World war 2

1940s

  • 1940

    1940
    Germany invades Denmark, Norway, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
  • 1941

    1941
    Soviet Russia and Japan sign a non-aggression pact.
  • 1942

    1942
    The famous and well-regarded film "Casablanca" premieres in New York City during the month of November.
  • 1943

    1943
    Mussolini resigns from his position of power and Italy surrenders during World War II.
  • 1944

    1944
    Operation Overlord (D-Day) sees 150,000 Allied troops successfully storm the beachs of Normandy in France. Paris is soon liberated as the troops make their way through the country.
  • 1945

    1945
    Vietnam declares its independence from France under Ho Chi Minh.
  • 1946

    1946
    The Philippines becomes independent after being under U.S. rule for forty-eight years.
  • 1947

    1947
    India and Pakistan become independent from the United Kingdom.
  • 1948

    1948
    The beloved Indian independence leader and pacifist Mahatma Gandhi is assassinated.
  • 1949

    1949
    Mao Zedong establishes the People's Republic of China.