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Invasion of Manchuria
The Invasion of Manchuria was a Japanese invasion on Manchuria, a resource region of China. This is important because although the world protested Japan's actions, countries didn't do anything about it. Japan learned that the world is all talk and no action. -
Blitzkrieg into Poland
Blitzkrieg into Poland was a German invasion of Poland. Poland was defeated. Because of the German-Soviet Pact, Germany was able to take Poland without Soviet interfering. This was important because it allowed Germany to grow bigger without much resistance. -
Battle of the Atlantic
Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous military campaign in WW2. Both sides used torpedoes, radar, submarines, and ships. This is important because it started when Britain declared war on Germany and ended when Germany surrendered to the allies. -
German invasion of France
Also known as the Fall of France. German took control of France and the Low countries. This is important because it expanded Germany even more giving them more power and more momentum. -
Dunkirk
This battle took place in Dunkirk, France. As a result of this battle, Allied troops evacuated back to England. This battle was important because Nazi Germany defeated the Allied troops at this French seaport. -
Battle of Britain/The Blitz
This battle took place in the skies over the United Kingdom between the German and British air forces. 300 German bombers raided London and 57 consecutive nights of bombing followed. This Battle was important because Britain's victory saved the country from a ground invasion and possible occupation of German forces. This also proved that Britain has enough air power alone to win a major battle. -
Germany takes Greece
After Italy's failed invasion of Greece, Germany invaded Greece. Germany successfully captured Greece but not after receiving many casualties. This event is important because it created a tripartite occupation with the nation divided between Germany, Italy, and Bulgaria. -
Operation Barbarossa
Operation Barbarossa was a massive invasion of the Soviet Union launched by Adolf Hitler. This was very important because the failure of Nazi Germany's invasion forced them to fight a two-front war against Russia. -
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor was a surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, a naval base in Hawaii. More than 2,400 Americans died during the attack. Much of the U.S.'s Navy in the Pacific, was destroyed. This was important because Japan did this so we couldn't interfere in their invasion of islands across the Pacific. This attack also resulted in U.S.'s declaration of war against Japan. -
Philippines
Battle of the Philippines was the invasion of the Philippines by Japan. The U.S. and Filipino forces fought back during the invasion. Japanese outnumbered the U.S troops 3 to 2. This was important because Japan gained control of the Philippines. Its also considered one of the worst military defeats in U.S. history. -
Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad was a German invasion against the Soviet Union for control of Stalingrad. Its considered one of the bloodiest battles in history. The German attack of Stalingrad started with the Luftwaffe bombing that turned the city into rubble. This was important because the Soviet Union's victory made the 6th Army of Germany to surrender. -
Bataan (battle and march)
The day after Pearl Harbor, Japan began to invade the Philippines. Japan captured Manila, the capital of the Philippines, This forced the U.S. and Filipino army to retreat back to the Bataan Peninsula. They held out for 3 months despite the lack of naval and air support. This led U.S. Gen. Edward King Jr. to surrender his 75,000 troops at Bataan. Following the surrender, the 75,000 troops were forced to make a 65-mile march. This is important because many troops died and Japan controlled area. -
Doolittle Raid
This was an air raid by the U.S. on Japan's capitol, Tokyo and other places. This was the first air operation to strike the Japanese Home Islands. The raid was important because it showed Japan that U.S was capable of an air attack against them. This was also an effort to make Japan surrender. -
Coral Sea
This was the first air-sea battle in history. Japan was seeking control of the Coral Sea by invading Port Moresby in southeast New Guinea. U.S. codebreakers learned enough information and they were ready for the attack. This failed Japan invasion kept Japan from controlling more areas in the Pacific. -
Midway
The Battle of Midway was one of the most decisive naval battles of WW2. Again, U.S. codebreakers found out about the attack and the U.S. was ready for it. The United States victory at the Battle of Midway was important because it allowed the U.S. and its allies move into an offensive position. -
Guadalcanal
The Guadalcanal Campaign or the Battle of Guadalcanal was a battle fought around the island of Guadalcanal. This was a significant strategic victory for the Allies. This was important because it was the first major offensive move by Allied forces against Japan. -
Battle of Leyte Gulf
The Battle of Leyte Gulf was a very strategic battle against Japan. The U.S. used a bait ship to lead Japan's navy into a straight, Japan was outnumbered and faced many casualties. The U.S. Navy destroyed the Japanese fleet. This battle was important because the U.S. destroyed nearly all of Japan's naval forces. -
El Alamein
This battle took place near the Egyptian railway halt of El Alamein. The Allies were victorious. This was important because it prevented the Axis from advancing further into Egypt. -
Operation Torch
Operation Torch was a U.S. and U.K. attack against French North Africa. This battle was important because it allowed the U.S. to complete mobilization of its immense industrial and manpower resources for the air and ground battles later in war. -
Kursk
The Battle of Kursk involved Germany and the Soviet Union. It started because of Germany's Operation Citadel which consisted of attacks on the base at Kursk. Russia then responded with Operation Kutuzov. Russia was victorious once again. This battle was important because it was Germany's last strategic offensive battle they were able to launch on the Eastern Front. -
Philippines
American and Filipino troops campaigned to defeat the Japanese that still occupied the Philippines. After lots of fighting, Japanese forces in the Philippines were forced to surrender by Tokyo after the U.S. dropped bombs on mainland Japan and the Soviets invaded Manchuria. This was important because U.S. regained control of the Philippines and weakened the Japanese empire. -
Anzio
The Battle of Anzio involved U.S. and Germany and Italy. The goal of the battle was to outflank German forces and then capture Rome. This was important because U.S was successful and captured Rome successfully beating Germany and Italy. -
D-Day
Also known as the Battle of Normandy, the Allies invade Western Europe to try and remove Nazi Germany's control. The U.S. faked out Germany but still faced heavy casualties as they rushed up the open beaches. This battle was important because the Allies took control and removed Nazi Germany from Western Europe. -
Battle of the Bulge
Hitler ordered a surprise blitzkrieg through the Ardennes to Antwerp. This drove Germans deep into allied territory. The goal of this was to split the Allied armies. This resulted in the Battle of the Bulge. This battle was important because because if not a victory, at least a draw for the Allies against Germany. -
Yalta Conference
This conference was the second wartime meeting of Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin, and FDR. This was important because the three leaders agreed to demand Germany's unconditional surrender. It also talked about a post war world. -
Hitler's Suicide and the German Surrender
Hitler killed himself in a bunker under his headquarters in Berlin. Shortly after this, Germany surrendered. This was important because it ended WW2 and resulted in the Allies victorious. Also, the U.S. can focus all their attention against Japan. -
Hiroshima and Nagasaki
The U.S. dropped 2 atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The U.S. warned Japan about their bomb and demanded surrender or they will face complete destruction. These bombs completely destroyed both cities. hundreds of thousands of civilians were killed. This was important because Japan finally surrendered, ending the war against Japan. -
Japanese Surrender
Japan surrendered shortly after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This was important because America officially won the war against them. This also resulted in Japan getting rid of their military to prevent them from expanding again.