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Japanese invasion of China
The Japanese invasion of China, also known as the Second Sino-Japanese War, began in 1937 due to Japan’s imperialist expansion and desire for resources. The event resulted in widespread destruction, loss of life, and atrocities such as the Nanjing Massacre. It had a lasting impact on Chinese society and politics, fueling anti-Japanese sentiment that still exists today.
Source: “Second Sino-Japanese War.” Encyclopedia Britannica. -
Rape of Nanking
The Rape of Nanking occurred in 1937 when Japanese forces captured the Chinese city of Nanjing during the Second Sino-Japanese War. It resulted in mass killings, widespread rape, and brutal atrocities against Chinese civilians and prisoners of war. The event had a lasting impact on relations between China and Japan, shaping historical memory and fueling animosity.
Source: History.com - Rape of Nanking -
German Blitzkrieg
The German Blitzkrieg, meaning “lightning war,” was a military strategy used by the Germans during World War II characterized by rapid and coordinated attacks using tanks, aircraft, and infantry. It aimed to achieve quick victories by overwhelming enemy defenses and disrupting communication lines. The Blitzkrieg tactics led to early successes for Germany in Poland, France, and other campaigns but also resulted in widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
Source: History.com - Blitzkrieg -
Fall of Paris
The Fall of Paris occurred in June 1940 during World War II when German forces invaded and captured the French capital. It happened as a result of the successful German Blitzkrieg tactics that overwhelmed French defenses. The event led to France’s surrender, the establishment of Vichy France collaborationist regime, and marked a significant turning point in the war.
Source: History.com - Fall of Paris -
Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor occurred on December 7, 1941, when the Japanese Imperial Navy launched a surprise military strike against the United States naval base in Hawaii. The attack was a preemptive strike by Japan to prevent U.S. interference in its expansionist goals in the Pacific region. It led to the United States’ entry into World War II, changing the course of history and ultimately contributing to Allied victory.
Source: History.com - Attack on Pearl Harbor -
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway took place in June 1942 and was a pivotal naval battle between the United States and Japan during World War II. The U.S. forces successfully defeated the Japanese fleet, turning the tide of the war in the Pacific. The battle significantly weakened Japan’s naval power and marked a strategic victory for the Allies.
Source: History.com - Battle of Midway -
Wannsee Conference
The Wannsee Conference took place on January 20, 1942, where high-ranking Nazi officials discussed and coordinated the implementation of the “Final Solution,” which aimed to exterminate European Jews. The conference was a key event in the Holocaust as it formalized plans for genocide. Its impact was profound, leading to the systematic murder of six million Jews during World War II.
Source: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - Wannsee Conference -
Allied invasion of Italy
The Allied invasion of Italy, also known as Operation Avalanche, took place in September 1943 during World War II. It was launched to remove Italy from the war and open up a new front against Nazi Germany. The invasion led to the fall of Mussolini’s fascist regime, weakened Axis forces in Europe, and contributed to the eventual defeat of Germany.
Source: History.com - Invasion of Italy -
D-Day
D-Day, on June 6, 1944, was the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. It aimed to establish a Western front against Nazi Germany and liberate German-occupied France. The successful operation marked a turning point in the war, leading to the eventual defeat of Hitler’s forces.
Source: History.com - D-Day -
Dropping of the atomic bombs
The dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 during World War II was a decision made by the United States to force Japan’s surrender. The bombings resulted in massive destruction, loss of life, and long-term health effects for survivors. The event led to Japan’s unconditional surrender, effectively ending World War II.
Source: History.com - Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki -
Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge, which occurred from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945, was a major German offensive campaign on the Western Front during World War II. It aimed to split the Allied forces and capture key strategic points in Belgium and Luxembourg. The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides but ultimately led to a decisive Allied victory that hastened the end of the war in Europe.
Source: History.com - Battle of the Bulge -
VJ Day
VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, took place on August 15, 1945, when Japan announced its surrender to the Allies, effectively ending World War II. The event happened after the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet Union’s declaration of war against Japan. VJ Day marked the official end of hostilities in the Pacific theater and brought an end to one of history’s deadliest conflicts.
Source: History.com - V-J Day -
Battle of Iwo Jima
The Battle of Iwo Jima took place from February 19 to March 26, 1945, during World War II as U.S. forces sought to capture the Japanese island of Iwo Jima. The battle was strategically important for the Allies as it provided a crucial airbase closer to Japan. Despite heavy casualties on both sides, the eventual American victory paved the way for further advances in the Pacific theater.
Source: History.com - Battle of Iwo Jima -
VE Day
VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, occurred on May 8, 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe. It happened when Nazi Germany officially surrendered to the Allies. The event brought an end to the war in Europe and led to celebrations across Allied nations as they achieved victory over fascism.
Source: History.com - VE Day -
Liberation of concentration camps
The liberation of concentration camps during World War II by Allied forces freed prisoners from Nazi persecution and exposed the horrors of the Holocaust. This event led to international condemnation of Nazi atrocities and influenced post-war efforts for justice and remembrance.
Source: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - Liberation of Concentration Camps