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Adolf Hitler Takes Power
German President Paul von Hindenburg appoints Adolf Hitler, leader of the Nazi Party, as chancellor of the nation-state. -
Germany Invades Poland
Nazi Germany invades the capital of Poland. Germany beats the Polish after a few weeks, this was the start of World War II -
Axis Powers Unite
Germany, Italy, and Japan sign the Tripartite Pact in Berlin to form the alliance of the Axis Powers. The Pact gives mutual assistance should any of its members suffer attack by any nation not already involved in the war. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
In a surprise attack on the US, Japan bombs the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Thousands of Americans die and this act was what eventually led to the United States joining the War. -
Fall of Singapore
Japanese invaded Singapore, as it was a British stronghold, being the major military base for Britain in SE Asia. This fall of Singapore was considered "Worst Disaster" in history, according to W. Churchill. -
Battle of Midway
Naval battle in Pacific. USA vs Japan, 6 months after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. US defeated Japan, "most stunning and decisive blow in naval war" this battle considered the Americans as victorious. -
Battle of Stalingrad
Turning Point in WW2- Germany's first major setback, which they never fully managed to recover from. Germany fought the Soviet Union in the city of Stalingrad- Soviet victory, destruction of German 6th Army. -
El Alamein
Allied Victory at El Alamein, Egypt- turning point for western desert campaign. Egyptian railway halt of El Alamein. Prevented axis powers into further advancing into Egypt. -
Surrender at Stalingrad
Germany and allies vs. Soviet Union fighting for control over city of Stalingrad. It was the largest and bloodiest battle in the history of warfare. After Germany was defeated, they had to pull forces from Western front to replace the people they lost.... This was a 5 month war -
Invasion of Italy
Allied invasion of Italy. Landed in mainland Italy, where Italian units surrendered immediately. Then the British forces migrated to Sicily. British invaded Italy to get rid of Italy, and protect Germany's Southern border. -
Battle of Monte Cassino
Continuing the Italian, with the intention of a breakthrough to Rome. Series of four assaults by the Allies on Monte Cassino were extremely costly for the Allied, however they eventually managed to drive the German forces back -
Battle of Anzio
Battle of Italian campaign of WW2,. Operation was opposed by German forces in Anzio and Nettuno, initially commanded by USA. USA wanted to flank the German forces, and take over Rome. -
D-Day
Allied invasion of France. Led to liberation of France from the Nazis and contributed to the Allies victory in the war. Largest sea born invasion. -
Guam Liberated
Americans regained Guam from Japanese during the Pacific campaign -
Paris Liberated
Paris was officially liberated from Nazis. -
Bombing of Dresden
Allied coming raids almost completely destroy the city of Dresden; "terror bombing" campaign against Germany. Lasted from February 13 to 15. -
Battle of Iwo Jima
Major Battle in US Marine corps landed on island of Iwo Jima- Japan. American invasion had the goal of capturing entire island, and its airfields to attack Japan, less than 700 miles near by -
Battle of Okinawa
World War II battle fought between U.S. and Japanese forces on Okinawa, the largest of the Ryukyu Islands. America troops take Okinawa – the last island held by the Japanese. -
FDR Dies from Stroke
After 12 years as US president, Franklin D Roosevelt dies from a massive stroke. He had led his country tirelessly, through some of its most turbulent times, to the impending defeat of Nazi Germany, and with the Japanese in full retreat. -
Vienna Offensive
Soviets forces successfully capture Vienna from the Germans. -
Hitler Commits Suicide
With Soviet troops less than 500 metres from his Führerbunker, Adolf Hitler committed suicide. He had shot himself with his own pistol, alongside him was his new wife Eva (née Braun), she had died after taking cyanide capsules. The capsules had already proved lethal after tests conducted on Hitler’s dog Blondi. -
US Drops bomb on Japan
The United States drops an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Nagasaki. An estimated 40,000 to 75,000 people die immediately following the explosion, while an additional 60,000 people suffer severe injuries. By the end of 1945, the total death count reaches an estimated 80,000.
