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The Second Sino-Japanese War mass murders carried out by the Imperial Japanese Army in the Chinese city of Nanking (now Nanjing) in 1937 are known as The Rape of Nanking. An estimated 200,000 Chinese people and disarmed soldiers perished as a result of massive rape, pillage, fire, and savage executions committed by Japanese soldiers over the course of six weeks. -
During World War II, the Allies ran a strategic bombing operation known as Operation Thunderclap. In order to weaken the Nazi war machine and demoralise the German populace, it sought to target and destroy German infrastructure, notably in the city of Dresden. A large bombing raid on Dresden on February 13, 1945, caused a terrible conflagration and extensive destruction, with estimates of the number of civilian dead varying from 25,000 to over 100,000. -
German Blitzkrieg 1939-1940 The German invasion of Poland in 1939 is known as the Blitzkrieg incident. It took place as Germany pushed to quickly crush Polish opposition and claim more territory. The Blitzkrieg technique, which aims to immediately overwhelm the opponent through the deployment of fast-moving tanks, air support, and infantry, was utilized since it was recognised that traditional fighting approaches were useless in the modern day. -
During World War II, the German invasion and conquest of Paris is known as the Fall of Paris. The French forces were forced to surrender after the German army penetrated the city's defences after a brief but deadly military battle. Paris's fall signalled the end of France and the beginning of German occupation, which persisted until the city's recapture in 1944, and it also represented a key turning point in the war. -
Pearl Harbor 1941 On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy conducted a surprise attack on the US Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, which is when the Pearl Harbour incident took place. Japan launched this strike to further its territorial aspirations in the Pacific and neutralize the perceived threat the United States presented. The event had a huge impact, costing American lives, destroying naval assets, and damaging infrastructure. -
Wannsee Conference 1942 Leading Nazi figures, including Reinhard Heydrich, planned the crucial Wannsee Conference, which took place in Berlin on January 20, 1942, to coordinate the implementation of the "Final Solution to the Jewish Question." A thorough strategy for the annihilation of European Jews, including their deportation, forced labour, and extermination, was intended to be established at the conference. -
A crucial naval engagement in World War II took place in June 1942 with the Battle of Midway. The Midway Atoll in the Pacific Ocean served as the focal point of the conflict between the United States and Imperial Japan. A turning point in the war against Japan was reached when the United States successfully resisted the Japanese onslaught, sinking four Japanese aircraft carriers and suffering significant losses. This action changed the balance of power in the Pacific theatre. -
D-day 1944 The Normandy landings on June 6, 1944, sometimes known as "D-Day," were a crucial turning point in World War II. To liberate Western Europe and ease pressure on the Eastern Front, the Allies launched a huge amphibious attack on the beaches of Normandy. A turning point in the war was the victorious D-Day invasion, which eventually resulted in the defeat of Nazi Germany and the liberation of Europe. -
The Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were struck by atomic bombs in 1945 as World War II was coming to an end. The attacks, "Little Boy" and "Fat Man," killed over 200,000 people instantly and left behind a great deal of wreckage. The attacks were crucial in forcing Japan to submit, which brought about the end of the war and signalled the beginning of the nuclear era. -
Battle of Iwo Jima During World War II, the Battle of Iwo Jima served as a crucial confrontation between American and Japanese forces. It lasted from February 19 to March 26, 1945, and its goal was to seize the Pacific island of Iwo Jima, which was significant from a strategic standpoint. Although the fight was vigorously contested and saw significant losses on both sides, the Americans ultimately prevailed because they were able to seize the island, -
The end of World War II in Europe is commemorated on May 8th with VE Day, also known as Victory in Europe Day. The announcement of Germany's unconditional surrender to the Allies on this day marked the end of Nazi Germany's rule over Europe. Following years of deadly conflict, VE Day inspired enormous celebrations all across the world as people celebrated in the long-awaited victory and the possibility of peace. 1945 -
The Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were struck by atomic bombs in 1945 as World War II was coming to an end. The attacks, "Little Boy" and "Fat Man," killed over 200,000 people instantly and left behind a great deal of wreckage. The attacks were crucial in forcing Japan to submit, which brought about the end of the war and signalled the beginning of the nuclear era. -
Bulge During World War II, German forces conducted a significant offensive operation against the Allies known as the Battle of the Bulge. Between December 16, 1944, and January 25, 1945, it was conducted with the intention of dividing the Allied lines and capturing the Belgian port of Antwerp.