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D-Day
Allied Forces launch a seaborne attack on Axis powers on the beaches of Normandy Frace, marking the largest seaborne attack in history. The invasion was a success but was costly. Many Allied troops lost their lives in the struggle to gain control, and start the push towards Germany. Forcing Germany to fight in a two-front war. -
The Battle of the Bulge Ends In An Allied Victory
As a last attempt to fend off the invading troops, Hitler launched a surprise attack on the American line and nearly succeeded in breaking through. German troops managed to create a bulge in the defenses of the Allies. However, Allied bombers helped in pushing the Germans back, and continued to close in on Germany. -
The Battle of Iwo Jima
Iwo Jima is an island 750 miles off the coast of Japan and was occupied by Japanese troops. To the Americans, the island posed as a great post to bring together supplies in order to launch an attack on mainland Japan. The US invaided the island on Febuary 19, and the battle lasted for five weeks. This battle saw some of the bloodiest conflict through the entire war, but in the end, the American forces were able to take the island. -
American Bombers Raid Tokyo
American bombers aimed to destroy factories, military bases, and even surrounding cities. This would cripple Japan's ability to be able to defend at full force if the US decided to launch an invasion. In a single night, the Us destroyed 16 square miles of Tokyo. While they hit their targets, over 83,000 civilians were killed. -
The US Takes Okinawa
A final checkpoint for American forces fighting in the Pacific was Okinawa island. Only 340 miles off the coast of Japan, it was the final piece needed in order for the US to launch an invasion on Japan when it came down to the final stretch of the fight against Japan. This battle was even bloodier than the Battle of Iwo Jima and more costly. The US finally took the island, at the cost of 50,000 lives. -
US Troops Reach The Elbe River
Allied troops and Russian troops start closing in on each side of Berlin. They were now in position for one final assault against Hitler to end the fighting. Seeing no way out and refusing to surrender, Hitler commits suicide, ending his leadership of Germany. -
Germany Surrenders
In a French schoolhouse, Germany officially surrenders, ending the war in Europe. -
The US Drops The First Atomic Bomb
In the summer of 1945, President Truman makes a truly difficult decision, one that both saves lives, while killing thousands. The US had made major advancements in war technology through a program called the Manhattan Project. Through this project, America had developed it's first atomic bomb, and Truman had decided to use it on Japan to finally force Japan to surrender. They dropped the bomb on Hiroshima, killing more than 60,000 people. -
One Final Bomb
After waiting three days for Japan to surrender, and getting no response, the US drops a second atomic bomb on the Japanese city Nagasaki. The second bomb killed over 35,000 citizens, and Japan finally decided that it was enough. -
Japan Surrenders
After the destruction of the two atomic bombs, Japan finally gave in, and officially surrendered on September 2nd, 1945, ending the conflict in the Pacific, and closing the second world war.