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Japanese Invasion of China
Sino-Japanese WarIn 1937 skirmishing between Japanese and Chinese troops on the frontier led to what became known as the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. This fighting sparked a full-blown conflict. Japan invaded China for resources and to show they were an imperial power -
German Blitzkreig
The Blitz BeginsGerman word for "lightning warfare'. Use of tanks and airplanes with mobilzed infantry to overwhelm the enemy. Germany's main military tactic to invade countries. Lasted until end of war. -
Germany's Invasion of Poland
Germany Invades PolandHitler invaded Poland for 'living space' despite promising not to invade any more countries. Britain and France declared war on Germany 2 days later. Russia helped Germany by invading the western side of Poland. Ended October 6th, 1939 -
Fall of Paris
Germans Enter ParisGermany invaded France quickly due to France's weak military. British troops stayed in Paris. Winston Churchill told the French government to hold on and wait for the United States to help defend France. All the U.S. promised was to send military aid. -
Operation Barbarossa
Operation BarbarossaHitler's attempt to invade the Soviet Union. Had early success but stalted during winter. Ultimately was a huge mistake by Hitler as he now had a 2-front war -
Pearl Harbor
Pearl HarborJapanese attack on a naval base in Hawaii. 2000 American troops and soldiers died while 1000 were wounded. Led to America becoming involved in WWII. -
Wannsee Conference
The Wannsee ConferenceNazi leaders met up to determine what was needed as a "final solution" to eradicate Jews. Gas vans were one solution and were used throughout Poland. The meeting also led to the creation of concentration camps. -
Japanese Internment
Japanese-American RelocationOn February 19, 1942 FDR signed Executive Order 9066 which implemented internment camps. There were nearly 127,000 Japanese-Americans, most on the West Coast. Internment camps lasted until the end of the war and the last camp wasn't closed until March 1946 -
Battle of Stalingrad
Battle of StalingradWas the successful defense by the Soviets against the Germans in what is now Volograd. It stopped the German invasion of Russia and was a turning point in WWII for the Allies. Was also one of the most deadly battles in history with 2 million military and civilian casualties -
Battle of Stalingrad
Was the successful defense by the Soviets against the Germans in what is now Volograd. It stopped the German invasion of Russia and was a turning point in WWII for the Allies. Was also one of the most deadly battles in history with 2 million military and civilian casualties -
D-Day
D-DayAround 156,000 Allied troops invaded the coast of Normandy in France. It was one of the largest amphibious assaults in history and took extensive preperation. Marked the beginning to the end of the war in Europe. -
Battle of the Bulge
Battle of the BulgeGermany's attempt to split U.S and British forces in northern France. American troops were caught off guard by the assault. It was the costliest battle for U.S. troops which lost 100,000 men -
Battle of Iwo Jima
Battle of Iwo JimaBattle came from America's need of a base near Japan's coast. Iwo Jima ws defended by 23,000 Japanese and was attacked by 3 Marine divisions. U.S. forces won the battle and captured Iwo Jima, although the island itself didn't help the war effort as much as it was thouht it would. -
Battle of Okinawa
Battle of OkinawaIt was the last and deadliest battle of the Pacific War. The battle was fought over air bases that the U.S. needed for the projected invasion of Japan. It was the final land battle of the war and led to America having the upper hand. -
VE Day
Victory in EuropeMarks the surrender of Germany and was celebrated by Allied forces. Nearly 1,000,000 German forces attemted an exodous to the west but were stopped by Soviets. 13,000 British POWs were sent back to the UK -
Potsdam Conference
Potsdam ConferenceWas the final meeting of the 'Big Three'. Allied leaders discussed what would happen to Germany and the unconditional surrender of Japan. Truman also mentioned to Churchill and Stalin his plans to drop the atomic bomb. -
Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Bombing of Hiroshima and NagasakiBombs were dropped in order to prevent the need of an Allied invasion of Japan, which could have cost up to 1,000,000 casualties. The first bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and another was dropped on Nagasaki 3 days later. A few days later, Japan surrendered. -
VJ Day
V-J DayPresident Truman announced Japan's unconditional surrender. It marked the end of 6 years of Japanese hostility in the Pacific. It was also the end of fighting in WWII.
