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Rape of Nanking
When the Japanese invaded Nanking, they killed over 300,000 people, including civilians, which was over half the population. The cause of this was a drawn out battle that lasted for months because China kept fighting against the Japanese. Not only did China lose thousands of people, but they lost an army (though it was poorly trained, lead, and fairly weak) as well. (http://www.historyplace.com/worldhistory/genocide/nanking.htm) -
Ribbentrop/Molotov Pact
The pact was an agreement between Germany and Russia, stating what both countries could control/gain with a successful invasion of Poland. Russia would control Latvia, Estonia, and Finland, and Germany would control Lithuania and Danzig. This provided no further conflict between Russia and Germany at this time. (http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-molotov-ribbentrop-pact-august-1939) -
German Blitzkrieg
Blitzkrieg was an operation that disorganized an enemy with mobile forces and firepower. The benefits include less lives lost, and limits artillery usage. Germany used this method successfully in Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. It also prevented dead locks as opposed to what happened in WWI. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/blitzkrieg -
Battle of Britain
Germany and Britain were in a brutal air attack during the summer. Many UK cities were bombed and many lost their lives. In June, France signed an armistice and opted out of the war, leaving Britain to fend for themselves, although their air force was strong. After a successful first attack in London, Germany attempted another one which he sorely lost. The loss forced him to postpone the battle with Britain and took out his forces. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-britain -
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor took place near Honolulu. On an early morning, very unexpected, a Japanese air strike took place with hundreds of air planes. The destruction included 20 American naval vessels, 300 airplanes, 8 battleships, and over 2,400 American casualties. Soon after, war was declared on Japan. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/pearl-harbor -
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway took place just six months after Pearl Harbor. In a naval battle of which America won, it caused permanent damage to Japan's navy. Before this battle, the Japanese made a plan to destroy the American navy forces. Even with Japan's thought out plan, the American navy won the battle of Midway. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-midway -
Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
Over 400,000 Jewish people were confined in one area that reached a little over one square mile, and was the largest ghetto in Poland. The uprising lasted nearly a month. This was incredible considering how outnumbered the people were and with what simple weapons they had against German artillery and numbers. 7,000 Jews died, and 50,000 were sent away to other camps. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/warsaw-ghetto-uprising -
Battle of the Bulge
With strengthening powers of the Allies, Hitler wanted to weaken them, by attempting to split them up, using again, the blitzkrieg method. As Hitler's army started to invade Antwerp, American forces formed a bulge shape (how the battle got its name). In aid, the Third army moved to America's defense which was much use to America. Even with many casualties on both sides, the Allies somehow defeated Germany, starting an end to the war. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-the-bulge -
Operation Thunderclap
Operation Thunderclap was a plan made by the US to bomb cities in Germany. http://ww2today.com/13-february-1945-operation-thunderclap-raf-start-firestorm-in-dresden -
Liberation of Concentration Camps
Being the first to liberate the concentration camps, the Soviets found many prisoners in a camp in Poland. Along with the Soviets, American, Canadian, French, and British soldiers also liberated the camps until there were no more. -
D-Day
Also known as the battle of Normandy, took place when around 156,000 British and Canadian soldiers landed on five beaches reaching 50 miles on France's coast or Normandy. This was the start of the end of the war in Europe. Germans were removed from France. This prevented Hitler from sending troops to France to gain a stronger western front against the pushing Soviets. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/d-day -
Battle of Iwo Jima
Attempting to have a naval base for America's own purposes, they came upon an island off the coast of Japan. inhabited by roughly 23,000 soldiers, American troops still wanted that for a base. After about a months worth of fighting, American troops finally gained enough power and raised the US flag on their land, giving America a huge win. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-iwo-jima -
VE Day
With Germany getting weaker and weaker from the powers of the Allied forces, they were forced to finally surrender. Many POW's were released to their home countries and other prisoners were set free. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/victory-in-europe -
Dropping of Atomic Bombs
AfterGermany's surrender,Japan remained faithful to the war.With no change in powers,America started the Manhattan project.This was a time to create atomic weapons.This birthed both bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki(fat man and little boy).Thousands of people died,including mostly civilians.Most that survived the blast later died from radiation in there system,and from the lack of medicine they had access to. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/bombing-of-hiroshima-and-nagasaki -
VJ Day
After the bombs in their cities, Japan decided it would be best to finally surrender. Not only were the atomic bombs used, but other hundreds of explosives used to weaken the Japanese armies. After surrendering, countries celebrated the end of this deathly battle. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/v-j-day
