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Operation Barbarosa
Failed attempt of Nazi Germany/Hitler to invade the Soviet Union. This invasion spanned about 2,000 miles. Ending around March 1942, Germany was now in a two-front war therefore a major turning point in the war.
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/operation-barbarossa -
Battle of Stalingrad
This was a very violent battle, one of the most brutal in history. It was fought by Russia, the Nazi forces, and the Axis. Almost two million people were killed due to this battle which ended in around February of 1943.
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-stalingrad -
Wannsee Conference
Nazi meeting to create the final solution which was the new plan of the mass murder of Jews. This was a major turning point because of the shift in plan from having a group of people deported to a mass extermination of a group of people. This was held in Wannsee, a suburb in Berlin. -
Battle of Midway
This battle occurred between the United States and Japanese navy after Pearl Harbor. This was a turning point in the war due to the success of the US. Messages sent by the US and replied to by the Japanese aided the US in verifying the location. After this battle Japan could not continue with their hopes of making the US no longer a strong naval force in the war.
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-midway -
Operation Thunderclap
The operation which set firebombing raids on Dresden, Germany. It was tremendously destructive and said to be "the single most destructive bombing of the war". However it id not accomplish much due to the city of Dresden never participating in war-production and was already "on the verge of surrender". The reason for the firebombing is said to be that this city was a communications center.
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/firebombing-of-dresden -
Battle of Iwo Jima
American forces over took and invaded the island of Iwo Jima. This battle lasted about five weeks. The conditions of the island created a challenge for the American marines due to the lack of stable footing and other difficult circumstances. Despite having believed the island was valuable, ultimately the US was unable to utilize it as a staging area during the war.
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-iwo-jima -
Tokyo Fire raids
This was a destructive fire bombing raid by the US on Tokyo, Japan. It cause tremendous destruction to the capital and caused numerous deaths around 100,000 people. It was used as a way to "revitalize the air campaign" for the US at that time during the War.
https://www.britannica.com/event/Bombing-of-Tokyo -
Potsdam Declaration
This declaration was by the US, Great Britain, and China, at a gathering of Allied leaders in Potsdam, Germany. This was put together to being a surrender of Japan.I hey were encouraged to "follow the path of reason", but if they were not to comply and surrender, there were threats that would be further carried out.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Potsdam-Declaration