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The Holocaust
Adolf Hitler, the leader of Germany, and the German Nazi Party mass murdered 6 million Jewish people and other "undesirables" in labor or concentration camps. -
Hitler invades Poland
This was the beginning of World War II. Germany invaded Poland from the air and on land in what is known as a "Blitzkrieg" strategy. There was extensive bombing of Poland's main infrastructure, then Germany set up their base of operations. -
Churchill becomes Prime Minister of Britain
After the resignation of previous Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, Churchill stepped in to replace him. He was a politician, army officer, and writer who led Britain to victory in the war. -
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Germany attacks western Europe
Germany begins to invade Europe, specifically France and the neutral Low Countries. By May 10th Luxembourg is occupied, by May 14th the Netherlands surrender, and Belgium follows suit on May 28th. On June 22nd, France signs an agreement that allows Germany to occupy the northern part of the country and the Atlantic coastline. -
Dunkirk Evacuation Begins
The evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force and other allied troops from Dunkirk, a French seaport, to England. Naval vessels, as well as civilian boats, were used in the evacuation. -
Japan attacks Pearl Harbor
The Japanese launched a surprise attack on the U.S.'s naval base in Hawaii, known as Pearl Harbor. They did this in order to destroy important fleets and prevent the U.S. from intervening with Japanese plans. America joined World War II the very same day of the attack. -
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Battle of Midway
The Japanese felt that they didn't destroy enough with the attack on Pearl Harbor, and therefore decided to attack Midway. Japan fought the allies at sea near the island, but ultimately ended up losing. It was a victory for the allies, as they destroyed four Japanese aircraft carriers, which crippled their army. -
D Day
The allied forces of Britain, America, Canada, and France attacked German forces on the beaches of Normandy, France. The allies were victories in this attack. -
Death of Hitler
As Russia reaches Berlin, Hitler commits suicide in his underground bunker and Germany surrenders. -
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The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
In response to the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. used nuclear bombs on two cities in Japan. On August 6, Hiroshima was bombed with "Little Boy" and three days later Nagasaki was bombed with "Fat Man".
