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MaoZedong Heads Long March
In the Chinese civil war, MaoZedong was forced to retreat from the Nationalists after the Nationalists almost defeat the Communists. MaoZedong inspired his people to march to the caves of Shaanxi. When it seemed that the Nationalists would defeat the Communists, Japan invades China, forcing the two groups to join together and push the Japanese out. -
Germany Invades Poland; France and Great Britain Declare War on Germany
Stalin and Hitler sign a non-agression pact in agreement to split Poland after they had taken over the country. Soon after both countries signed this pact, Hitler invades Poland, using his new strategy, blitzkrieg. This involved quick bombings and massive infantry and tank invasions. This plan worked in Poland, and Germany quickly took over the country. -
Japan Attacks Pearl Harbor
Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto said that the US fleet in Hawaii was the greatest threat to Japan. Japan begins its attack on Pearl Harbor, destroying 19 ships, killing over 2,300 Americans and injuring over 1,100. President Roosevelt declared that it was a "date which will live in infamy." Soon after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, the Americans declare war on Japan and its allies. -
Germany Surrenders
Germany surrenders soon after D-Day at Normandy and the ensuing Battle of the Bulge. At the Battle of the Bulge, the Russians advance towards Germany from the west, and the Americans and British advance towards Germany in the east. As Hitler is being surrounded, he decides not to surrender but instead commits suicide after he learns that he has lost the Battle of the Bulge. -
Allies Use Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
President Truman decides to use atomic bombs to bring a swift end to WWII. After deploying two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan soon surrenders to the US. This marked the end of WWII, but Europe and Japan were left in ruins. Japan especially experienced more drastic changes. They had their constitution rewritten, and their emperor publicly announced that he was not divine. -
United Nations Formed
After WWII, the UN was formed to prevent nations from committing acts of aggression. The UN was to be based in New York, and there were 5 permanenet members of the UN. These countries were Britain, China, France and the United States. The United States and Russia had to settle differences because of their different results from WWII.
