-
German invasion of Czechoslovakia
German troops invade the area of Czechoslovakia. The significance of this invasion was that Hitler had earlier promised that he would not take more Czech land after receiving Sudetenland in the "Munich Treaty". These were the beginning stages of Hitlers gradual take-over. -
The Soviet-Nazi Pact
This was an agreement formed between Germany and the Soviet Union, stating that in the war, the two participating countries would not attack eachother. This meant that all previous alliances that the Soviet Union had with other countries were "de-activated" if Germany were to attack the allied country. So, if Germany were to attack or invade Poland, the Soviets could not provide aid. Hitlers reasoning behind this agreement, was to make sure that Germany would not be fighting in a two-front war. -
The Invasion of Poland
Germany sends troops into Poland for invasion. This followed the Soviet-Nazi pact, which in ways gave Germany the freedom to invade Poland. Germany had maniulated agression pacts with both the Soviets and With Poland in earlier years. Both of these were to prevent the possibility of countries forming alliances before Hitler had the chance to act. -
Canada Enters the War
On this date, Canada declared war on Germany. This was one week after Britain had declared war on Germany as well. This helped show Canada's independance as they were active in many parts of the war. -
"Phoney War"
Also known as " Blitzkreig", this was an attack on Poland performed by Germany. Blitzkreig meant " lightning war" and was a form of attack that was based on the element of surprise as well as speed. Most people were expecting Germany to attack Western Europe using these tactics, when in fact nothing happened. Most of it was propaganda that instilled fear into people. -
Invasion of Norway, Denmark
At this time, both Norway and Denmark were invaded by German troops. This was the beginning of war in Western Europe, and roved to be the ending of the "Phoney War". The point of this invasion was to secure Germany safe and ice free harbors for naval forces, to gain access to iron mines and to display the strength of the German Empire. -
The Invasion of France
This is when German troops continued their growth, and invaded France. The successfully took over, ending the "Phoney War" there. France was a key role, which meant that it was important for Germany to get this territory. Invading France gave access to the rest of the "low countries". -
The Fall of France
France declared war to make up for their showing in 1870 and in World War 1. They felt as though they needed to change the way to world viewed their soldiers and leaders. The invasion proved that they still were not as strong as they thought. -
German Invasion of Holland and Belgium
This was an air borne invasion executed by the German forces. There was not much resistance from Holland and Belgium, the Germans were overwhelming. -
The Miracle at Dunkirk
German troops had been battling against British forces. Germany had cornered Britain and pushed them back to the beaches. Britain faced total destruction if they were left there alone, so word quickly spread into the southern areas of the U.K. AS word reached, thousands of men gathered to help send rescue ships and formed a secret plan to help the soldiers in need. Through the process, over 300,000 British soldiers were saved. -
The Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain was an aerial battle that was fought over Britain. It was between Britain and German air forces. It was one of the most important battles fought during World War Two, because it would determine whether or not Britain remained independant. Britain ended up winning the battle, which saved them from German control, and stretched out the conquest for British territory. -
Operation Barbarossa
This was the code name for the secret German invasion of the Soviet Union. It had to be kept quite because of the Anti-Agression act that Germany had signed prior to the invasion of Poland. A success here would lead them to the Ukraine, which was experiencing high economic times. Germany was successful at the beginning, but soon lost their ground and had a hard time staging another attack, This was the largest attack/ battle in history. -
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor was a violent Japanese attack on the Americans. It took place in Hawaii. This attack sparked the United States to declare war on Japan. Japans main reason behind this attack was to destroy naval forces so they could prevent Pacific naval attacks. They also hoped to destroy the hopes and confidence of Americans, and make Japan seem like a powerful and strong force.
