World War II Important Dates

  • War begins

    War begins
    This is the official start date of WWII
  • Germany invades Poland

    Germany invades Poland
    Germany invading Poland was a risky decision made, and caused a full out war between all of Europe. This was the final straw because Germany has previously invaded Austria and Czechoslovakia, but nobody wanted WWI repeated so no action was taken up until this point.
  • Britain and France declare war on Germany

    Britain and France declare war on Germany
    Britain and France finally took action deciding to work together and declare war on Germany after they invade Poland.
  • Period: to

    Invasion of Poland

    Poland is Invaded by Germany
  • Canada declares war

    Canada declares war
    Many were shocked when Canada joined the war again however, Canada was a added help because of their air force.
  • Germany vs. Britain

    Germany vs. Britain
    During the Battle of Britain long series of bombing raids against Great Britain from Germany occur
  • Period: to

    Battle of Britain

    If not for this battle, and victory against Germany then the war would have ended. But after defeating Germany, after their many victories it was a turning point in the war. It is also prevented the invasion in England
  • Soviet Union is invaded

    Soviet Union is invaded
    Another turning point in the War is when Germany breaks the non-aggression treaty they had with the Soviet Union by invading. Because the treaty was set up the invasion took Joseph Stalin the soviet leader by complete surprise.
  • Pearl Harbor

    Pearl Harbor
    At this time the United States was now apart of the war. Japans goal was to sink Hawaii's fleet so Japan wouldnt be at risk of being attacked anymore. They also wanted Hawaii closer to the mainland. Japan did succeed in sinking their fleet but Midway was still attacked.
  • Pear Harbor Bombed

    Pear Harbor Bombed
    Japanese dive bombers and war planes that follow descend upon the US naval base as a surprise attack ruining much of the US pacific fleet.
  • Holocaust begins

    Holocaust begins
    The first plans for the Holocaust begins. Hitler blamed the jews for the loss of WWI so he devised a plan to "exterminate" Jews.
  • Battle of Midway

    Battle of Midway
    The battle of Midway was one of the most important victories for the US against Japan
  • Dieppe Raid

    Dieppe Raid
    This was the first major defeat of the Canadians even though they had been training for three years. The German artillery had wiped them out completely because they had no protection.
  • D Day

    D Day
    D Day standing for nothing was just a code name. The importance of this day was that the allied side finally got into Europe in the eastern front. The only ones to accomplish their mission was the Canadians.
  • Hitler Commited Suicide

    Hitler Commited Suicide
    Before the Battle of Britain ended Hitler committed suicide causing most of Europe to surrender also ending the Holocaust.
  • First Atomic Bomb

    First Atomic Bomb
    Forced Japan to surrender
  • 2nd Atomic Bomb

    2nd Atomic Bomb
    This pushed Japan further to surrender.
  • JJ Day

    JJ Day
    This was the end of WWII
  • Japan Surrenders

    Japan Surrenders
    Because their navy and airforce were destroyed Japan surrenders
  • Victory!!!

    Victory!!!
    Victory in Europe day