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Marco Polo Bridge Incident
On July 7, 1937 the beginning conflict between China and Japan started due to the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. This is significant because it showed the world that Japan was a powerful nation intent on creating a empire. -
Germany invaded Poland
On September 1st Germany invaded Poland causing Britain and France to declare war on Germany. This was significant because it immediately threw Europe again into all out war. -
Blitz bombing of London
From Sep 7, 1940 – May 10, 1941 German bombers attacked cities of Britain routinely ultimately resulting in a German strategic failure. This was significant because it showed Germany's power and its strategic failure weakened the Germans air force. Proving that Germany's leader would be their fatal flaw as countless military mistakes were made by Hitler. -
Lend-Lease aid for Britain
America began sending military aid to Britain to fight Germany causing tensions to rise between America and the axis powers. The significance of this is that it lead to the eventual involvement of America in the War. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
Japan air force surprised the American fleet at Pearl Harbor destroying a large portion of it. Japan caused a significant shift in the war directly involving America and the next day America declared war on Japan and Germany. -
Battle of Midway
The battle of Midway was the turning point in the Pacific region where before that Japan had swept aside all enemies. This was significant because it marked the turning point of the war. -
D-day
D-day began June 6, 1944 and marked the change of tide in the European front of the war. The allied powers invaded France and liberated it from German control. The significance of this is that it marked the beginning of the last campaign of the war. -
Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
After Germany surrendered in May 1945 Japan was the only axis power still fighting the allies. America developed a nuclear bomb with which the threatened to use against Japan if they refused to surrender. Japan initially did not and after 2 destroyed cities Japan finally surrendered on August 15, makes it official September 2, 1945. The significance of this is that it marked the only use of nuclear weapons in warfare ever and it ended the most costly war ever.
