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Annexation of Sudetenland
After the Munich Agreement on September 30, 1938, Nazi Germany was allowed to take the Sudetenland, a German-speaking region of Czechoslovakia. German troops occupied the area from October 1 to October 10, 1938, without a fight. This appeasement failed to stop Hitler, who later took over the rest of Czechoslovakia in March 1939. -
Pearl Harbor
Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, sinking battleships and killing over 2,400 Americans. The attack led the United States to enter World War II. The next day, the U.S. declared war on Japan. -
Battle of Stalingrad
Germany invaded the Soviet city of Stalingrad, leading to one of the deadliest battles in history. After months of brutal fighting and a harsh winter, the Soviets surrounded and defeated the German army. This was a major turning point in the war against Germany. -
Battle of Guadalcanal
The U.S. launched its first major offensive against Japan by attacking the island of Guadalcanal. After months of brutal jungle fighting, the U.S. forced Japan to retreat. This victory marked the beginning of the Allied push across the Pacific. -
D-Day
Allied forces launched the largest amphibious invasion in history, landing on the beaches of Normandy, France. Thousands of soldiers fought against German forces to secure a foothold in Western Europe. This marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany. -
Battle of the Philippines
The U.S. and Filipino forces fought to retake the Philippines from Japanese occupation. The campaign included the Battle of Leyte Gulf (October 23–26, 1944), the largest naval battle in history. After nearly a year of fighting, Japan finally surrendered. -
Fall of Berlin
The Soviet army attacked Berlin, Germany’s capital, in the final battle of the European war. Adolf Hitler committed suicide on April 30, and German forces surrendered soon after. The battle ended Nazi rule, and Germany surrendered on May 8, 1945 (V-E Day).