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Invasion of Poland
German forces broke through Polish defenses along the border. They tried justifying their actions by saying that Poland was planning to dismember Germany. This was important because the invasion was a primer on how Hitler intended to wage war. -
The Blitz
The Blitz was a German bombing campaign against the UK. The Luftwaffe dropped bombs on London and other cities in Britain. It was important because of the impact it had, it was devastating. -
Dunkirk Evacuation
Dunkirk was a rescue mission for over 300,000 Allied soldiers who were held by the Nazis. It was important because it resulted in France's surrender. -
Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain was a successful defense for Great Britain against destructive air raids held by Germany. It was important because it showed the courage of the country's military. -
Churchhill becomes Prime Minister
Churchill formed a national government and was in charge of the British involvement in the Allied war, which led to a victory. This is important because the reason that they won was because he was in charge. -
Rationing
Rationing played a part in WWII because they rationed all sorts of things including; automobiles, coal, nylon, silk, shoes, etc. The Americans used their ration cards and stamps to take their part of the staples including meat, dairy, coffee, dried fruits, etc. This was important because it helped avoid anger with the shortages and it allowed more people, other than the wealthy, to purchase items. -
Pearl Harbor Attack
This attack lead the US to be involved in WWII and it worsened the US and Japans relationship. Its important because it caused the US to be involved and inflicted it all. -
Battle of Stalingrad
It was the first time that the Hitler admitted to a defeat. After the battle, Germany was on defense until the end of the war. This was important because it was a turning point in WWII. -
Battle of Midway
The US destroyed Japan's first-line carrier strength and a lot of their naval pilots. This is important because Japan started this by the Pearl Harbor attack and now the US is involved and is fighting back. -
D-Day invasion
The D-Day invasion marked the beginning of the release of Western Europe from Nazi control. This was important because the invasion was the landing operations of the Allied forces as part of Operation Overlord. -
The Battle of the Bulge
The German forces attack the Allied forces in Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. This battle lasted after the Allies made the German troops withdraw. This was important because The Battle of the Bulge declared the last German offense on the Western Front. -
America drops atomic bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima
The first atomic bomb blew up as part of the U.S. government program. This was important because it ended up killing thousands of people, destroying the cities, and playing a part in the end of World War II. -
Germany surrenders
Germany surrendered when they lost their allies and did the signing of a ceasefire. Its important because when they signed the document, it took full effect the next day, thereby all but ending World War II in Europe. -
Japan surrenders
By the summer of 1945, Japan was defeated. Their navy and air force was destroyed. Its important because it brought an end to WWII. -
Battle of Iwo Jima
The American forces invaded the island and the Battle of Iwo Jima lasted for five weeks. It was one of the deadliest battles and killed almost all of the Japanese forces. Its important because it was considered one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history.