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Japan invades Manchuria
Manchuria was rich in iron and coal, and a newly industrial Japan needed resources to fuel its new economy. They attacked Chinese troops, and this was the first act of war in World War II. -
Hitler becomes German Chancellor
Adolf Hitler's popularity, gained by the promises to Gerrmany to continue on as a powerful unified state, earns him the title of Chancellor. President Paul von Hindenburg appointed Kurt von Schliecher in 1932 in an attempt to stop the rise of the Nazi Party, but the people convinced Hindenburg in 1933 to appoint Hitler. -
Italy invades Ethipoia
Italy was trying to imitate colonial giants such as Britain. Their invasion used mustard gas and other illegal weapons. However, the invasion was supported by Churchill because he achieved his goals -
Hitler militarizes the Rhineland
He planned to remilitarize in 1937, but the Franco- Russian Pact rushed it to 1936. Most German leaders did not think it was possible for it to happen before 1937. They also only wanted to do this if it was diplomatically acceptable. However, Hitler pushed it because he viewed the Franco- Russian pact as a violation of the Locarno Treaty, which he was also breaking by remilitarizing the Rhineland. -
Japan invades Nanking
Japan invaded the capitol of China. The number of deaths are debated, but there were massive civilian casualties. They did this to assert their power and take control, as well as to gain raw materials -
The Manhattan Project begins
Einstein sends a letter to FDR wanting to build bigger, more powerful bombs. This is the beginning of atomic warfare, and a cause of the Cold War. -
Hitler invades Poland
1.5 million German troops invade Poland all along it's border. German bombers also bombed Poland and its airfield. German signed an agreement with Russia so that they would not come to Poland's aid. Germany went 140 miles into Poland in a week. Britain and France declared war on Germany, but they did not do much to defend Poland. -
The Battle of Britain, or the Blitz
At the time, the largest bombing campaign launched. The British RAF, or Royal Air Force, fought against the German Luftwaffe. The Luftwaffe could not gain control of Britain in the end. -
Operation Barbarossa
Hitler confidently invaded Russia, making no provisions for the winter. His troops were sent in summer uniforms. Hitler said that he only needed to "kick in the door, and the whole rotten structure wil come falling down." This was also part of their campaign for "living space." -
The Japanese Bombing of Pearl Harbor
In a surprise attack, Japan sent kamikaze fighters to bomb Pearl Habor. Some people believe Roosevelt knew in advance that the Japanese were coming, but this is debated. Either way, 2,500 lives were lost and two battleships sunk. The US entered World War 2 after this attack. This could also be a part of Germany adn eventually Japan's defeat. -
The Battle of Stalingrad
In the most devastating battle in history, German forces were pushed out of Stalingrad. 2 million people died. This was a major turning point in the war. From this point on, Gernan forces were continually pushed back. The Germans were now facing Russian aggression from the East. -
American Island Hopping begins
On this day, the American strategy of "island-hopping" began "Island-Hopping" is the use of naval superiority to isolate and invade one island at a time, and it was extremely effective. The Pacific theater of war was slowly conquered. -
Rome is Liberated
This marks the victory in the Africa for the Allies. First the Allies took Sicily, and invaded Italy. When that happened, the Italian government surrendered. German forces kept fighing in Italy, however, and established a fortified "Winter Line" just south of Rome. It was difficult to pass, but after a long siege, the Allies broke through. -
Normandy Invasion
The D-Day or Normandy invasion was one of the major turning points in World War 2. In this attack, massive amounts of Allied troops were deployed onto five beaches in Normandy. This was the largest amphibious invasion ever. It was also a success. The Allies established a foothold in Nazi-occupied France and began its liberation. this meant that the Germans were fighting a war on two fronts, which almost guranteed Allied victory. -
The Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge was Hitler's last major offensive against the Allies in World War 2. He was attempting to split the Allied forcs in order to weaken them and cut off their resources. The atack was unrealistic and as a result, the Allies were taken by surprise. However, their sucess was not sustainable. Their tanks ran out of fuel, and Germay did not have that many raw materials left. Their tanks were abandoned, and the Allies won the Battle of the Bulge. -
Mussolini is Excecuted
In June 1943, Mussolini made a plea to Italy to stand up and fight. However, he was not taken seriously, and the others wanted peace. This was the beginning of his downfall. Later in April 1945, he knew the end was near. As he tried to flee the country, he was stopped. He was shot and his body was hung from a rusty beam. -
Hitler commits suicide
During Hitler's last few months, he became vey ill. In February 1945, he had to stay silent for a week because of an operation on his vocal chords. He refused to leave Berlin, shook constantly because of Parkinson's disease, he took cocaine, and he had very poor eyesight. He ordered his body to be burnt, and he tested the cyanide on his dog. On the thirtieth of April, Hitler killed himself and his body was burned. -
V-E Day
On the eight of may, the last German troops laid down their weapons. 13,000 British POWs were released. Many fighting in the East tried to elude Soviet capture, but Russia took about 2 million prisoners during this period. The germans still resisted until May 9th. This is why V-E Day is not celebrated in Russia until May 9th. -
The Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
80,000 people were killed instantly by the heat of the atomic bombs. Many more died because of radiation sickness. The totaal death toll was 135,000. Although this was horrific, an invasion of Japan's mainland would have been worse, killing both 1 million Americans and an estimated 3 million Japanese. Many believe that it was the right choice. -
Victory in Asia
On this day, Japan surrendered. Emporer Hirohito used the excuse “Should we continue to fight, it would not only result in the ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation but would also lead to the total extinction of human civilization.” This of course is false. Harry Truman victoriously said “This is the day we have been waiting for since Pearl Harbor. This is the day when Fascism finally dies, as we always knew it would.” The image is one of the most famous photos ever taken.
