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Germany's invasion of Poland
Germany invades Poland, breaking through Polish defenses. Hitler claimed this was a defensive act to the German people, but his true motives were to have more Lebensraum or "living space" for Germany. Seeing this attack, Britain and France declare war on Germany. -
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World War II
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Operation Barbarossa
A massive invasion of the Soviet Union by Germany, despite a non- agression pact made with the USSR prior to the invasion. Hitler mainly assigned this attack because he wanted their country's natural resources. The German forces were unable to take over marking the beginning of an end for Hitler. -
Pearl Harbor
Japan carries out an aerial attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor destroying several ships and aircrafts as well as taking over three thousand lives. This attack was caused by a shaky relationship between America and Japan after America stopped sending supplies to help Japan fight China. This attack caused America to finally join World War Two. -
Wannsee Conference
Reinhard Heydrich holds the Wannsee Conference in Berlin to Coordinate the Final Solution. The Final Solution was a plan to eradicate the entire Jewish population of Europe. The Nazis had a very anti- semitic view of Jews and felt they were inferior compared to everyone else. Millions of European Jews were placed in concentration camps. -
Battle of Midway
The American navy defeated a Japanese attack against Midway Atoll. Japan sends in many planes, carriers, and submarines to attack, unknowing that America was aware of the attack. This was a turning point for the Allies. -
D-Day: Operation Overlord
More than 160,000 Allied soldiers invaded the beaches of Normandy to fight Nazi Germany. The Allies chose to attack Normandy as it was the ideal place for a sea and air attack. This was the turning point in the war for the Allies. -
Liberation of concentration camps
Soviet Soldiers liberate Jews from the concentration camps during the final stages of the war. Millions of Jews were being horribly treated in the camps and starved to emaciation and eventual death. The Jews still alive were finally free and could carry on with their lives. -
Battle of the Bulge
The largest battle of World War 2 between the Allies and the Germans. The battle was intended to drive a wedge between the Germans and the Allies. The Germans lost majorly and marked the end of Hitler. -
Battle of Okinawa
The largest battle between the Allies and the Japanese during World War 2. It was a fight in Japanese territory and many lives, both Japanese and American, were lost. This was one of the last battles between the Allies and the Japanese. -
Dropping of the atomic bombs
America drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima. This action was a last resort for the U.S. as Japan was killing many of our soldiers and there didn't appear to be an end in sight. This attack convinced the Japanese to surrender, ending the war.
