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Germany invades Poland
Britain and France declared war on Germany after Germany invaded Poland and Hitler refused to stop the German invasion of Poland, World War II had begun. -
Germany attacks Western Europe
Germany attacks western Europe; France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. France signs an armistice agreement on June 22, by which the Germans occupy the northern half of the country and the entire Atlantic coastline. In southern France, a collaborationist regime with its capital in Vichy is established. -
Germany, Italy, and Japan sign the Tripartite Pact.
Germany, Italy, and Japan sign the Tripartite Pact. The Tripartite Pact was an agreement of allyship between the nations. Together they became known as the Axis Powers. -
Japan bombs Pearl Harbor
Japan bombs Pearl Harbor. The United States declares war on Japan (and in turn Germany), entering World War II. -
The Badoglio government surrenders unconditionally to the Allies.
The Badoglio government surrenders unconditionally to the Allies. The Germans immediately seize control of Rome and northern Italy, establishing a puppet Fascist regime under Mussolini, who is freed from imprisonment by German commandos on September 12. -
British, US, and Canadian troops successfully land in Normandy
British, US, and Canadian troops successfully land on the Normandy beaches of France, opening a “Second Front” against the Germans. -
The Soviets launch their final offensive
The Soviets launch their final offensive, encircling Berlin. -
Hitler commits suicide
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Germany signs an unconditional surrender at the headquarters of US General Dwight D. Eisenhower
Germany signs an unconditional surrender at the headquarters of US General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Commander of Allied forces in northwest Europe, at Reims on May 7. The surrender takes effect on May 8 at 11:01 PM Central European time (CET). -
Japan formally surrenders
Having agreed in principle to unconditional surrender on August 14, 1945, Japan formally surrenders, ending World War II.