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Germany's Invasion of Poland (1939)
In this event, Germany and Soviets staged a false Polish attack on Germany so Germany then launched a "counter-attack". They defeated the Polish in weeks. This happened because of Germany's strong military desires as well as an agreement with the Soviets. This had a big effect on the war as this was the spark that really started World War II. After this, other countries began declaring war and it all went down-hill. (https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/invasion-of-poland-fall-1939) -
German Blitzkrieg (1939-1940)
The Blitzkrieg was Germany's swift movement and attack through Poland, Norway, France, and others in Europe. This was used to show German strength and dominance, as well as focus on quick victory, limiting the loss of men and artillery. This gave Germany more control over land, including neutral Norway, but also led to them being put in a defensive position from the Soviet Union who well out-numbered the Germans. (https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/blitzkrieg) -
The Battle of Britain (1940)
This was a big moment in war history because this was the first battle to only be fought in air. It was fought over control of British and German airspace, and lasted from July up until to September. This battle was later won by the Royal Air Force. As a result of this battle, Britain resisted later ground invasions from Germany as well as boosted morale and maintained a good defensive position for the rest of the war (https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Britain-European-history-1940) -
The Fall of Paris (1940)
The Fall of Paris was when the German's led an attack to gain territory into France, but also to take out the remaining French armies. Germany's goal was not a simple battle, but the destruction of an army. The French didn't stand a chance against the newly armed Germans who swept them with little resistance, and as a result of this battle the German's now occupied a lot of France including Paris. (https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-France-World-War-II/The-fall-of-France-June-5-25-1940) -
Pearl Harbor (1941)
Pearl Harbor was a devastating day for America. Many great lives were lost in the surprise aerial attack of the United States Naval base at Pearl Harbor. The Japanese were responsible for this attack, and it resulted in the US joining World War II. The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in efforts to open up trade in southeast Asia, but the only thing that resulted was a great enemy in war. (https://www.britannica.com/event/Pearl-Harbor-attack) -
Bataan Death March (1942)
The Bataan Death March was when the Japanese made 76,000 prisoners of war march from the Philippines, then traveled by railways, then did more marching. Many prisoners of war died of starvation and disease, it was a cruel and unusual way for the Japanese to punish prisoners of war. The captives were beaten, shot, beheaded, and much more. As a result of this march, many Americans and Filipinos died. (https://www.britannica.com/event/Bataan-Death-March) -
Battle of the Coral Sea
The Battle of the Coral Sea was a naval and air engagement between the Japanese and the United States. It was fought over control of the Coral Sea. It was a four day engagement in which many planes and ships were lost on both sides. The Battle ended up being a strategic victory for the Allies and the Japanese did not gain control of the Coral Sea. This was important because the US had control over this region in the pacific. (https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-the-Coral-Sea) -
Battle of Midway (1942)
Midway was an important development in control of the Pacific ocean for the US. Japan, wanting to make a push into the Pacific, saw Midway's value and tried to take it over. This was a naval and air-fought battle, but the US beat Japan and eliminated the threat of Japan conquering more ocean. This was significant because it marked a turning point in the military struggle between the two nations, as well as significantly set Japan back in war. (https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Midway) -
Battle of Stalingrad (1942)
The Battle of Stalingrad took place in the Soviet Union, and it entailed the Russian defense of their territory. The Germans were trying to invade the Soviet Union, and after just about a couple months, the Soviets were successful in defending against the Germans. This was an important moment because this marked the turning point in which the war favored the Allies.. The Soviets still consider this one of their greatest military victories. (https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Stalingrad). -
D-Day (Normandy Invasion-1944)
The invasion at Normandy was the invasion of western Europe from the Allies. The Americans wanted to throw off the German's by misleading them and attacking by surprise. It started with forces landing on beaches in France and liberating the country, and then the remaining forces gathered and made a push into Germany. This push into Germany led to the uniting of Soviet forces and when they teamed up that later destroyed the Nazi Third Reich. (https://www.britannica.com/event/Normandy-Invasion) -
Battle of the Bulge (1945)
The Battle of the Bulge was one final attempt for Germany to push the Allies out of the German homeland. This had to happen because Germany saw its demise in the near future and had to do something, and at first they were successful but were later defeated, and this would end up being Germany's last major offensive move on the Western front of the war. This was significant because it was close to Germany's end in the war. (https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-the-Bulge) -
Operation Thunderclap
Operation Thunderclap was a series of Allied bombings onto the German city of Dresden. This was a technique to push the German's close to surrender. It turned the city to nothing but rubble and ashes and killed almost 25,000 people. Although it destroyed the city, it did little for the allies strategically because the Germans were already close to surrender. (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/firebombing-of-dresden) -
Battle of Iwo Jima (1945)
The Battle of Iwo Jima was an amphibious attack to the Island of Iwo Jima on Japan as a part of the United State's push to gain ocean territory back in the pacific. This battle was also a retaliation for Pearl Harbor. Although it was a bloody massacre, the US Marines came out victorious and pushed Japan close to being out of the war. (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Battle-of-Iwo-Jima) -
Battle of Okinawa (1945)
The Battle of Okinawa was the last major battle of World War II, and it was one of the bloodiest. It was part of a complex plan to make a final push into Japan through the island of Okinawa, and it had the intent of pushing the Japanese out of the war. Although it resulted in a victory for the allies, the bombs, rainy weather, and fierce fighting led to a high death toll on both sides. (https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-okinawa) -
Dropping of the Atomic Bombs (1945)
On this tragic day, two atomic bombs were dropped on the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The United States did this as the final strike to end the war with Japan. The bombs killed over 90% of the people on contact and many more on later dates due to radiation and side effects. As a result of this bombing, the Japanese surrendered and the war with Japan over control of the Pacific was over. (https://www.ushistory.org/us/51g.asp)
