France, May 10 1940. The German powers are too strong for the French and so France is forced to surrender. The French Government calls on the Germans for an armistice to end the fighting. The armistice is signed 21 June 1940. This date is very important as it shows just how powerful Germany was at the begining of the war. -
The battle of Britain
German and Britain forces clashed over the United Kingdom up in the air. They were locked in the largest sustained bombing campaign to that date. This is an important event because Britain's victory in this clash saved the country from a ground invasion and possible occupation by German forces. -
Battle of Britain
German and Britain forces clashed over the United Kingdom up in the air. They were locked in the largest sustained bombing campaign to that date. This is an important event because Britain's victory in this battle saved the country from a ground invasion and possible occupation by German forces. -
Germany invades Russia
Hitler betrayed Stalin by launching 'Operation Barbarossa' to conquer the Soviet Union.The German advance was slowed and halted in December as they were not used to the harsh winter weather in Russia. They were driven back to Moscow by Soviet divisions from Siberia. This is a very cruicial event becuase up untill this point it looked as if Germany was going to win the war but because of this invasion Germany lost a lot of power. -
Pearl Harbour
On the 7th of December 1941 Japan launched a surprise attack on the American Naval Base at Pearl Harbour near honolulu, Hawaii. Although the attack lasted only 2 hours it had devastating consequences. More than 2,000 Americans soldiers and sailors died in the attack, and another 1,000 were wounded. This is a very important event to know because 3 days after the attack America declared war on Japan therefore meaning America had finally joined World War II. -
Fall of British Naval base to Japan
The Empire of Japan invaded the British stronghold of Singapore. It resulted in the capture of Singapore by the Japanese and a massive surrender of British-led military. Approximately 85,000 Indian, Australian and British troops became prisoners of war. This event is very important because since Singapore had fallen this led the Australians to feel even more exposed. All their fears were justified when Darwin was bombed by the Japanese. -
Japan bombs Darwin
On the 19th of Feb 1942, Darwin was hit in two Japanese air raids. There were about 90 bombers with fighting escorts. At least 243 people were killed along with widespread panic. This event is important becuase this is what gets America to fight hard. America is an ally of Australia and soon after this event they go on to defeat Japan. -
Japanese defeated at the Battle of Midway
6 months after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour the United States defeated the japanese at the Battle of Midway. The US was able to preempt and counter Japan’s planned ambush of its few remaining aircraft carriers resulting in permanent damage to Japan's Navy. This is a very important event as it is a turning point in the Pacific Campaign. This victory allowed the US and their allies to move into an offensive position. -
Germany defeated at the battle of Stalingrad
Germany tried to invade the city of Stalingrad but were confonted by strong Soviet defence. This battle is very important because it stopped the German advancing into the Soviet Union and was a turning point for the Allies. The war was now in the Allies favour. -
D-Day landings in Normandy, France
June 6, 1944 the Allied forces landed on 5 beaches along a 50-mile stretch of the heavily fortified coast of France’s Normandy region. This invasion was one of the largest amphibious military assults in history. All of Northern France had been liberated by late August 1944, and by the following spring Germany had been defeated by the Aliies. This event is very important as it became known as ' The begining of the end of the war in Europe.' -
Allies enter Berlin & Adolf Hitler commits suicide
Stalin unleashed the brutal power of 20 armies, 6,300 tanks and 8,500 aircraft upon Berlin with the objective to crush German resistance and capture Berlin. The German forces put up a stiff defence but ultimately succubmed to the overwhelming force.
Hitler commited suicide in his underground bunker but not before marrying his long time mistress.
This event is important becuase this was the begining of the end. Germany surrendered and Hitler committed suicide. The Allied forces had won. -
The end of war in Europe
On the 7th of May 1945 the German High Command authorised the signing of an unconditional surrender on all fronts. This is a very important date as this meant the War in Europe was finally over. The following day, 8th of May, was declared VE day. Victory in Europe Day. -
Atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima
On the 6th of August 1945 an American B-29 bomber dropped the world’s first deployed atomic bomb over the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The on explosion alone wiped out 90% of the city and killed 80,000 people. Later, tens of thousands more people died from radiation exposure. This is a very important event as this is what forced the Japans into a surrender. -
Atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki
Three days after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, another atomic bomb was dropped but on Nagasaki. This bomb killed approximately 40,000 people. This caused Japan to be forced into a surrender. -
Japan unconditionally surrender
As a result of the two devastating atomic bombs Japan's emperor Hirohito announced his country's unconditonal surrender in a radio address, bringing 6 years of war to an end. World War II had finally come to an end
