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Rise of the Nazis
Adolf Hitler is named the chancellor of Germany. His Nazi Party (The Third Reich) takes power in Germany and Hitler is the Dictator of Germany. The Nazis are claimed to be one of the most powerful organizations in Germany. -
Germany and Japan
Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan sign the Anti-Comintern Pact. This was a pact against communism and Russia as a whole country. Germany and Russia are making major moves and signaling at war. -
Japanese Invasion
Japan goes on a terror campaign by invading Chinese territory named Manchuria. New bomber aircraft from Japan destroy the territory and the people in it. Imperial troops then flood through Manchuria. -
Slovaks Declare Independence
Under German pressure, the Slovaks declare their independence and form a Slovak Republic. The Germans occupy the Czech lands in violation of the Munich agreement, forming a Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. The Munich agreement was passed September 30th, 1938. -
Nonaggression Agreement
Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union sign a nonaggression agreement and a secret codicil. This divides eastern Europe into spheres of influence. Germany influence is spread through one sphere, and Soviet influence is spread through another sphere. -
War Begins
Germany invades Poland on the 1st of September signaling the beginning one of the most destructive conflicts in history. Germans march the streets of Polish towns. Polish people are forced out of their homes. -
Allies Assemble
2 days later, France and Great Britain declare war on Germany. France and Britain quickly assemble forces as an attempt to stop Hitler's spread through Europe. The RAF or Royal Air Force from Britain proved to be one of the most effective air squadrons of all time. -
Germany on the Move
Germany attacks western Europe—France and the neutral Low Countries. Luxembourg is occupied on May 10; the Netherlands surrenders on May 14; and Belgium surrenders on May 28. On June 22, France signs an armistice agreement by which the Germans occupy the northern half of the country and the entire Atlantic coastline. In southern France, a collaborationist regime with its capital in Vichy is established. -
Battle of Dunkirk
After pushing through the heavily fortified Maginot Line, the Germans set their sites on the French and British forces. The French and British were forced to retreat to the beaches of Dunkirk. Allied soldiers had to be evacuated by boat across water. -
Italy Enters, Germany's New Tactic
Italy, led by Benito Mussolini, joins the war with Japan and Germany. Germany employs a new tactic known as Blitzkrieg (lighting war) to destroy Britain. Germany repeatedly bombs major British cities day and night. -
Knights in the Sky
The German Air Force (Luftwaffe) sent a major air raid to attack air bases and installations on the coasts of Britain. The RAF was a key defense force shooting down enemy attackers before bombs were dropped on their city. The British also had RADAR which detected enemy aircraft and their flight paths so the RAF could intercept them. Polish squadrons were also common and they were the most formidable squadrons in the RAF. -
Axis of Evil
Germany, Japan, and Italy the Tripartite Pact creating the original Axis of Evil. Germany, led by Hitler, Italy, led by Mussolini, and Japan, led by Tojo are determined to break the will of the allies. War is now fought in the Pacific Theater and the European Theater. -
Axis Powers on the Attack
The Axis Powers attack Russia with a force of over 4 million troops, supported by tanks. This was an attempt to finish communism in Russia once and for all. Russians were on the defensive and fighting lasted for quite some time. -
A Day Which Will Live in Infamy
The combined air power of 4 aircraft carriers from the Imperial Navy attack the naval station in Pearl Harbor. Early that morning, Japanese aircraft bomb the ships docked including the only U.S Battleships. About 2,000-3,000 people were killed during the attack. -
U.S Declares War
After the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor, FDR comes to Congress and gives a speech desiring war with Japan. United States isolationism was over and now we were in the fight. The phrase, "...a day which will live in infamy" is associated with Pearl Harbor. -
U.S Defense
The Japanese advance on the U.S installment on Midway Island. The United States, hurting from Pearl Harbor, were no match for the Japanese onslaught. However, after sinking 4 Japanese carriers, the Imperial Navy Retreated. -
Italy Under Seige
Allied forces push through Mediterranean obstacles including General Rommel's German forces. Allied troops take the the island of Sicily. Mussolini is becoming concerned about the Allied advance because his forces proved to be no match. -
Italy Liberated
After the invasion of Sicily, Allied forces quickly occupied the rest of Italy causing Mussolini to flee (aided by Germans). Italy's defenses were no match for the overwhelming Allied advance. Mussolini was soon captured by Allied forces where he was ultimately hanged. -
Boots on the Ground
Allied forces close in on Northern France and on June 6th, the largest amphibious landing took place. Forces from the United States, France, and Great Britain land on the beaches of Normandy to liberate France from German control. At the cost of hundreds of thousands of Allied lives, the invasion was deemed a success -
French Freedom
Shortly after the invasion of Normandy, Allied forces push back the Germans and France is liberated. The Germans were no match for the hundreds of thousands of Allied troops pushing through France. With France liberated, the Germans were strictly on the defensive. -
Fate of the Nazis
Germany launches a last desperate effort to save total annihilation. During the Battle of the Bulge, the last troops of the German army attack the allies during the winter of 1944. The Allies win the battle sealing the fate of the German army. -
Iwo Jima Invasion
With the European conflict coming to a close, U.S Marines invade the island of Iwo Jima in the Pacific. This is Japan's last major island base in the Pacific so resistance is tough. However, the marines succeed and Iwo Jima belongs to the U.S. -
Loss of a Hero
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt dies and President Harry Truman succeeds him. Roosevelt was President for the majority of the war and unfortunately wouldn't see the end. All the Allied Forces mourned his loss and he would be remembered. -
Death of Hitler
Adolf Hitler, knowing his fate is sealed, retreats to his bunker in central Germany. He kills himself in his bunker signalling the final fall of Germany. With their leader gone, Germany plans to move to negotiations in a matter of time -
Victory in Europe
After decades of fighting, war in Europe is over. Germany and Italy have now surrendered to the allies and Hitler and Mussolini are dead. Hundreds of thousands of men took part in the most destructive war in history and the Allies are victorious. -
Atomic Bomb No. 1
The Manhattan Project as it is known, developed the world's first atomic bomb. The bomb was dropped on Hiroshima which was a large industrial city supporting the war. The city was devastated and many civilians were killed -
Atom Bomb No. 2
Shortly after the first atom bomb drop, a second bomb was dropped. The bomb was dropped by a B-29 by the name of "Boxcar" on the city of Nagasaki. Like the first bomb, thousands of civilians were killed, mainly civilians. -
World War II is Over!
Japan surrenders to the United States which was the official end of World War II. Japanese officials head to Paris to negotiate peace treaties. The darkest chapter in the world closes finally. -
Crimes Against Humanity
After the Holocaust, some Germans were sent to Nuremberg Germany for crimes committed during the Holocaust. 12 Nazis were sentenced to death for their "Crimes Against Humanity". All those put on trial had said that they were just following orders. -
Marshall Plan
Following the war, the United States wanted to aid Western Europe rebuild from the effects of World War II. This was known as the Marshall Plan giving Western Europe over 13 million dollars. United States Economy also benefited greatly from this plan
