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China Falls to Japan (War in the Pacific)
When the Depression struck in Japan, they needed somewhere to get resources that they were usually importing. In 1931, the Japanese army invaded Manchuria which was a resource-rich region of northern China. In 1937, the Japanese army destroyed the city of Nanking in what is now known as the "Rape of Nanking." Japan now controlled China. This was important to WWII because China was an allie of ours and we needed to get Japan out of their country so they could help us in the war. -
Blitzkrieg Into Poland (War in Europe)
Blitzkrieg into Poland was a battle in which Poland was invaded by Germany, the Soviet Union, and a small Slovak contingent. Blitzkrieg is the style of war Germany uses; Its lightning warfare, they use fast moving troops supported by air power. Poland's outdated military proved to be ineffective. This battle was important because it marked the beginning of World War II in Europe. -
Battle of the Atlantic (War in Europe)
The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest battle of WWII lasting from September 3, 1939 to May 8, 1945 when Germany was defeated.It was a strategic victory for the Allies because the German blockade failed but the Allies lost 3,500 merchant ships and 175 warships; The Germans lost 783 U-boats. This was important to WWII because it now allowed cnvoys to travel safely from North America to places such as the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union. -
German Invasion of France (War in Europe)
The German Invasion of France, also known as the Battle of France, was the successful German invasion of France. This led to an armistice being signed between France and Germany, which resulted in France being under axis occupation until 1944. -
Dunkirk (War in Europe)
The Battle of Dunkirk was a defence and evacuation of British and allied forces in Europe from May 26 to June 4, 1940. Hitler sanctioned his army to halt for three days, giving the Allies time to organize an evacuation and build a defensive line. This was important in WWII because it rescued over 330,000 Allied troops. -
Battle of Britain/Operation Sealion (War in Europe)
The Battle of Britain was the first major battle fought entirely by air forces. Germany hoped to destroy Britain's air defences and force them into a surrender. This was important to WWII because Germany failed and it was their first major defeat. It became a crucial turning point in WWII and prevented Hitler from launching Operation Sealion, an airborne invasion of Britain. -
Germany Takes Greece (War in Europe)
Nazi Germany invaded Greece through Bulgaria, creating a second front. The Greek army was greatly outnumbered by the German forces. The German army reached the city of Athens on April 27,1941, and a month later captured Crete. It was a complete victory for Germany. This was important in WWII because it made Germany seem unstoppable and made the Axis powers stronger. -
Operation Barbarossa (War in Europe)
Operation Barbarossa was the codename for German's invasion of the Soviet Union. Over 4 million soldiers of the Axis powers invaded the USSR. It was a sure victory for Germany until their offensive failed outside of Moscow. This operation was important to WWII because if Germany were to have succeeded the Axis powers would have become much stronger and the Allies would become weaker. -
Pearl Harbor (War in the Pacific)
The surprise attack by 360 Japanese planes on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii destroyed 19 ships, 150 planes, resulted in 2,400 deaths. Luckily, most of the U.S aircraft carriers were out on maneuvers. This Japanese attack leads Congress to vote for war on Japan on December 8th, 1941. 3 days later the Axis declares war on the U.S and on December 12, the U.S declares war on the Axis. This was important to the overall scheme of WWII because this attack is what brought the United States into the war. -
Philippines 1942 (War in the Pacific)
The Battle of the Philippines was the invasion of the Philippines by Japan in 1941-1942 and the defense by the Filipino and the U.S forces. U.S troops were led by General MacArthur who is named the Supreme Allied Commander in the Pacific. The Allies last 3 months but run out of supplies and we retreat to Austrailia but MacArhtur vows to return. This wa simportant to WWII because on May 6th, Japan captures the Philippines and now only U.S holdings in the Pacific were Hawaii and Midway. -
Bataan-Battle and March (War in the Pacific)
The Battle of Bataan was the most intense phase of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. It became the largest surrender by the U.S since the Civil War. The Bataan Death March was the forcible transfer of 60,000 prisoners 70 miles through steamy jungles to POW camps. Over 10,000 people died from abuse, starvation, and exhaustion.The March went from Mariveles, Bataan, to San Fernando, Pampanga. This was important to WWII because the Allies lost many lives and viewed this march as a war crime. -
New Guinea (War in the Pacific)
In the Battle of New Guinea Japan inaded New Guinea but the Allied forces cleared the Japanese from the territory. This Battle was important in WWII because New Guinea was strategically important because it was a major landmass to the north of Austrailia. Its large land could be used for land, air, and naval bases. -
Doolittle Raid (War in the Pacific)
The Doolittle Raid was an air raid by the U.S on the capital of Japan, Tokyo, and also other places on Honshu island. They used specially modified planes to bomb Tokyo and then land in China.It was revenge by the U.S for Japan attacking Pearl Harbor. This was important to WWII because it showed that Japan was vunerable to American air attack and also boosted U.S morale even though Tokyo underwent little damage. -
Coral Sea (War in the Pacific)
The Battle of the Coral Sea was a major naval battle between the Japanese Navy and naval and air forces from the United States and Austrailia. It was fought Northeast of Austrailia. The Japanese won this Battle in terms of ships sunk but it was a tactical victory for the Allies. This Battle was important to WWII because it turned back Japanese expansion for the first time and also kept two Japanese fleet carriers from participating in the Battle of Midway. -
Midway (War in the Pacific)
The Battle of Midway was one of the most important naval battles of 1942; The United States Navy defeated the Japanese Navy. The Japanese were hoping to capture Midway as a stepping stone to capturing Hawaii. U.S code breakers learn of the attack and Admiral Chester Nimitz prepares to defend Midway. This was important to WWII because after the battle the Japanese shipbuilding program was unable to keep up in replacing their losses, while the U.S steadily increased its output. -
Island Hopping (War in the Pacific)
Island Hopping is a military strategy used by the Allies in the Pacific War against Japan and the Axis powers. The idea was to avoid heavily fortified Japanese bases and instead go after strategically important islands that were not well defended. This was important in WWII because this is one of the strategies the Allies used and it worked out for them. They got smaller islands like Iwo Jima and Okinawa and eventually were able to attack mainland Japan. -
Guadalcanal (War in the Pacific)
The Battle of Guadalcanal, codenamed Operation Watchtower, was the first major offensive by Allied forces against Japan. The Allied forces overwhelmed the Japanese who had controlled the island of Guadacanal since May of 1942. Also, in this battle we learn how to fight in jungles.This battle was important in WWII because it was the transition from the Allies being a defenisve army to becoming more offensive. This new offensive strategy will eventually lead to a Japanese surrender. -
Stalingrad (War in Europe)
The Battle of Stalingrad was a battle between Nazi Germany and its allies against the Soviet Union for the city of Stalingrad (in the Soviet Union). The Allies surrounded the Axis powers in the city of Stalingrad and waited for the Axis powers to surrender.It is among the bloodiest of battles in the history of warfare; There was deadly street fighting in this battle. It was an important battle in WWII because it was a decisive Soviet Victory and from here on out the Axis forces began to decline. -
El Alamein (War in Europe)
The Second Battle of El Alamein took place near the Egyptian coastal city of El Alamein. It was an Allies victory and a turning point of WWII. This battle was important to WWII because it ended the Axis threat to Egypt, the Suez Canal, and of gaining access to the Middle Eastern and Persian oil fields via North Africa. -
Operation Torch (War in Europe)
Operation torch was led by General Dwight D. "Ice" Eisenhower, an excellent strategist. The plan was meant to create a second front for the Allies. The U.S wanted to get Africa, then move onto Sicily, and finally Italy.The U.S begins Operation Torch with the plans to invade Algeria and move to the East. By May of 1943, the Allies controled North Africa. This was important in WWII because it succeeded in getting Africa, Sicily, and Italy from the Axis powers. -
Kursk (War in Europe)
The Battle of Kursk was the second engagement between the Germans and the Soviets in this war. The German offensive intended to destroy Soviet forces near the Russian city of Kursk but the Soviet's two counteroffensives defeated the German army. This was important to WWII because it was a famous tank battle and the final strategic offensive the Germans were able to do in the east. It also gave the Soviets strategic initiative for the rest of the war. -
Sicily (War in Europe)
The Allied invasion of Sicily, codenamed Operation Husky, was a battle in which the Allies took Sicily from the Axis powers. This battle was important in WWII because it opened the Meditteranean's sea lanes, knocked off Benito Mussolini from power, and opened the way for the Allied invasion of Italy. -
Salerno (War in Europe)
The Allied invasion of Italy was the battle when the Allies took Italy from the Axis powers. This was very important to WWII because it gave the Allies all of Southern Italy. -
Gilbert & Marshall Islands (War in the Pacific)
The battles of the Gilbert & Marshall Islands were key strategic operations of the U.S forces in the Pacific. The Japanese occupied the Gilbert Islands after Pearl Harbor and the U.S viewed the Gilbert Islands as essential for a continued movement across the Pacific. Getting the Gilbert and Marshall Islands were very important in the overall scheme of things in WWII. -
Anzio (War in Europe)
The battle that took place in the area of Anzio is known as Operation Shingle. The Allies landed in Italy against German forces hoping to outflank them and enable an attack on Rome. This was important to WWII because the Allies would capture Rome -
D-Day (War in Europe)
D-Day was the day Allied paratroopers droped behind German lines in Normandy, France. It was for the most part an easy invasion because the German's did not expect an attack from the beach. However, Omaha beach was dangerous; Mines were scattered around as well as barbed wire and artillery in the cliffs. This day was so important in WWII because the Allies took over France and created a second front (makes Russia happy). -
Guam (War in the Pacific)
In the Second Battle of Guam the U.S forces captured the island of Guam, which was an American territory but was being held by the Japanese. This battle was important in WWII because they captured back a territory that had been taken from them and they also were then able to build bases on the island for future attacks of Japan. -
Operation Dragoon (War in Europe)
Operation Dragoon was the Allied invasion of southern France. The invasion caused German troops to retreat under constant attack to the Vosges Mountains. This invasion was important in WWII because it allowed the Allies to get most of France in only 4 weeks. -
Philippines 1944-45 (War in the Pacific)
The Battle of the Philippines that started in 1944 is the battle when American and Filipino forces defeated and expelled the Japanese from the Philippines. This battle was important in WWII because it gained back a U.S territory that had been taken away earlier in the war. -
Battle of Leyte Gulf (War in the Pacific)
The Battle of the Leyte Gulf is considered to be the largest naval battle in history. It was fought in waters near the Philippine island of Leyte. It was the U.S and Austrailian forces against the Japanese. The Japanese first displayed their use of kamikaze pilots (suicide bombers).This battle ended with a decisive victory for the Allies. This battle was important in WWII because we retook the Philippines and nearly destroyed the Japanese Navy. -
Battle of the Bulge (War in Europe)
The Battle of the Bulge was when the Germans hit a weak spot in the Allied lines and create a 50 mile deep, 80 mile wide bulge (the Allies western front). The U.S stops the offensive and forces Germany to retreat. This surprise attack resulted in 80,000 American deaths and 120,000 German deaths. This Battle was important in WWII because the Allies were close to getting Germany to surrender. The last of German reserves were now gone and there was the liberation of concentration camps in Germany. -
Bastogne (War in Europe)
The sieze of Bastogne was a fight between American and German forces at the Belgian town of Bastogne. The sieze only lasted one week because the American forces (Who were being siezed) received backup from General Patton's Third Army. This was important in WWII because it showed that even when American troops may seem like they are in trouble, they have enough backup to get out of their problem. -
Yalta Conference (War in Europe)
The Yalta Conference was a conference between the big 3 Allied powers: The United States. The United Kingdom, and The Soviet Union. Stalin, of the Soviet Union, wants Poland and much of eastern Europe. Franklin Deleno Roosevelt approves of this request but says Russia must help in the Pacific and there has to be free elections in the areas Russia controls. This conference was important in WWII because it allowed the Allies to agree on the post-war reorganization of Europe. -
Iwo Jima (War in the Pacific)
The Battle of Iwo Jima, or Operation Detachment was a battle in which he U.S forces fought and captured the Japanese island of Iwo Jima. This was extremely important in WWII because with the capturing of this island, the U.S had a staging area for attacks on the main islands of Japan. -
Okinawa (War in the Pacific)
The Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg, was an 82-day-long battle in which the U.S fought against the Japanese and their kamikaze attacks. This was important in WWII because Okinawa became a base for air operations on the planned invasion of mainland Japan. -
Hitler's Suicide (War in Europe)
Adolf Hitler, took a cyanide pill with his lover, Eva Braun, and then shoots himself. His loyal guards proceeded to burn his body and bury it in a shallow grave. Hitler's suicide was very important in WWII because German troops began to surrender after learning about their leader's suicide. -
German Surrender (War in Europe)
Germany agrees to an unconditional surrender. This is important to the timeline of WWII because this is when the war in Europe is officially over. -
Potsdam (Met in Europe)
The Potsdam Conference is when the big 3 Allied powers (U.S, U.K, and the USSR) came together and President Truman tells the Allies about the Atomic Bomb and they agree they will use it if necessary. This is important in WWII because it gives the U.S a weapon that they can use at anytime to win the war against Japan. -
Hiroshima and Nagasaki (War in the Pacific)
The atomic bombings of the cities Hiroshima (August 6th) and Nagasaki (August 9th) done by the U.S were at the end of WWII and these bombings are still the only use of nuclear weapons in war to date. The bombing of Hiroshima destroyed 80% of the city and caused over 118,000 deaths. The bombing of Nagasaki resulted in over 35,000 deaths. These bombings were important in WWII because it caused Japan to surrender unconditionally on August 15, 1945. On September 2, a Peace Treaty was signed. -
Japanese Surrender (War in the Pacific)
The Japanese surrender happened on Hugust 15, 1945 after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Luckily for the U.S, Japan chose to surrender after the second atomic bomb because the U.S had no more to use. On September 2, 1945, a Peace Treaty is signed on board the U.S.S Missouri. This was important to WWII because this marked the end of the war, the United States of America has emerged victorious.
