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Japan invades Manchuria
Japan invades Manchuria to extend the Japanese empire. The League of Nations tried to stop them but Japan ignored this and did it anyway. This was important because it showed the League of Nations was powerless to their aggression. -
Hitler becomes Chancellor
Adolf Hitler, Leader of the Nazis of Germany, was named Chancellor by President Paul Von Hindenburg. This was important because it gave Hitler practically unrestricted power of making law, therefor making him Dictator. -
Munich Pact
Pact signed by Great Britain, France, Italy and Germany by which Sudetenland was ceded to Germany. This was important because it was made to prevent Hitler from starting a war but it failed. -
Kristallnacht
Night of the Broken Glass- Almost 200 Jewish worship buildings were destroyed, over 8,000 Jewish shops were sacked and looted and tens of thousands of Jews were removed to concentration camps. This was important because it marks the beginning of the Hollocaust by being the first time Jews were deliberately targeted for death by Nazis. -
Invasion of Poland
One of Hitler's first major foreign policy initiatives after coming to power. It is important because it is essentially what started WWII, when Hitler invaded Poland, Germany and France declared war. -
Dunkirk
It was the defense and evacuation of British and Allied forces. It was important because it was the largest evacuation of Allied Forces and allowed the Allies to retain a considerable military force. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
Surprise military attack by the Japanese Navy against the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. This was important because this led to the United States entry into WWII. -
Bataan Death March
After the Battle of Bataan, the Japanese forced 75,000, Filipino and American prisoners of war, to march 65 miles from Bataan to Camp O'Donnel in San Fernando, Pampagna. Thousands died before they reached their destination. This was important because it showed Japan's militarism and nationalism. -
Battle of Midway
Effectively destroyed Japans naval strength when America destroyed four of its aircraft carriers. Japans navy never recovered and was on the defensive after this battle. It was important because it was the turning point of the Pacific War. -
D-Day
The Allies invaded Western Europe in the largest amphibious attack in history. It was important because by late August, all of Northern France had been liberated and by spring, Allies had defeated Germany. D-Day was considered "the beginning of the end of the war in Europe." -
Battle of the Bulge
A major suprise German offensive which ended up being an Allied victory. It was important becuase it was the Germans last offensive movement of the war because they were running out of men, weapons and food. -
Yalta Conference
Meeting of the heads of government of the United States, United Kingdom, and Soviet Union at Yalta, a Crimean port in the Black Sea. This was important because this is when the leaders planned the final stages of WWII and agreed on the territorial division of Europe. -
V. E. Day
Victory Over Europe Day. The formal acceptance of the Allies of Germany's unconditional surrender. It was important because this marked the end of the war in Europe. -
Bombing of Hiroshima
During the final stages of WWII, the United States dropped bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki killing almost 200,000 people. It is important because after both bombings Japan surrendered unconditionally. -
V. J. Day
Victory Over Japan Day. This is the day that Japan surrendered, in effect ending WWII. This was important because it marks the "official end" of WWII.
