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Signing of German-Soviet Nonagression Pact
Britain and France asked the Soviets for help in stopping Hitler's agression. Stalin resented being left out of the Munich Conference. While Stalin and Britain and France were trying to come to an agreement, Stalin was also negotiating with Hitler. Hitler and Stalin came to an agreement. They agreed not to fight one another and agreed to economic terms. -
Invasion of Poland
The Germans used a tactic called "blitzkrieg" which means lightning war. It involves a mass of men on the ground and air-strikes. It is designed to create panic and disruption in the targeted area. Blitzkrieg was first used on Poland. -
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World War Two
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North African Campaign
Italy invaded Egypt in September. The British launched a counterattack and took 130,000 Italian prisoners. In response, Hitler sent Erwin Rommel. In late 1942, Rommel reached El Alamein. General Bernard Montgomery drove Axis forces back to Tunisia. -
Battle of Britain
The Germans believed that Britain would fall easily just as Poland and France did. Their goal was to sever London's lifelines by targeting industrial areas such as timber yards, flour mills etc. Winston Churchill was a major symbol of hope for the British people. The Germans however, were unaware of British possession of Radar technology. Britain was able to overcome Germany and win the battle. -
Hitler Invades the Soviet Union
The Balkans were the key to Hitler's plan to invade the Soviet Union. He needed to build bases in southeast Europe to make sure Britian did not interfere. He launced a blitzkrieg on the USSR and took siege of Leningrad but Georgi Zhukov counterattacked and killed 500,000 Germans -
Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor
The Japanese launched a surprise attack on the Pearl Harbor base in Honolulu, Hawaii. After two hours, the Japanese had sunk eighteen American ships. 2,400 Americans were killed and 1,000 Americans were wounded. -
Stalingrad
Stalin ordered his troops to defend the city at all costs. It was essentially a fight to the death. By November 1942, Germany had control over 90% of the city. The Soviets trapped the Germans at Stalingrad and on February 21, 1943, German troops surrendered against Hitler's wishes. By this time, 99% of the city was in ruins. -
Invasion of Italy
Stalin had been encouraging America and Britain to invade France (occupied by Germany). Roosevelt and Churchill decided to attack Italy. On October 7th, 1943, Allies attacked Sicily and captured it by August. Mussolini was fired by the king and arrested. On September 3rd, 1944, Italy surrendered but Hitler captured Northern Italy and put Mussolini back in power. The Italians found Mussolini and hung him the town square. -
Franklin Delanor Roosevelt Dies
The president of the United States from 1933-1945 died at 63 on April 12th, 1945. Harry S. Truman was his sucessor. Truman authorized the use of the atomic bomb. -
German Surrender
This day is considered V-E Day, meaning Victory in Europe Day. The Allies pounded Germany's capital, Berlin with artillery. Meanwhile, Hitler was planning his death in an underground quarter under Berlin. He wrote a letter in which he blamed the Jews for starting the war. He shot himself after taking posion. On May 7th, 1945, Esienhower accepted Germany's unconditional surrender. -
2nd Atomic Bomb Dropped on Nagasaki.
Harry Truman authorized the use of the second atomic bomb dropped on Jaoan. This time the island of Nagasaki was targeted. -
Atomic Bomb Dropped on Hiroshima
Instead of following the original plan which was to occupy the pacific islands followed by a land invasion of Japan, Harry S. Truman authorized the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. -
V-J Day
The world was made aware of the surrender on August 15th, 1945. On September 2nd, 1945, a formal surrender ceremony was held in Tokyo. Harry Truman declared this day V-J Day, Victory in Japan Day. -
Nurembourg Trials
The trials were to prosecute Nazi war crimes and essentially crime against humanity. Twelve Nazis were convicted and sentenced to death. Their bodies were burned at Dachau, Germany. -
Battle of the Bulge
The Allies moved east into Germany and the Soviets moved west. Hitler faced a war on two fronts. He decided to counterattack the Allies. The German broke through the weak American defense of the Ardennes. The Germans retreated because of a lack of men.
