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Germany Invades Poland
Germany invaded Poland under the justification of the theory of lebensraum. In response, France and Britain declared war on Germany. This event was to be the catalyst which started the war - at this point, a solely European conflict that hadn't yet grown into a World War. German troops in Warsaw, Poland, 1939, Holocaust Encyclopedia -
Japan Attacks Pearl Harbor
Japan attacks Pearl Harbor in an attempt to acquire much needed raw materials such as oil, and remove U.S. presence in the Pacific. The surprise attack debilitated the military personnel stationed at Pearl Harbor. This event pushed the United States into declaring war on Japan, effectively solidifying their presence in World War II. Attack on Pearl Harbor, The National WWII Museum -
D-Day
On D-Day, the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Canada joined forces to carry out one of the most daring military ventures to date. Forces were sent to attack France's northern coast, where German troops were stationed. D-Day is responsible for the beginning of Germany's loss of strength and resources, as well as the liberation of north-west Europe from Nazi powers. Utah Beach landing, Department of Defense -
Battle of the Bulge
During the Battle of the Bulge, Hitler rallied German forces in order to break the ranks of the Allied forces and separate the consolidation of their powers. Despite a strong initial wave, American troops persevered and eventually closed ranks in time to overpower the enemy troops. This battle was Hitler's last offensive attempt to gain an edge over the Allied forces. It marked the surrender of Germany, which occurred just four months after the battle. 2nd Division infantrymen, Military.com -
Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
After the surrender of Germany to the Allies, the U.S. remained at war with Japan. This brought about innumerable casualties for both, and a need to end the war quickly. The atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima failed to bring about that result, but the sheer destruction caused by both bombs convinced Japan to surrender. The bombing of the two cities brought about the eventually surrender of Japan, and subsequently the end of World War II. Mushroom clouds over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, BBC