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Germany invades Poland
After Hitler's nonaggression pact with Stalin, he knew that he would not have to face a two-front war against the Soviets and European powers and would instead be aided in his invasion of Poland. They also had made a secret pact with the USSR on how to divide up Poland after they defeated it together. Poland fell very quickly, having been invaded on both sides by two of the most powerful nations in Europe. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/world-war-ii-history -
The U.S.S.R. invades Poland
The Soviet Union invaded Poland only a few days after Germany did. They knew that Germany posed no danger to them because of their nonaggression pact (or so they thought), and prior to the invasion they had made a secret pact with Germany on how to divide up Poland afterwards (unknown to the rest of the world). The two countries could easily defeat Poland and both gain more land. Poland fell soon after and was divided between them. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/world-war-ii-history -
Germany invades France
After quickly taking many of the countries in its way, Germany advanced towards France with heavy weaponry. German forces breached its heavy fortifications with aircraft and tanks. The Germans continued advancing through France and soon arrived at Paris, taking it only a few days after entering France. By taking France's capital early in the war, they controlled the entire country and eliminated it before it could do too much. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/world-war-ii-history -
The U.S.S.R. occupies the Baltic Nations
After defeating (and now occupying part of) Poland, the Soviet Union went on to quickly invade and occupy the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This is not one of the more remembered events of World War 2 because it did not include any major battles or conflicts, and because they fell relatively easily. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/world-war-ii-history -
Battle of Britain
Germany conducted many air raids on Great Britain (especially London) in the dead of night before this battle. Eventually, the Luftwaffe (German air force) came face-to-face with the RAF (British air force) and were defeated, causing Germany to hesitate in its invasion of Great Britain. This battle was important because it represented one of the Allies' first major victories and it drove back the Germans from the country. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/world-war-ii-history -
Lend-Lease Act signed
The Lend-Lease Act was a means for the United states to support countries it agreed with without getting too involved in the actual conflict. It allowed the U.S. to transfer supplies to and help out countries that it thought would best help its interests. Since the U.S. didn't want to officially join an international conflict, this was a way to help out and show support without being too involved. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/lend-lease-act -
Operation Barbarossa begins
Operation Barbarossa was an attempt by Nazi Germany to invade and occupy the Soviet Union, who they originally had a nonaggression pact with. However, this ended catastrophically for the Germans due to the harsh winters, massive territory, underestimated forces, and two-front war brought on by it. The Germans were very unprepared and ultimately failed, representing a turning point in the war. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/operation-barbarossa -
Bombing of Pearl Harbor
The bombing of the American naval base at Pearl Harbor by the Japanese was the first event that really dragged America into the war. Japan was already attempting to conquer most of the Pacific, and an American presence there stood in the way of that. The attack killed more than 2,300. The surprise attack angered the American public, and caused the U.S. to declare war on Japan a few days later, and eventually on Germany and Italy. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/world-war-ii-history -
Germany & Italy declare war on the U.S.
Germany and Italy, Japan's allies, sided with it and declared war on America. This happened a few days after the attack on Pearl Harbor that caused America to declare war on Japan in the first place. This really dragged America into World War 2, finally causing it to become a real part of the European conflict against Germany and Italy. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/world-war-ii-history -
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway was a turning point in the war against Japan. Prior to this battle, Japan was winning almost all conflicts in the Pacific against America. America's codebreakers successfully intercepted plans for an ambush at Midway Island, and were prepared for the attack they knew was coming. Afterwards, the U.S. began winning more battles in the Pacific, turning the tide on Japan. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-midway -
Battle of Stalingrad begins
The Battle of Stalingrad was a turning point in the German invasion of the Soviet Union. Prior to the battle, Germany was advancing through the country. However, at Stalingrad, the Soviets were determined to hold back Germany at all costs. Despite huge casualties (2 million) on the Soviets' side, they kept sending in troops, eventually winning through their persistence. Afterwards, the Soviets and Allies as a whole began winning. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-stalingrad -
D-Day (Invasion of Normandy)
D-Day, probably the most memorable battle of WW2, was the tipping point of the war in Europe. It was an invasion of occupied Normandy, France in an Allied attempt to secure a foothold in mainland Europe. It was in a key position and would allow the Allies to help out the Soviets by turning it into a 2-front war. The invasion was successful (with 4,000+ Allied deaths) and helped the Allies advance into mainland Europe. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/d-day -
Bombing of Hiroshima
After the Americans developed the atomic bomb, the war in Europe was already over. So, they used their nuclear bombs to decimate Hiroshima and Nagasaki, forcing Japan to surrender and officially ending WW2. Although they could have invaded Japan instead, that would result in 1 million American deaths so they bombed Japan to reduce these. These bombings resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths, but were successful. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/bombing-of-hiroshima-and-nagasaki -
Bombing of Nagasaki
After the Americans developed the atomic bomb, the war in Europe was already over. So, they used their nuclear bombs to decimate Hiroshima and Nagasaki, forcing Japan to surrender and officially ending WW2. Although they could have invaded Japan instead, that would result in 1 million American deaths so they bombed Japan to reduce these. These bombings resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths, but were successful. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/bombing-of-hiroshima-and-nagasaki
