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Germany's invasion of Poland
At 5 in the morning, over a million Nazi Troops, invaded Poland. Hitler attempted to colonize the territory to provide a living space for the "racially superior" Germans. They bombed airfields, attacked naval bases, and took control, causing Britan and Frace to declare war on the third. Poland attempted to fight back, but as soon as the Germans advanced far enough, it's leaders gave up and fled, leaving Poland to German control. (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/germans-invade-poland) -
German Blitzkrieg
As the Nazi soldiers invaded countries around Europe, they used a tactic called Blitzkrieg, which is "a method of offensive warfare designed to strike a swift, focused blow at an enemy using mobile, maneuverable forces, including armored tanks and air support." This strategy was used in the invasion of Poland and helped Germans conquer the land. It helped them gain many territories throughout the years and was inspired by Clausewitz's ideas. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/blitzkrieg -
Fall of Paris
Previously, America had privately pledged to give aid to the French, as Germany inched closer to an attack. However, no formal promise was made, and in mid-June, Paris was under German control. The Nazi troops, territories, interrogated and even destroyed parts of the city in hopes of accessing information. This invasion prompted Canadian forces to begin the journey to free France. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/germans-enter-paris -
Battle of Britain
Germans start the famous bombing of Britain that will come to the last three months. They attacked a British sipping convey with bombers and fighters. Britain was takin aback by the attack and needed aluminum. They even asked their citizens to donate their pots and pans to the war cause. Correspondingly, Britain was able to respond fairly quickly with their new technology and managed to not be overtaken.
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-battle-of-britain-begins -
Pearl Harbor
Japanese fighter planes launched an attack on a U.S. military base in Honolulu, Hawaii. Hundreds of planes flew in and proceeded to destroy over 20 vessels, as well as hundreds of airplanes. They took over two-thousand lives and left many more wounded. The United States government declared war on Japan the following morning, as it was an act of war. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/pearl-harbor -
Bataan Death March
After the defeat of the American and Filippino troops, Japan forced them the surrendered troops to walk from Mariveles to San Fernando. As if the 65-mile trek wasn't hard enough, the men were brutally treated; men were tortured, beaten, and staved. They were takin to prisoner of war camps where they then died from mistreatment in their custody.
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/bataan-death-march -
Battle of Midway
Half a year after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the US and Japan had a sea battle on Midway Island. Japan was hoping to squash the rest of the US fleet by bombing Midway and using it to stage the attack. Prior to the attack, the US navy code breakers discovered Japan's intentions. They used this info before the battle, and when the time came they beat the Japanese fleet, leaving them in the defensive for the rest of the war. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-midway -
Battle of Stalingrad
This military campaign was held between Russia and the Axis powers/Nazis. It was brutal and held out for over six months. They were fighting for control over Stalingrad, a city in Southern Russia. The Axis powers wanted to capture this city due to its location and resources. But the weather conditions and excelling strategies of Russians, caused them to take back Stalingrad and turn the tables of the war to favor the Allied powers. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-stalingrad -
D-Day (Normandy Invasion)
This carefully thought out plan was constructed weeks before the battle took place. While the countries gathered their forces, they mislead the Germans about the intentions of their invasion. On the day of the attack, American, British and Canadian militaries landed on France's coast along a 50-mile stretch. In a little over two months, they liberated the whole of Northern France, and lead the way to the ultimate defeat of the Germans. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/d-day -
Battle of the Bulge
Hitler was set to drive a wedge between the Allied powers, who were advancing towards Germany. The Nazi troops created divisions and attacked the Allied powers. the conditions were harsh, as winter was waging. As the Germans approached the Ardennes, the Allies formed a bludge like defense form. The Germans were unable to part the Allied powers, which weakened them moving forward, and gave the Allied powers a close route to victory. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-the-bulge -
Liberation of concentration camps
The Soviet's stumbled across Germany's Auschwitz, a Jewish concentration camp that had killed 1.1 million innocent lives. They were shocked to find these camps and immediately liberated the remaining prisoners. Days prior, the Germans had evacuated the camp and brought with them masses of Jews. But, Germany's wrongdoings were publicly announced following this vent as the world learned their dirtiest secret of all. https://www.history.com/news/auschwitz-liberation-soviets-holocaust -
The Battle of Iwo Jima
American forces invaded Iwo Jima, in hopes of accessing the mainland of Japan for an attack. American troops were met with artillery forces and an on beach charge, but after four weeks, managed to get across and through the island. The Americans killed almost every member of the Japanese force on the island. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-iwo-jima -
VE Day
Known as "Victory in Europe day", this event marks the official Allied power victory over Nazi Germany. All across Britain and America parades, banners, and flags were flown to celebrate the victory. The Germans and Hitler were finally defeated, and would not rise again!
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/victory-in-europe -
Dropping of the atomic bombs
The American military created and dropped the first-ever atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima. It immediately devastated the area, killing over 80,000 people instantly. A few days flooring, yet another bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, resulting in the Emperor, Hirohito, officially surrendering in World War Two. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/bombing-of-hiroshima-and-nagasaki -
VJ Day
Simplified from the term "Victory over Japan Day", this day marks the formal surrender of the Japanese out of the War. The Americans had been endlessly fighting Japan for over four years. The relief that followed Japan's surrender created a highly anticipated and ecstatic close.
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/v-j-day
