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German Invasion of Poland
The invasion in Poland was when the Germans and Soviet Union invaded Poland to gain land and power. This was the first time the Nazi's utilized lightning warfare, known as Blitzkrieg. World War II was started as a result of this invasion. It was a clear victory for Germany and USSR.
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German Invasion of France
This invasion was another example of German Blitzkrieg. Germans used tanks and were able to overtake France in 4 days. Germany now had control of northern France.It was clearly a German victory.
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Battle of Britain
This was a unique battle, as it is the only WWII battle fought entirely in the air. This battle began with the Germans Bombing London. It left mass destruction and people had to take refuge underground. Although the Luftwaffe was very powerful, the British were able to come out with the dub. However their city got wrecked.
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Lend Lease
Signed by FDR in the hope to make the US more protected. The US gave Great Britain military supplies, and were able to acquire more military bases as a result. The bases were in locations such as Bermuda and other Caribbean territories.
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Operation Barbarossa
Germany decided to invade the Soviet Union to conquer western Russia and populate it with Germans. The invasion was not effective, and had an indecisive victory.There almost 6 million casualties.
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Bombing of Pearl Harbor
In an attempt to acqirre more land, Japan decided attack Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This was significant because it caused the US to declare war on Japan, and officially enter into WWII. Japan won this surprise attack, but they would regret it later.
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Germany Declares War on the United States
After the Japanese bombed the United States, war was declared on Japan. Since Japan and Germany were allies, Germany declared war with the United states. President FDR then declared war on Germany.
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Bataan Death March
This was when nearly 80,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war were forcibly transferred throughout the Philippines. The Japanese troops treated their prisoners very harshly, especially throughout the march. If someone was unable to move on, they would be killed.
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Battle of Midway
Six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor one of the most important battles of the Pacific took place. Japan tried to ambush the US, but they failed. This led to the loss of 4 Japanese aircraft carriers and 1 heavy cruiser, while the US only lost 1 carrier and a destroyer.
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Battle of Stalingrad
Hitler decided to betray Stalin, one of his allies, and invade the Soviet Union. This battle lasted until February 2nd, 1943. This was a major turning point for Germany, because they lost. Both sides lost a combined 1,757,518 men.
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Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
In the Warsaw Ghetto in Poland, the Jewish decided to resist the Germans and start an uprising. As a response to this, the Germans killed and burned many Jews and Jewish homes. This was important for the Jews because it showed that they could rise up, even though many were killed in this incident.
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D-Day
Also known as the Normandy Invasion and Operation Overlord. America and other allied troops landed in Normandy France and began the liberation of Western Europe. Although it was a very difficult and deadly battle, the allies came out victorious.
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Battle of the Bulge
This was Germany's final major offensive during the war. It was a surprise attack on the allies, but it ultimately failed because the allies came out victorious. Almost 125,000 German casualties happened in this battle.
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Liberation of Concentration Camps
Many concentration camps held, tortured, and killed Jews during world war 2. Finally, Towards the end of the war, the concentration camps were able to be liberated. The Soviet Union was able to liberate Auschwitz and Theresienstadt. The Americans liberated Buchenwald, Mauthausen, and Dachau, and the British liberated Bergen-Belsen. Some camps were not liberated, but were shut down.
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Battle of Iwo Jima
In the battle of the Pacific, this was one of the most important battles. The United states were able to land on and conquer the Japanese controlled Island of Iwo Jima. This was a close battle, but the United States soldiers were able to push through and come out on top.
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Bombing of Japan
Towards the end of the pacific war, the United States warned Japan that if they did not surrender, then the result would be "prompt and utter destruction." When Japan did not surrender, they were bombed by two atomic bombs, known as "Little Boy" and "Fat Man." A few days later, Japan Surrendered and the war was over.
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