-
Period: to
The Rape of Nanking . https://www.history.com/topics/japan/nanjing-massacre
Japan forces captured the Chinese city of Nanking and carried out a massacre on civilians of the city. The death toll was about 200,000 to 300,000 people. Additionally, between 20,000 and 80,000 women were sexually assaulted. To this day Japan denies this event. -
Period: to
Battle of the Atlantic https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-the-Atlantic
The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous military campaign in World War II. The Western Allies and the Axis powers fought over sea routes. Britain's navy was a notable force against Germany who utilized a wide use of U boats. For the span of the campaign, the Allies had more control of the Atlantic. -
Period: to
Battle of Britain . https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-britain-1
The first battle in history only fought in the air. It took place between the British and Nazi Germany airforce. The German Luftwaffe was considered the best airforce in Europe but Britain proved to be a respectable enemy. The Luftwaffe planned to attack Britain to get them to surrender, but Britain's prime minister, Winston Churchill had no plans of backing down. The battle included both airforces bombing the other side's cities. By October Hitler called off his invasion of Britain. -
Period: to
Operation Barbarosa . https://www.britannica.com/event/Operation-Barbarossa
Operation Barbarossa was a code name for the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The invasion called for about 3 million men on the German side and 1,800-mile wide front. Germany was weakened when they made it deep into Soviet territory because the Soviets were able to keep producing new reserves. Hitler also didn't expect the battle to last so long so the soldiers were not prepared for winter. By December Hitler was forced to retreat, marking a big turning point in the war. -
Period: to
D-Day Invasion https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/d-day
The invasion started June 6 when 156,000 American, British and Canadian forces landed on five beaches along a 50-mile French shore. It was one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history with large casualties. By August troops reached the Seine River and liberated Paris, expelling German troops out of northern France. -
Operation Thunderclap https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/firebombing-of-dresden
Allied plan to end war against Germany through bombings of German city Dresden. The originial attack caused 220,000 casualties and estimated 135,000 killed. It was the single most destructive bombing in the war. Over 3,400 tons of explosives were dropped on the city by 800 American and British aircraft. The bombings caused fire for many days after and 8 square miles of the city was ruined. -
Period: to
Battle of Iwo Jima . https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-iwo-jima
A battle on an island off Japan against the U.S. Marines and the Imperial Army of Japan. By the end, almost all 21,000 of Japanese troops were killed and 7000 US marines killed. The battle was planned to last a few days but the Japanese used new tactics using the island's terrain, causing the battle to be much worse. The reason the Japanese casualties were so high was because they refused to surrender. -
Firebombing of Tokyo . https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/firebombing-of-tokyo
U.S. warplanes, in response to Pearl Harbor, dropped 2,000 tons of firebombs on Tokyo in 3 hours. 16 sq. miles of Japan were destroyed and between 80,000 and 130,000 Japanese civilians killed.
