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Germany's invasion of Poland
On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland. Germany invaded to gain more living space, but claimed it was for defensive purposes. This event marks the start of World War 2. -
German Blitzkrieg
Blitzkrieg was a German war tactic which translates to "lightning warfare", and was first used in the invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939. The Germans used this strategy to invade, conquer, and win battles. This led to many German victories. -
Fall of Paris
Beginning in May 10, 1940, and ending on June 25, 1940, the Fall of Paris was a German invasion on French forces. This battle is also commonly known as the Battle of France. This battle occurred because the Germans wanted to take control over France. The Germans succeeded with their invasion, giving them more power and leverage in the war. -
Operation Barbarossa
Operation Barbarossa began on June 22, 1941, and ended on January 7, 1942. This operation was an attempt by the Germans to invade the Soviet Union. Hitler invaded because he wanted to defeat communism In the USSR. The Germans failed, which marked a critical turning point in the war. -
Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese launched a surprise attack on the American naval base of Pearl Harbor. They bombed the harbor damaging many ships and killing many men. This attack made the United States intern many Japanese-American soldiers, and put us at war with Japan, eventually resulting in the U.S. bombing Japan with atomic bombs. -
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway went from June 4, 1942, to June 7, 1942. The Battle of Midway was an attack held by the United States on a Japanese fleet. This was an act of retaliation after Pearl Harbor. The United States damaged the fleet so badly, the Japanese ships were deemed irreparable. -
D-Day
D-Day was an attack launched by the Allied Forces on Normandy Beach in France. This attack was an attempt to free Europe of nazi rule. After many long hours and many deaths on the beach, the Allies made it past the heavily guarded beach, and infiltrated the French mainland. -
Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge took place from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945. This was the last major German offensive of World War 2, and was held because the Germans were trying to force the Allied front westward. There were many soldier and civilian deaths, and this battle ended in U.S. surrender. -
Battle of Iwo Jima
The Battle of Iwo Jima began on February 19, 1945, and ended on March 26, 1945. Iwo Jima was a major battle for the United States, and was fought to gain land near the Japanese coast for A base. The United States were able to conquer the island of Iwo Jima, winning the battle. -
VE Day
VE Day was the day the United States were officially victorious over Europe. The Germans surrendered unconditionally, which was the Allies' goal. This was a major battle, marking the end of war with Europe. -
Dropping of atomic bombs
The United States dropped two atomic bombs on Japan; the first was dropped in Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and the second was dropped in Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. The United States was still at war with Japan, and when the Japanese refused surrender, the United States resorted to nuking Japan. This killed and injured many Japanese citizens, and frightened the Japanese government. -
VJ Day
VJ Day Was the day the Japanese surrendered to the Unites States. The Japanese were losing the war and were overwhelmed after they were nuked by the U.S. This victory marked the end of World War 2.
