-
Period: to
German Blitzkrieg
The German Blitzkrieg was a military tactic meaning "lightning war" It was used to create disorganization among enemy forces by using mobile forces and concentrated firepower. Used in Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands and France. This tactic was deadly and helped the German's massive takeover of Europe. -
Period: to
German Invasion of Poland
1.5 million German troops invaded Poland airfields, (luftwaffe) resulting in the German nsvy attacking the Polish nay, intiating WWII. Hitler claimed the attack was 'defensive action' but not including his real motives- an attempt to create 'lebensraum' - living space for the 'racially superior' Germans. -
D-Day; Invasion of Normandy
Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany. British, American, and Canadian forces land in France and Normandy via amphibious military assualt. This shifted the War in favor of the Allie's. -
Pearl Harbor
The Japanese attack on the U.S. naval base in Honolulu, Hawaii. This was an attempt to cripple U.S. influence in the Pacific. This attack sparked U.S. involvement in WWII. -
Liberation of Concentration Camps
Final stage of war; Allied troops sweep across Europe in final offensive. -
Period: to
Battle of the Bulge
The U.S.'s neutralization of German counter-offensive under the command of General Patton. -
Battle of Iwo Jima
American amphibious invasion due to a need for a naval base near the Japanese coast -
Battle of Okinawa
Largest amphibious landing in the Pacific theater of WWII. It was the last chance for the Japanese, that resulted in an Allied win. It included 100,000 Japanses casualties and 50,000 allied deaths. -
VE-Day
Victory in Europe Day, when German troops finally laid down their arms, and surrender documents were signed. -
Potsdam Declaration
Defining terms for the Japanese surrender, this ended conflict between U.S. and Japan as well as the birth of the constitution of Japan -
Period: to
The Dropping of Atomic Bombs on Japan
U.S. attack on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagaski. Killing in total 120,000 people immediatley and tens of thousands more due to radiation. Immediately caused Japanese to surrender. -
VJ-Day
President Truman declared September 2, VJ Day. VJ stands for Victoryover Japan Day. It marks the end of WWII.