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Germany's Invasion of Poland
On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland. This caused France and Britain to take action and declare war on Germany. Germany invaded Poland one week after the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact between Germany and the Soviet Union. This allowed Germany and Russia to split Poland after the invasion. Two days later, France and Britain declared war on Germany, ultimately starting World War 2. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/germany-invades-poland -
German Blitzkrieg
Blitzkrieg was an offensive strategy used by the Russians in WW2 that led the Germans to great success. This strategy - also known as the 'Lighting War' consisted of tanks, motorized infantry, and artillery, backed by the German Air Force for bombing crucial objectives. Blitzkrieg was a crucial strategy the Germans used in WW2 to gain a serious advantage over the other countries.https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/blitzkrieg -
Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain was fought between Britain's Royal Air Force, and Nazi Germany's Air Force. This battle is known to be the first battle ever fought solely in the air. The Battle of Britain was fought to control airspace all over Great Britain, Germany, and the English Channel. In the end, the Royal Air Force proved their strength and rose to victory. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-britain-1 -
Operation Barbarossa
Operation Barbarossa, Nazi Germany planned on sweeping through the Soviet Union but were quickly caught by surprise. This was Germany's largest force push of the war, catching Stalin's Red Army by surprise. Germany had the upper hand but struggled long term with the harsh and treacherous winters. Operation Barbarosa is known as the largest casualty rate ever, with over 775,000 Germans and 800,000 Soviets dead. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/operation-barbarossa -
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is known for the bombing of the American naval base in Honolulu, Hawaii by the Japanese. Over 20 American Vessel, 8 battleships, and 300 American planes. Over 2400 Americans were killed, with over 1000 being wounded. The day after the bombing, FDR declared war on Japan bringing the United States into World War 2. /https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/pearl-harbor -
Battle of the Coral Sea
Also known as the first modern naval-air battle, The Battle of the Coral Sea was fought between the Japanese and the US. In Japan's attempt at expanding their empire towards the Solomon Islands, they quickly interfered with US forces. Although Japan came out on top, neither force really benefitted, leaving Japan with the cost of losing Port Moresby, Guinea, and more. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-battle-of-the-coral-sea-begins -
Battle of Midway
Six months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the American Naval forces clashed with the Imperial Japanese Navy. The Japanese ambitious goal of controlling the majority of the Pacific quickly came to a halt when American forces took the power of the Air-sea battle. The Battle of Midway led to American victory over the Japanese, giving the allied powers a huge advantage, and a gain in control over the Pacific. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-midway -
Battle of Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad is known to be one of the largest, and bloodiest conflicts in World War 2. Over 2-million troops fought in close quarters, leaving almost 2 million casualties. It was fought between the Soviet Union and Germany and ultimately turned the tides in the Allies force's favor. Towards the end of the battle, Stalin's troops took control of Stalingrad, starting the downfall of Hitler and his regime. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-stalingrad -
Operation Gomorah
Operation Gomorrah was when the tables turned for the Germans and the British released bombs throughout Germany. In just a few hours, over 2300 tons of bombs were released into the night sky all across Germany. Not only this, but the Americans also started bombing northern Germany. In conclusion, Operation Gomorrah was one of the battles leading to Germany's downfall. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/operation-gomorrah-is-launched -
Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge was also known as "the greatest American battle of the War" and was the last major offensive in WW2 against the Western Front. Hitler's goal in this battle was to attempt to split the Allies, in order to keep his momentum. However, this completely failed and paved the way to victory for the Allies. Also known as the Battle of the Ardennes, it lasted over six weeks in brutal weather. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-the-bulge -
D-Day
Also known as the Battle of Normandy, D-Day is the largest amphibian military assault in history. It happened when 156,000 soldiers of American, Canadian, and British landed along the stretch of Normandy shore. The battle resulted in the death of around 4,000 Allied soldiers and was known as the beginning of the end of Germany's takeover. By the end of August 1944, the Allies reached the Seine River and pushed German troops out of France. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/d-day -
Battle of Iwo Jima
The Battle of Iwo Jima was fought between the US Military and Marines, and the Japanese army. Iwo Jima is an island off the coast of Japan and was a crucial strategic spot for the Americans in order to invade Japan. With around 21,000 Japanese, only 200 remained after the battle, as well as the death of 7000 US Marines. With the Americans win, they now needed to take the island of Okinawa in order to launch an invasion of Japan. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-iwo-jima -
Battle of Okinawa
The Battle of Okinawa was the last official battle of WW2 and was also one of the bloodiest. On Easter Sunday, the US sent troops to the Pacific island of Okinawa in an attempt of getting closer to Japan to launch an invasion. The Allies proved victorious in this battle, although, kamikaze fighters mixed with land fighting led to a high casualty rate on both sides. The Island of Okinawa was the Allies' last push to pursue Japan. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-okinawa -
VE Day
VE day is known to be a day of celebration between the US and the United Kingdom in celebration of the defeat of the Nazi regime. On this day, German troops all throughout Europe laid down their arms, leading to widespread celebration across Europe. Although there were celebrations in Europe, many German soldiers were stuck in Russia and it was not celebrated until the next day in Moscow. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/victory-in-europe -
Dropping of Atomic Bombs
After the surrender of the Germans and the Italians, the world still feared Japan and its ambitious goals. With the death of FDR, Truman took position and decided it would be worthwhile to drop the new Manhattan Project on Japan. Though at the time Truman did not know the long-term effects of the bomb, the estimations of the American casualties were too great to let an invasion occur. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/american-bomber-drops-atomic-bomb-on-hiroshima