-
German Blitzkrieg
Blitzkrieg in German means "lightning war". This was a military tactic not only used by Germany but by other militaries as well. The tactic was used when fighting Poland. The Blitzkreig was used to disorganize enemies with surprise, strong force, and speed. Because of this, Hitler was able to slow/stop their enemies' ability to organize defenses, so he could take over. (https://www.britannica.com/topic/blitzkrieg) -
Germany invades Poland
1.5 million German troops invaded Poland. Polish airfields were bombed, and their naval forces were attacked. Hitler did this to give German people lebensraum (living space), and for him to control more territory. Because of this event, Britain and France declare war on Germany, leading to the beginning of WWII. (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/germany-invades-poland) -
Battle of Britain
This was a battle between Britain and Germany's air forces. Each country's airforces bombed major cities. Hitler called off the invasion of Britain and Germany suffered their first defeat of the war. Hitler wanted to invade Britain for he had just defeated France and wanted another victory so he thought he could take control of Britain. A turning point occurred in the war; Britain was free from Hitler's invasion and hope was found(https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-britain-1) -
Fall of Paris
Germany invaded Paris in June of 1940. German tanks and military came as well as help from Italy. France couldn't defend the city, their army left Paris on June 14th. Hitler invaded France because of their's and Britain's declaration of war against Germany. After the invasion, France signed an armistice with Germany and Italy, and they had to follow the terms laid out for their surrender. (https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-France-World-War-II/The-fall-of-France-June-5-25-1940) -
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor was a US naval base that was bombed by Japanese forces. Many casualties and loss of vessels resulted from this event. Japan bombed the US because their government believed it would boost its economy and demographic troubles. As a result of this event, America joined WWII. (https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/pearl-harbor) -
Battle of Midway
This was a battle between the US and Japanese naval forces. Japan wanted to destroy the rest of the US's pacific navy with a surprise attack. Because of the US's ability to decode Japan's messages, they were able to anticipate Japan's attack and take the victory. The significance of this event allows a strong favor for the Allies. (https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-midway) -
Battle of the Coral Sea
This was the first air and sea battle. Japan wanted to control the Coral Sea but was stopped by the Allied Powers. Codebreakers learned about Japan's attack, planned and assembled a fleet. After the battle, Japan was left without enough planes to attack, leading to an Allied victory. (https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-coral-sea) -
Wannsee Conference
This was a meeting of Nazi officials in Berlin to plan the "final solution". This was a turning point for the Nazi policies of Jews. They wanted to obtain all of the Jewish people in Europe and put them in "labour gangs" with hard/ terrible living and working conditions. This led to the Holocaust were Jews were forced to be in concentration camps under unimaginable conditions. (https://www.britannica.com/event/Wannsee-Conference) -
Battle of Stalingrad
The Soviet Union's forces were able to hold off the German military. A heavy amount of casualties occurred because of this battle. As a result of Russia's harsh winters, Germany was at a disadvantage and the Soviet Union was able to regain control over Stalingrad. Hitler attacked Stalingrad because it was the Soviet Union's industrial center. This battle was the first of many victories for the Allied Powers. (https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-stalingrad#section_2) -
Allied invasion of Italy
The British army started the invasion of Italy. Joined with the Allied powers, they took over Sicily. This capturing led to a fall of Mussolini's government, and under the new government, Italy negotiated with the Allies. The Allies invaded Italy to get rid of Axis-controlled Europe. Because of this invasion, Italy surrendered to the Allies. (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/allies-invade-italian-mainland) -
D-Day
D-Day was the storming of 5 beaches in Normandy by American, British, and Canadian forces. This was considered the largest military assault coming from the sea to fight on land, and tons of planning went into this attack. The allied forces attacked so they could liberate France from German control. Because of this event, there was a beginning to end the war. (https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/d-day#&gid=ci0241980a10002494&pid=d-day_gettyimages-3224394) -
Battle of the Bulge
This battle was fought in the Ardennes in extremely cold weather. Allied forces appeared in a large bulge, giving the battle its name. This was Hitler's last major offensive against the Allies. The battle was the costliest for Americans. Hitler wanted to disband the Allies' advance to Germany. After the Allies victory, only a few months later would Germany surrender. (https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-the-bulge) -
Battle of Iwo Jima
This battle was fought between America and Japan. The US came through the Pacific Ocean to fight on the island, Iwo Jima. America went to battle as a counteroffensive after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. As a result, important airfields were gained in the Pacific by the US, and this allowed Allies to be one step closer to finishing the war with Japan. (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Battle-of-Iwo-Jima#ref343508) -
Dropping of the atomic bombs
America became the only country to use atomic weaponry during the war. Two bombs were dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki resulting in tens of thousands of deaths. America did this to end the war against Japan and avoid an invasion which would result in many American casualties. As a result, Japan announced its surrender. (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/american-bomber-drops-atomic-bomb-on-hiroshima) -
VE Day
The day, May 8th, was celebrated in Britain and America in 1945. VE stands for Victory in Europe as the Allied powers defeated the Axis. On this day, German troops throughout Europe ceased fighting, and Germany surrendered. As a result, World War II came to an end. (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/victory-in-europe)
