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Germany invades Poland, leading to the outbreak of World War II in Europe.
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Britain and France declare war on Germany following the invasion of Poland.
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German forces invade France, leading to the fall of France in June.
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Allied forces evacuate from the beaches of Dunkirk, France, in a massive rescue operation, saving over 330,000 soldiers from encirclement by German forces.
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Germany launches air attacks on Britain in an attempt to gain air superiority.
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Japan launches a surprise attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, prompting the United States to enter World War II.
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A naval battle between the United States and Japan, resulting in a decisive victory for the US and turning the tide of the war in the Pacific.
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Allied forces, primarily Canadian, launch a raid on the French port of Dieppe, which ends in heavy casualties and is considered a learning experience for future amphibious operations.
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A major battle on the Eastern Front between German and Soviet forces, resulting in a decisive victory for the Soviets and a turning point in the war.
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Allied forces launch a massive amphibious invasion of Normandy, France, marking the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany in Western Europe.
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Germany surrenders, marking the end of World War II in Europe.
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The United States drops atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.
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Map milestones, phases, deadlines, and key events in one place so the sequence is easier to see and share. Timetoast is a timeline maker for work, school, research, and stories.