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Munich Agreement
An event that happened before World War II and contributed to its start was the signing of the Munich Agreement in 1938. This agreement allowed Nazi Germany to expand parts of Czechoslovakia without resistance from France and the United Kingdom. It was where the Allies hoped to avoid war by giving in to Hitler's demands. However, it only emboldened Germany and set the stage for further aggression. -
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
Non-aggression pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, allowing Hitler to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention. It shocked the world because these two countries seemed like unlikely allies. But it had a secret part, which divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence between them. This pact allowed Hitler to start World War II without worrying about the Soviets. -
German Invasion of Poland
The German invasion of Poland began on September 1, 1939. When Germany invaded Poland they used a tactic called 'Blitzkrieg' ("lightning war"). The German Luftwaffe (Air Force) did many well planned and rapid bombing raids. Germany attacked Poland from the West. Hitler's aggressive expansion plan and the invasion of Poland led to the outbreak of World War II in Europe. The invasion of Poland was facilitated by the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. -
Tripartite Pact
Alliance between Germany, Italy, and Japan, formalizing their military cooperation and shared goals. It was a way for these countries to support each other and their actions during World War II. The pact was aimed at counteracting the growing influence of the Allied Powers. It's interesting how these three nations came together during such a significant time in history. -
Winston Churchill becomes Prime Minister
On May 10, 1940, Winston Churchill was appointed Prime Minister by King George VI. Churchill had previously served in various ministerial positions, including First Lord of the Admiralty during World War I. He was chosen by the British Parliament because of his strong leadership qualities and his ability to inspire the people during difficult times. Churchill played a crucial role in leading the country to victory against Nazi Germany. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
The surprise Japanese attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, prompted the United States to enter the war. It happened on December 7, 1941. The attack caused significant damage to the US Pacific Fleet and resulted in the loss of many lives. It's a pivotal moment in history. -
Battle of Midway
It was a major naval battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II. It took place from June 4 to 7, 1942, and it was a turning point in the war. The United States Navy defeated an attacking fleet of the Imperial Japanese Navy, sinking four of their aircraft carriers. This victory gave the US an advantage in the Pacific and marked a shift in the balance of power. -
Battle of Stalingrad
A battle between German and Soviet forces, marking a turning point on the Eastern Front and resulting in a major defeat for the Germans. It lasted from August 23, 1942, to February 2, 1943. The battle was one of the bloodiest in history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Soviet Union's victory at Stalingrad marked a turning point in the war and is considered a significant moment in defeating Hitler's Germany. -
D-Day (Operation Overlord)
It was the codename for the Allied invasion of Normandy, France during World War II. It happened on June 6, 1944, and it was a massive operation involving land, air, and sea forces from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied countries. The invasion was a crucial turning point in the war, as it allowed the Allies to establish a foothold in Western Europe and eventually liberate France from German control. -
Franklin D. Roosevelt dies
Franklin D. Roosevelt's physical health declines during the years of the war which leads to his death. He was the 32nd President of the United States, died on April 12, 1945. He passed away while in office at his retreat in Warm Springs, Georgia. His death was a significant event in American history, as he had led the country through the Great Depression and most of World War II. -
Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Those were two devastating events that occurred during World War II. On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, and three days later, on August 9, another bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. The bombings resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and caused immense destruction. These bombings played a significant role in Japan's surrender and the end of the war. -
Creation of the United Nations
The United Nations was established in 1945 with the goal of maintaining international peace and security. It was a response to the devastation caused by World War II and aimed to prevent future conflicts. The United Nations plays a crucial role in global cooperation and addressing issues such as human rights, climate change, and international conflicts. It's an important organization that was shaped by the lessons learned from World War II.