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The Invading of Poland
Germany and Poland simultaneously invaded Poland from opposite ends. Their plan was to gain control of Poland, meet in the middle, and divide the territory. https://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10005070 -
Germany Invades France
Germany invaded France with hopes of being able to expand. Ultimately, Germany captured Paris and were coming closer to accomplishing Hitler's goal. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/fall_france_01.shtml -
Battle of Britain
Germany, led by Hitler, initiated the conflict with Britain by bombing London. At that time, it was recognized as the largest sustained bombing campaign to date. This started an air force battle between Britain and Germany. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-britain -
Lend Lease
The Lend Lease authorized the president to aid Britain in any way deemed necessary for defense. This allowed the British to keep fighting and brought America one step closer to war. America received military bases in return. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/lend-lease-act -
Operation Barbarossa
Operation Barbarossa took place when the Germans, led by Hitler, tried to invade the Soviet Union with hopes of expanding. Germany was eventually forced to fight a two-front war and lost, marking a turning point in the war. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/operation-barbarossa -
Pearl Harbor
The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in attempt to devastate The Pacific Fleet and build their empire. The naval base in Hawaii was bombed in a surprise attack and will be forever remembered as a day of infamy. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/pearl-harbor -
Declaring War
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Germany declared war on the United States because they had an alliance with Japan. Italy followed Germany with declaring war on the United States. In return, the U.S. declared war on Japan and Germany. This was the official start of the war. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/germany-declares-war-on-the-united-states -
Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge took place when Hitler and the Germans tried to split up allied forces in Europe to regain control of the war. A surprise blitzkrieg was performed and the Allies lost many men. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-the-bulge -
Bataan Death March
This march took place when roughly 75,000 Filipino and American troops were made walk 65 miles to prison camps. This infamous march showed the barbaric side of the Japanese and made the ruthlessness of war evident. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/bataan-death-march -
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway between the U.S. and Japan was on of the most decisive battles in the war. In took place in the Pacific Ocean. This battle is marked as the turning point in the war and gave the United States a great deal of momentum. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-midway -
Germany vs. Soviet Union
Germany decides to invade The Soviet Union in hopes of further expanding. This attempt proves to be costly because the Russians outmatch the Germans and defeat them at Stalingrad. This marks the turning point of the war in Eastern Europe. https://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10005164 -
Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising is known as the revolt that the Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto tried to attempt. They're attempt was a result of poor treatment and horrendous living conditions. Although there uprise was unsuccessful, it was a notable effort. https://www.ushmm.org/outreach/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007745 -
D-Day
During D-Day, the largest amphibious attack in history, the U.S. and other allied troops went to Normand, France to begin the liberation of Western Europe. Within two months, the Allies won the Battle of Normandy and the tide began to turn on the Germans. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/d-day -
Liberation of Concentration Camps
At the end of WWII, the Allies came across many sick and starving prisoners. The road to recovery for these people was long and painful, however help was provided for them. https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/liberation-of-the-concentration-camps -
Battle of Iwo Jima
America launched an amphibious attack on Iwo Jima which was defended by nearly 23,000 Japanese troops. After a month, the U.S. wiped out opposing forces and were one step closer to ending the war. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-iwo-jima -
Japan Surrenders
After much conflict between Japan and the United States, the U.S. dropped two atomic bombs in Japan. These bombs were lethal and devastated Japan, wiping out 90 percent of the cities and killing tens of thousands of people. Japan was left with no other option other than to surrender. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/bombing-of-hiroshima-and-nagasaki