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Attack on Pearl Harbor
Before this occurred the United States was neutral in the war. We knew that we were going to be attacked but didn't know when or where. This was the turning point of when we joined the war. Japanese bombers killed 2,403 people and destroyed 7 ships. -
Battle of Guadalcanal
More than 11,000 marines landed on the island. This was where the Japanese were building an airfield. However once they arrived the Japanese fled into the jungle. It took 5 months but eventually Japan was defeated and this also gave the US a start at jungle warfare. -
Battle of Midway
The Japanese were hoping to destroy the US fleet but they surprised the Japanese by sinking four of their carriers while they were refueling. This resulted in a loss of about 250 planes and most of their skilled pilots allowing the allies to take the offense. -
Battle of Stalingrad
Hitler was convinced that by defeating the Soviets he could destroy their economy. Stalingrad was the heart of the Soviets economy production. By destroying their economy, they wouldn't be able to continue in the war. However when they entered Stalingrad they had to fight house to house and ended up losing over 250,000 soldiers -
D-Day
This was the invasion that pushed Germany back to the two fronts. The invasion at Utah beach was very successful with less than 200 casualties. However, at Omaha beach many more Americans and their allies died. -
Iwo Jima
Suffering about 25,000 casualties Americans won against the Japanese fighting to the last man.