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Rape of Nanking (1937)
In December 1937, after capturing Nanjing, the Japanese Imperial Army carried out mass killings and destruction. Ordered by General Matsui Iwane, the goal was to terrorize and control the Chinese population. Between 100,000 and 300,000 people were killed, and the city suffered widespread looting and destruction.
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Fall of Paris (1940)
In 1940, Germany broke through French defenses, forcing the French government to leave Paris and declare it an open city. As Germany quickly advanced, Premier Paul Reynaud sought help, but his cabinet, led by Pétain, chose to surrender. On June 22, France signed an armistice, dividing the country into occupied and free zones, reducing its military, and making it pay for German occupation.
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D-Day (Normandy Invasion - 1944)
D-Day, on June 6, 1944, was a key Allied invasion during World War II, where U.S., British, and Canadian forces landed on beaches in Normandy, France. Their goal was to push back Nazi forces, eventually leading to the liberation of France and the defeat of Nazi Germany. It was a major turning point in the war. https://www.britannica.com/event/Normandy-Invasion#ref1 -
Japanese invasion of China (1937)
Japan invaded China in 1937 because it wanted more control, while China fought back to resist. The conflict began after a skirmish at the Marco Polo Bridge. Japan took over key cities, but China united against them, leading to a long war and global criticism.
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Ribbentrop/Molotov Pact (1939)
The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was a 1939 agreement between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union to avoid conflict with each other. Stalin wanted time to strengthen the Soviet military, while Hitler wanted to invade Poland without Soviet interference. Secretly, they divided Eastern Europe between them. The pact lasted until Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, breaking the agreement.
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German Invasion of France (1939-1940)
Battle of France, occurred from May 10 to June 25, 1940, during World War II, when German forces swiftly overran Belgium and the Netherlands, captured Paris, and forced the French government to surrender. https://www.britannica.com/topic/history-of-France/France-1815-1940#ref362064 -
Operation Barbarossa (1941)
Operation Barbarossa began on June 22, 1941, as Hitler's attempt to conquer the Soviet Union, despite a prior peace agreement. He wanted more land and aimed to defeat Soviet Russia quickly before turning back to England. While Germany initially advanced far, the invasion failed due to poor planning, strong Soviet resistance, and the brutal Russian winter.
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Pearl Harbor (1941)
On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, causing heavy damage and loss of life. Their goal was to weaken the U.S. Pacific Fleet so they could expand in Southeast Asia without interference. The attack led the U.S. to join World War II, rallying American support and playing a key role in the eventual defeat of the Axis powers. https://www.britannica.com/event/Pearl-Harbor-attack#ref1 -
Wannsee Conference (1942)
The Wannsee Conference, held on January 20, 1942, was a meeting where senior Nazi officials planned the systematic extermination of Jews, known as the Holocaust. Instead of deporting Jews, they decided on mass murder, organizing transportation to concentration camps. This led to the creation of extermination camps and the deaths of about six million Jews. https://www.britannica.com/event/Wannsee-Conference#ref1 -
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Battle of the Bulge (1944 - 1945)
The Battle of the Bulge Dec 16, 1944 – Jan 16, 1945 was Germany’s last major attack in World War II, aiming to push back the Allies and capture Antwerp. The Germans initially advanced, creating a "bulge" in Allied lines, but were eventually stopped due to Allied strength, logistical problems, and improved weather for air support. The battle weakened Germany, leading to their eventual defeat. https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-the-Bulge#ref1 -
Liberation of concentration camps (1945)
In 1945, as the Allies advanced into Nazi-occupied areas, they discovered and liberated concentration camps, revealing the horrors of the Holocaust. Their main goal was defeating Nazi Germany, but they also rescued survivors and exposed Nazi war crimes. This led to post-war trials and efforts to prevent future genocides. https://www.britannica.com/topic/20th-century-international-relations-2085155/The-German-economy-and-the-Jews#ref32909 -
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The Battle of Iwo Jima (Feb 19 – Mar 16, 1945)
The Battle of Iwo Jima (Feb 19 – Mar 16, 1945) was a fierce fight between the U.S. and Japan during World War II. The U.S. aimed to capture the island for a strategic airbase but faced strong Japanese resistance. It was one of the bloodiest battles, with heavy losses on both sides. Its capture helped the U.S. support bombing missions over Japan and contributed to their victory in the Pacific. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Battle-of-Iwo-Jima#ref1 -
VE Day (1945)
VE Day, on May 8, 1945, marked the surrender of Nazi Germany, ending World War II in Europe. After Berlin fell and Hitler died, Allied nations celebrated the war’s end. It also led to post-war rebuilding and rising tensions between the Soviet Union and Western Allies, starting the Cold War. https://www.britannica.com/topic/20th-century-international-relations-2085155/The-final-Allied-agreements#ref32919 -
Dropping of the atomic bombs (1945)
In August 1945, the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to force Japan’s surrender and end World War II without invading. The bombings killed thousands instantly, with more deaths following due to radiation. Japan surrendered on August 15, marking the only use of nuclear weapons in war and shaping global politics, leading to the Cold War’s nuclear arms race. https://www.britannica.com/event/atomic-bombings-of-Hiroshima-and-Nagasaki -
VJ Day (1945)
VJ Day, on August 15, 1945, marked Japan's surrender, ending World War II. After atomic bombings and the Soviet Union's declaration of war, Japan accepted Allied terms. This ended the Pacific conflict, led to Japan's reconstruction, and influenced global politics, starting the Cold War. https://www.britannica.com/event/atomic-bombings-of-Hiroshima-and-Nagasaki/The-bombing-of-Nagasaki#ref347386