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Rise of Fascism and Nazism
Is said to be caused by WWI and the Treaty of Versailles. While Hitler was gaining popularity, fascism also rose. The Nazis were very numerous, giving rise to nazism. By 1933, the nazis were incredibly strong. These were one of the main causes of WWII. -
Neutrality Act
Joint resolution that outlawed the trade of firearms with Spain. Was intended to cover civil wars, but was not very effective. -
Germany's Expansion/Annexation of Austria
Austria is annexed when Hitler and his troops march in. Hitler is met with an enthusiastic crowd. Impacted Austrian Jews negatively (sent to concentration camps). -
Blitzkrieg Attack on Poland
Poland easily defeated within weeks of being invaded. Left many towns completely destroyed. -
Battle of Britain
War waged by Germany against the UK, fought with planes. Both sides suffered heavy losses, but British confidence was raised. -
Lend-Lease Act
Main way of providing US support to foreign countries in the war. Led to the resumed transport of firearms and other weapons. -
Bombing of Pearl Harbor
Surprise military strike by Imperial Japanese Navy against the US naval base. Heavy losses for the US, and led to the US joining the war. -
Battle of Midway
A naval battle between the Americans and Japanese near the island of Midway, near Hawaii. The planned ambush of the Japanese was countered. Impact was that the American victory left permanent damage in the Japanese Navy. -
Battle of Stalingrad
Was a battle in which the Soviets successfully defended Stalingrad, but was one of the bloodiest battles. Impact was that it stopped the Germans from going into the Soviet Union and turned the war in favor of the Allied powers. -
Transition of US Home Front to War Production
People on the home front donated scrap metal, bought war bonds, conserved energy, and planted "victory gardens." This also led to an increase in the number of people enlisting in the military. -
Eisenhower Invades Africa
Was an ambitious Allied plan to take the French-held territories of Algeria and Morrocco. Was one of the most important strategic decisions made by the Allied leaders. Impact was that it changed the Anglo-American strategy for the rest of the war. -
D-Day
Was one of the most well-known battles in WWII in which some of the Allies stormed a number of beaches. Suffered heavy loss, but the invasion was successful. Impact was that it was the beginning of the fall of the Germans. -
Liberation of Majdanek
Liberated by Soviet troops during the summer, Germans were surprised and evacuated quickly. Was a concentration and forced labor camp, but was also used as an extermination camp. The impact was that the Soviets were able to advance farther. -
Battle of the Bulge
Attempt by Hitler to split the Allies in northwest Europe in a densely forested area. Despite being surprised and heaving heavy casualties, the Allies were able to neutralize the German counteroffensive. Impact was that it was Hitler's last major offensive stand. -
Battle of Iwo Jima
American forces invade island of Iwo Jima, which is defended by Japanese troops. Japanese had initial success, but got bogged down. Entire garrison killed. Impact was that it allowed the president to see how long and hard the Japanese would fight to keep their islands. -
Battle of Okinawa
Last and biggest of the Pacific Island battles. Both sides suffered heavy casualties, but the Japanese lost much more. Many civilians were also killed. Impact was that it was the final battle to get close to the home islands of the Japanese. -
V-E Day
Day that marked the Allied victory in Europe. Impact was that it was the celebration of the end of the war. Finally! -
Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
An American B-29 bomber drops the first two atomic bombs on the Japanese cities or Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Thousands of people, including civilians, are killed. Impact was that the Japanese surrendered and that the bombs wiped out 90% of the population of these two cities. -
V-J Day
Day that Japan unconditionally surrendered to the Allies. Impact was that it ended the war. Yay!
