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Japanese invasion of China
The Japanese captured the Chinese capital of Nanjing, which led to the Nanjing Massacre. They invaded China for its raw materials. The results were the death of millions, antagonistic relationships, and the capture of many cities.
https://alphahistory.com/chineserevolution/sino-japanese-war/ -
German Blitzkrieg
Hitler used the Blitzkrieg strategy to win many wars across Europe swiftly. The strategy was used so Germany didn't have to fight a drawn out war. The aggressive attacks started WW2. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/blitzkrieg-lightning-war#:~:text=%22Blitzkrieg%2C%22%20a%20German%20word,a%20series%20of%20short%20campaigns. -
Operation Barbarossa
The invasion of the Soviet Union by the Nazis. They attacked to capture territory, so there was more living space. In the end they failed and had to leave. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/operation-barbarossa -
Pearl Harbor
The Japanese military launches a surprise attack on United States naval base in Hawaii. It happened because of Japan's political interests and opportunity. The impacts the attacks had was that the US joined WW2. https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/japans-motives-for-bombing-pearl-harbor-1941/#:~:text=While%20there%20is%20no%20single,costs%2C%20and%20America's%20embargo%20policy. -
Wannsee Conference
Was a gathering of high ranking officials discussing the "Final Solution". It happened by Hitler authorizing scheme with his power. The impacts of the conference was that the "Final Solution" was put into place. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/wannsee-conference-and-the-final-solution -
Bataan Death March
American troops and Filipinos were forced to walk a 65 mile march to prison camps. Because the American soldiers surrendered at the Bataan peninsula the Japanese took control. The aftermath of the march was that 17,000 people died. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/bataan-death-march -
Warsaw Ghetto uprising
There was a resistance against the German forces in the ghetto. The people knew that get relocated meant certain death, so they decided to fight back. Because of the uprising other ghettos decided to also do something. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/warsaw-ghetto-uprising -
D-Day
The invasion of Normandy from allied forces. The battle happened to get rid of the Nazis in Paris. From the defeat Hitler couldn't send in troops from France to defend against the Soviet Union. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/d-day -
Battle of the Bulge
Was Hitler's last major offensive against the Eastern front. It happened because Hitler wanted to split the Allies. Result were that Allies won with the US losing 100,000 soldiers. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-the-bulge -
Liberation of concentration camps
The concentration camps that held Jews were liberated. After capturing the territory of Nazi's soldiers discovered camps of people dying and decaying. With the liberation of the camps Jews were free from Nazi oppression. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/liberation -
Battle of Iwo Jima
One of the bloodiest battles in WW2 between U.S marines and imperialists Japan. It was invaded because it had three airfields that could lead to an invasion into Japan. The U.S won the battle and captured Iwo Jima. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-iwo-jima -
VE Day
The celebration of victory over Europe. It happened from German soldiers laying down their weapons and surrendering. After the troops dropped their weapons the Nazis were no more. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/victory-in-europe -
Potsdam Declaration
An ultimatum for Japan demanding of surrendering or destruction. The declaration was issued because of Japan's willingness to keep fighting. Japan continues to fight and the U.S unleashes the first use of atomic bombs in history. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Potsdam-Declaration -
Dropping of the atomic bombs
The atomic bombs of the U.S were dropped on cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Japanese were willing to continue fighting until the end, so they were offered an ultimatum. The destruction of both cities made Hirohito surrender and VJ day was celebrated. -
VJ Day
After the bombings Japan had to surrender essentially ending WW2. When Japan had surrendered WW2 had ended, so there was a celebration. With the defeat of the Japanese there was no more need for fighting. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/v-j-day