-
The Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was the peace treaty that was written by the victorious allies at the end of World War I. In some ways it was used to punish Germany for starting the war. The Germans were forced to reduce their military and to pay reparations to many European countries. The treaty caused many bitter feelings among the Germans and is considered a contributing factor to the start of World War II. -
Japan Invades China
On July 7, 1937, Japan invaded China. Japan was aggressively trying to take over and dominate all of Southeast Asia. This was a concern for countries like the United States that had interests in places like the Philippines and Guam. This aggression was the beginning of trouble on the Pacific front. -
Germany Invades Poland
Germany attacked with a powerful and swift combination of air and ground forces to successfuly occupy Poland. They destroyed major roads and cities in the process. Germany disregarded the peace treaty and went on the offensive. The Soviet Union follows and invades eastern Poland and some of the Baltic nations. Great Britain and France reacted quickly and joined the fight because they had signed a pact to come to Poland's defense. This started the war in Europe. -
The Germans Invade France and Capture Paris
Germany began invading France on May 10, 1940. By June 14, 1940 they had captured Paris. The German army traveled into France by way of Belgium so they could bypass the country's fortifications. It was a sudden and humiliating defeat. Germany was off to a strong start. This left Great Britain alone to face the Germans. -
The Battle of Britain
In the summer of 1940, Germany turned its sights to Great Britain. They started bombing the city of London. They wanted to gain control of the British airspace and destroy the Royal Air Force. The Battle of Britain was the first battle fought entirely in the air. It went on from July 10, 1940 to October 31, 1940. In the end the British held strong and were victorious. This was Germany's first loss. -
The Lend-Lease Act
President Roosevelt began to prepare for the possibility of war and started strengthening the United States military. He signed the Lend-Lease Act on March 11, 1941. This was a program where the United States supplied Great Britain and other nations with food, oil, and military supplies. It was a way for the U.S. to aid foreign nations during World War II, without actually fighting on the front lines. -
The Bombing of Pearl Harbor
The Japanese launched a surprise attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The next day the Untied States declared war on Japan. Days later, Germany declared war on the United States. This attack brought the United States into World War II in the Pacific as well as in Europe. -
The Battle of Midway
Up until this battle, Japan had dominated in the Pacific Ocean. Japan's navy had hoped to draw out and destroy the U.S. Pacific Fleet's aircraft carriers that were stationed to protect the U.S. airbase in Midway from the Japanese. The battle was fought from June 4 to June 7, 1942. During the Battle of Midway the United States was able to sink four Japanese aircraft carriers. This was a huge turning point and ended Japan's domination in the Pacific. -
The Battle of Stalingrad
On the European front, the Axis allies had invaded the Soviet Union trying to get control of their lands and oil supplies. The Battle of Stalingrad was the largest single battle in history. It went on for 199 day (from August 23, 1942 to February 2, 1943) and about 2 million people were killed. This stopped the Germans advance and was a turning point in the war in Europe. -
Normandy D-Day Invasion
The Allies planned an invasion of the European continent. Huge numbers of Allied soldiers crossed the English Channel and landed on the beaches of Normandy, France. The Allies liberated western Europe and as General Eisenhower put it, "The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!" The invasion had worked. -
Germany Surrendered
In May of 1945, American and Russian troops met at the Elbe River in Germany and began their advance into Berlin. Word spread that Hitler had committed suicide. Germany was in ruins and they knew there was no way they could keep fighting, so they surrendered to the Allies. However, victory in Europe did not end World War II. The Japanese were still a threat. -
Potsdam Declaration
On July 26, 1945 Japan was asked to surrender. The Allies gave the Japanese a surrender ultimatum. This ultimatum stated that, if Japan did not surrender it would face "prompt and utter destruction." It was rejected. -
Hiroshima Gets Hit with an Atomic Bomb
After the surrender request was rejected, a United States Bomber called the Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima. More than 75,000 people were killed and more than 100,000 were injured. Japan still refused to surrender. -
Nagasaki Gets Hit with an Atomic Bomb
Japan still refused to surrender after Hiroshima was bombed. Three days later the United States dropped another atomic bomb on the city of Nagasaki, Japan. -
Japan Surrenders and the War is Over
Japanese Emperor Hirohito convened the supreme war council after the Nagasaki attack. He finally backed a proposal to accept the Potsdam Declaration. On August 10, 1945 the message was relayed to the United States that Japan had finally surrendered. The agreement was formally signed on September 2, 1945. World War II was finally over!
