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Germany's Invasion of Poland
Hitler's army invaded Poland with a method of "Blitzkrieg" warfare and highly effective attacks. This invasion marked the first military engagement of the second world war. Hitler invaded Poland with hopes of a short, victorious war but clearly he was mistaken. -
German Blitzkrieg
German blitzkrieg or "lightning war" was a new military strategy which involved advanced military technology such as aircraft carriers and land tanks. It was a very aggressive and fast type of warfare in which Hitler hoped to end the war quickly...and it worked. It began with Germany's invasion in Poland and was also used in their attacks on Belgium, the Netherlands, and France in 1940. It helped Germany with quick advances in the early war. -
Operation Barbarossa
Operation Barbarossa was the code name for Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union. Hitler wanted to take over the Soviet Union for army advances and use of slave labor. Hitler brought out a massive army of over 3.8 million fighting men and Germany made massive gains in the war. -
Pearl Harbor
The Japanese attack on Pearl harbor marked a day in history that America will never forget. A huge Japanese fleet flew over the island of Pearl harbor and bombed american ships and military bases leading to over 2,000 deaths. This was the last straw before America was forced to join the war and defend themselves. -
Battle of Midway
The battle of Midway was a key naval battle between the American and Japanese navy. It was a turning point in the war which led to a United states victory. As the Japanese operation failed during this battle, American confidence in the pacific was boosted and they would fiht on stronger to take over the Japanese empire. -
Normandy Invasion (D-Day)
The battle of Normandy otherwise known as D-Day was a turning point in the war but also one of the most bloodiest battles ever. America and Britain planned to attack the shores of Omaha as quickly as possible to allow Germany the least amount of time to recoup and prepare for battle. After a long, gruesome battle and over 100,000 american casualties, american troops finally made it past the beach and liberated French concentration camps. -
Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge was a German attack in Belgium in attempt to reverse their bad luck. American soldiers were fighting in weather conditions below zero which stopped the Germans from advancing. After about a month of fighting, the battle ended with German troops retreating after more than 100,000 casualties (greater than the army could take). This battle just weakened the Gemran army and hopes even more. -
Battle of Okinawa
The Okinawa island was a strategic importance of the Japanese home islands. To take over this would mean a huge american advance in taking over the Japanese empire. The Battle of Okinawa lead to a mass Japanese suicide after fighting for every last bit of their soil, and an American victory. It was the last battle fpbefore the United states took over Japan. -
Liberation of Concentration Camps
The Nazi concentration camps caused the murder of over 6 million innocent Jewish people and lasted almost two years. As america finally got past the German army, they were able to liberate the prisoners in the major concentration camps such as Auschwitz and Buchenwald. The conditions of the humans were unspeakable and most of the soldiers had no clue what to do. This liberation allowed the world to see what the Nazi party had done to millions of people in Europe. -
VE Day
This day marked the Allied victory in Europe. After countless bombings on German cities, Hitler had killed himself and Mussolini was had been captured, the allies had pretty much won the war in Europe. This was a day of celebration for american and British people. -
Dropping of Atomic Bombs
After Japan refused to surrender, America had to take action and destroy Japan in any way possible. America created two atomic bombs that were dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki just three days apart. The atomic bombs devastated the Japanese with over 100,000 deaths. Only after this did Japan finally agree to surrender. This showed their true dedication and love for their country because they wouldn't surrender. -
VJ Day
VJ Day was the day that Japan finally ceased fighting and surrendered to the Allies. It marked the end of World War II and was a day of complete happiness and celebration for allied countries. But was the end of almost 8 years of war with Japan and millions of deaths.
