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Germany’s aircraft and artillery immediately bombed the Polish capital of Warsaw. This is the first time Germans used the tactic of “blitzkrieg”, meaning lightning war. The attack was so fast that by the time France and Great Britain had declared war on Germany two days later, Poland had already fallen.
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Stalin sends his troops to take over Eastern half of Poland. He then moved next to gain countries north of Poland. Finland resisted, and in November, he send one million Soviet troops to take over them.
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After a long period of peace, Hitler strikes again. He suddenly attacks Denmark and Norway. Denmark surrendered in just four hours, and Norway in two months. The Germans built beses there where they could easily strike Great Britain.
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Germans take Paris causing France to surrender eight days later. French resistance had dramatically dropped, and Germans took control of all of Northern France. A government in exile was made in London led by Charles de Gualle.
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Germany's airforce has been attacking Great Britain since the summertime. On Sept. 7, the bombings began focusing on cities like London. Then, on May 10, 1941, Hitler was stunnded by British resistace and retreated.
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Germany begins an invasion of the Soviet Union. They were not prepared at all. The invasion continued after Germany has pushed 500 miles into its border. Then, as Russians retreated, they burn every city they passed.
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The U.S. didn't want any involvement in the war, but they wanted to aid its allies. When Hitler realized this, he ordered to have any U.S. ship shot down. On Sept. 4, a German U-Boat fires on a U.S. destroyer.
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The Germans had advanced to the outskirts of Moscow, but they were in summer uniforms. As temperatures fell, the Germans suffered more and more. Even so, Hitler would not retreat, and his invasion costed Germany 500,000 German lives.
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The Luftwaffe, the German air force, began bombing raids that set the cities on fire. Stalin wanted his city named after him defended to his death. By Nov. Germans controlled 90% of the city, and by Nov. 19, the Soviets launched a counterattack. Finally, by Feb 2, 1943, the Germans surrendered.
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Allied forces landed in Italy and took over Sicily. It took Mussolini out of power and King Victor Emmanuel III had him arrested on July 25. Italy finally surrendeered on Sept. 3, but the Germans had put Mussolini back into power.
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British, French, American, and Canadian troops fought their way 60-miles into Normandy. This was the largest invasion in history. The invasion was successful weeks later, and they have finally liberated France despite heavy losses.
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In this battle, German forces broke through weak American defenses. Even though they were caught off guard, the Allies had a successful counter--attack. The Germans had no choice but to retreat.
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Two days before, the allies accepted the unconditional surrender of Germany. When new U.S. president Harry Truman recieved the news, he had a treaty signed in Berlin. The allies celebrated V-E Day, VIctory in Europe.