World War II

Mao Zedong heads Long March

Apr 30, 1934

Mao Zedong headed the Long March with the communist party. This saved the Communist Party from Chiang Kai-shek and the Guomingdang attacks.

Germany invades Poland; France and Great Britain declare war on Germany

Apr 30, 1939

When Germany invaded Poland, France and Great Britain declared war on Germany marking the start of World War II. This invasion tested Hitler's strategy, Blitzkrieg.

Japan attacks Pearl Harbor

Apr 30, 1941

Japan conducted a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941. Roosevelt described it as a date that will live in infamy.

Germany surrenders

Apr 30, 1945

Germany signed the surrender document in Reims, France. This ended the war in Europe.

Allies use atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Apr 30, 1945

General Leslie Groves headed the Manhattan Project, a top secret plan to develop atomic bombs. In 1945, the United States used bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

United Nations formed

Apr 30, 1945

The United Nations were formed after World War II to avoid further conflict. It replaced the League of Nations.