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Japanese Invasion of China
Also known as the Second Sino-Japanese War, this event begn with the Japanese invasion of China. The attack happened because the imperialist goals of the Japanese required securing land in China. China fought back with help from the US and the Soviet Union. Impact of this attack was the beginning of the Second World War and eventually isolation of Japan. -
Period: to
World War II
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German Invasion of Poland
German forces invade Poland. This act is known as the official start of the war as Britain and France declare war on Germany two days later. -
German Blitzkrieg
The German Blitzkrieg was a lightning fast, mobile, very flexible unit and the movement helped the German cause establish many early victories in France. Between May and June, the Blitzkrieg racked up enough victories to force France back and gain their territory. The Allies were unprepared and had to fight back harder to make up for lost ground. -
Operation Barbarossa
On June 22nd the German forces launched their invasion of Russia. The German forces knew they needed to subdue the Soviet Union to be able to contine their efforts. They planned to reach Moscow with the help of the Axis Powers within 8 weeks. This operation eventually failed. -
Pearl Harbor
US Harbor attacked by the Japanese. The goal of the attack was to destroy US aircraft carrier ships, which were not there. The attack was still successful though. The effect of this is it brought US into the war, looking for venegance. -
Wannsee Conference
This was a meeting between German officers. THis meeting was held to insure that all the German leaders would cooperate and continue for the cause. -
Battle of Stalingrad
Massive battle between the Soviet Union and Germany, Soviet Union won out, but only after mass casualties and almost a year of fighting. Neither army wanted to back down but eventually Germany did. -
Operation Gomorrah
Major airstrike: Americans bombed the city of Hamburg during the day while British attacked at night, -
D-Day (Normandy)
The major turning point of the war. Allied invasion to get a foothold in France. Came in on boats and invaded through the ocean to surprise the Axis powers. Successful attack. -
Operation Thunderclap
Supposed to be an attack on Berlin that would devastate the city but it never occurred. -
Battle of the Bulge
The German attempt to slow the Allied forces. Was a major counteroffensive and it was successful in stopping the Allied forces and massacring many Americans. -
Battle of Iwo Jima
Great victory from the American side in the Pacific Islands. Major battle, has the famous photo of the US lifinting the flag. -
Battle of Okinawa
Last stop between the US and Japanese mainland. Good stratigical point to launch attacks from. Important US win.
