The most important dates regarding WWII (both Hungarian and world history) with explanations
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germany led by adolf hitler, invades poland, marking the start of World War II This prompts britain and france to declare war germany -
hungary under the leadership of admiral miklós horthy, formally joins the axis powers by signing the tripartite pact this alliance aligns hungary with germany and italy -
germany launches a massive invasion of the soviet union breaking the molotov-ribbentrop pact. this marks a significant turning point on the eastern front -
as part of operation barbarossa, hungary, alongside german and other axis forces, launches an invasion of the soviet union. hungarian troops actively participate in the eastern front campaigns -
japan launches a surprise attack on the us pacific fleet at pearl harbor prompting the united states to enter the war -
concerned about hungarys wavering loyalty german forces occupy hungary in operation margarethe. horthy remains as a puppet leader but real power is in the hands of german officials and military commanders -
allied forces land on the beaches of normandy in a massive amphibious assault marking the beginning of the end for nazi germany in western europe -
facing the advancing soviet forces and disillusioned with germany horthy attempts to negotiate a separate peace with the allies. in response german forces stage a coup replacing horthy with the arrow cross party -
the soviet red army successfully concludes the siege of budapest a brutal battle that lasted for over seven weeks. the city suffers huge damage and hungary falls completely under soviet control as the war in europe nears its end. -
the united states drops atomic bombs on the japanese cities of hiroshima and nagasaki leading to japan's surrender and the official end of world war2