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In 1939, Hitler invaded Germany as a plan to establish a German dominance in Western Europe. This marked the start of World War 1. -
After the invasion of Poland, Britain and France almost immediately declared war on Germany. They did so as they saw the invasion as a act of aggression and had previously pledged to protect Poland. -
Hitler invaded both Denmark and Norway in a plan called "Operation Weserübung" which was initiated to secure important locations like ports or resources like iron ore. -
Fascist Italy Joins World War 2 on the side of the Axis Powers. They wanted to establish dominance in the Mediterranean area and gain new territory as well. -
Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in an attempt to gain more territory, but the attempt ultimately failed due to factors like attacking in the middle of the winter. -
A United States naval base in Hawaii was bombed by Japanese planes. Over 2,400 Americans died, including civilians. This is what led to the American's joining the war. -
As a direct result of Pearl Harbor, the United States and their ally, Britain, both declared war on Japan. -
A naval battle that took place from June 4-7 in 1942. It was fought between the United States and Japan in the Pacific Ocean. The war took a turn with a United States victory. -
British and American forces invade French North Africa in order to secure the Mediterranean area and to create a base there. -
Following the overthrow of Mussolini, the Axis Power Italy surrendered to the Allies. This was also because of the Italian people's loss of interest in the war. -
Allied forces began the largest amphibious attack in war history against the Nazi's in Normandy, France. There were heavy casualties but the battle eventually ended in an Allied win, creating a turning point in the war. -
Lasting from December 16th 1944 to January 25th 1945, the Nazi's launched an attack on Allies. It was a German success at first, but it eventually was a failure. It was considered the last major offensive attack on behalf of the Germans. -
In 1945, Soviet Union troops found and liberated Auschwitz, a Nazi Concentration Camp in Poland. Unveiled the Holocaust and was one of the most important events in the war. -
The Soviets, after a long battles, infiltrated Berlin. This marked a major advancement in the war and a huge step to ending it. -
After being captured during an attempt to flee, Italian forces executed him. This contributed to Hitler's eventually suicide, and ended fascism in Italy. -
Following Mussolini's death and the fall of the German forces, Hitler died by suicide. This marked the end of the Nazi party and led to their surrender. -
The Germans surrendered unconditionally in Reims, France. May 8th became "V.E. Day" and officially marked the end of the war in Europe. -
In an attempt to force the Japanese to surrender, the United States dropped the first atomic Bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. This was the first use of nuclear warfare ever. -
The United States drops a second bomb on Nagasaki, Japan as another attempt to get Japan to surrender. After threatening a third bomb, the Japanese eventually caved. -
Following Nagasaki and devastating conditions, the Japanese surrendered to the Allied forces. This marked a the official end to World War 2.