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Battle of the Bulge — Nazi Germany launches its last major offensive on the Western Front, which is eventually repelled by the Allies.
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Winston Churchill became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom*, leading Britain during World War II. -
Paris falls to Nazi Germany* — Germany occupies Paris, marking a pivotal moment in the fall of France during World War II. -
The Blitz — Nazi Germany begins bombing London and other British cities, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life.
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Germany invades the USSR (Operation Barbarossa) — Nazi Germany launches a massive invasion of the Soviet Union, breaking the non-aggression pact and marking the beginning of one of World War II’s most prominent and deadliest campaigns. -
The Atlantic Charter was issued, a joint declaration by Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill outlining the Allies' goals for the post-war world. -
Japan attacks Pearl Harbor — The United States is drawn into World War II after a surprise attack on its Pacific naval base in Hawaii.
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December 8, 1941*: *The United States declares war on Japan, officially entering World War II. -
Battle of Midway — A decisive U.S. naval victory over Japan, marking the turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II.
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Gandhi leads the “Quit India” movement* — Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress launch a campaign for an end to British rule in India. -
Casablanca Conference — Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt met to plan the next phase of World War II and demand unconditional surrender from the Axis powers.
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Battle of Stalingrad — One of the bloodiest battles in history, resulting in a decisive Soviet victory and a significant turning point on the Eastern Front. -
Allied invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky) — The Allies successfully invaded Sicily, paving the way for the liberation of Italy. -
Italy surrenders to the Allies, though fighting against German forces in Italy continues. -
D-Day (Operation Overlord)— Allied forces land on the beaches of Normandy, France, marking the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control. -
Liberation of Paris — Allied forces liberate Paris from German occupation. -
U.S. firebombing of Tokyo — A devastating bombing campaign kills around 100,000 civilians, one of the deadliest air raids in history. -
Germany surrenders — Nazi Germany signs an unconditional surrender, marking the end of World War II in Europe -
The U.S. drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, killing tens of thousands instantly. -
The U.S. drops a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki*, leading to Japan's surrender. -
Japan surrenders*, effectively ending World War II (V-J Day). -
The United Nations was founded*, replacing the League of Nations and aiming to prevent future conflicts. -
Winston Churchill delivered the “Iron Curtain” speech, warning of the division between Western democracies and Soviet-controlled Eastern Europe, marking the early stages of the Cold War. -
First Indochina War (French War)* — A conflict between the French and the Viet Minh in Vietnam, leading to France's eventual withdrawal and the division of Vietnam.
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The Truman Doctrine is introduced by U.S. President Harry Truman, pledging support to nations threatened by Soviet communism
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Partition of India — India gains independence from Britain, resulting in the creation of the separate states of India and Pakistan and sparking mass migration and violence. -
Israel is declared an independent state*, leading to the first Arab-Israeli War as neighbouring Arab countries invaded in opposition to the establishment of Israel. -
Berlin Blockade and Airlift—The Soviet Union blocked access to West Berlin, prompting a massive airlift by the U.S. and its allies to supply the city with food and fuel.
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U.S. President Harry Truman integrates the armed forces* with Executive Order 9981, ending racial segregation in the U.S. military.
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NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is founded* — A military alliance formed to counter Soviet influence in Europe. -
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) was established when Mao Zedong declared the founding of Communist China, marking the end of the Chinese Civil War. -
The UN adopts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights*, setting global standards for human rights.