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Germany Invades Poland
Germany, under the rule of Adolf Hitler and aided by the soviet union, invades neighboring Poland officially starting WWII. This was a part of Hitler's plan to eliminate Jews and rebuild Germany after WWI. -
Germany Captures Warsaw
Germany and the Soviet Union capture Poland's capital, officially gaining control of the country. It followed a weeks long siege in which thousands of Polish citizens died. -
Germany Invades Norway
Germany initiated Operation Weserübung to gain control of Norway's iron resources and naval bases. Germany was incredible successful in this campaign. -
Churchill Becomes Prime Minister
Churchill was chosen to be prime minister because of his military experience and leadership. He was instrumental in Britain's role in WWII, and at one point said "I felt...that all my past life had been but a preparation for this hour and for this trial." -
Miracle of Dunkirk Picture
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Miracle of Dunkirk
During Germany's invasion of France, over 300,000 allied troops had to be quickly rescued from the harbor of Dunkirk. It was considered a miracle because it was the largest amphibious evacuation in history and saved many soldiers from becoming POWs. -
The Nazis Take Paris
A month after Germany invaded France, Paris was surrendered. This was a big defeat for the allies and Germany maintained control of the city for four years. -
The Blitz Picture
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The Blitz
The Blitz was the name for a series of air raids on Britain and London that killed many civilians and greatly hurt the UK. The name comes from the German word "Blitzkrieg," which means lightening war and was a technique they used in fighting. -
Pearl Harbor
The bombing of Pearl Harbor was a surprise attack by the Japanese on and American Naval Base in Hawaii. It served as motivation for the US to join WWII and defend itself. -
Battle of Midway Picture
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Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway was a part of the US island hopping campaign and was a big victory for American forces. US code breakers were able to determine a Japanese plan for a trap and turn it against them. -
Battle of Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad took place after Germany turned against the Soviet Union and tried to invade Russia. The Soviet Union quickly weakened Germany who surrendered, and this was a turning point in WWII. -
D Day
D Day refers to a major military operation in which combined Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy with overwhelming numbers. It was the biggest sea to land invasion ever and there were many casualties, but it let to Germany giving up France. -
Liberation of Auschwitz
In winter of 1945, the Soviet Union liberated the Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz. Almost 7,000 Jews were saved and the event shed light on the Holocaust and led to further liberation of other killing centers. -
Battle of Okinawa
The Battle of Okinawa was another battle in the US Island Hopping Campaign. It was the bloodiest battle because US troops were forced to kill almost all of the Japanese opposition on the island (they would not surrender). The US victory outcome influenced the decision to use the atomic bombs later. -
VE Day
VE or Victory in Europe Day celebrated Germany's unconditional surrender to Allied Powers. People in allied countries held parades to mark the end of WWII in Europe. -
Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Picture
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Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
The US dropped two atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. They devastated the cities and killed hundreds of thousands of people, and caused Japan to surrender, officially ending WWII.