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Germany Invades Czechoslovakia
The German invasion of Czechoslovakia happened because Nazi Leader Adolf Hitler wanted the weak country for its plentiful natural resources and land for nationalism. Czech President Emil Hacha was told by Hitler he would bomb the country if he didn't let Nazi troops move freely through the country and Hacha allowed him; Germany still would take over Czechoslovakia. It is important to the Second World War because Germany would gain more power and scare Europe. -
Soviet- Nazi Pact
The Soviet- Nazi Pact was signed between Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and Communist leader Joseph Stalin. Otherwise known as the "Non-agression Pact", it was a sudden agreement planned by Hitler. This agreement did not allow Germany and the Soviet Union to attack each other and divided Poland between them. It is important to the Second World War because it was a devious strategy by Hitler to avoid fighting a two- front war and ironically, Germany would invade the Soviet Union in 1941. -
Invasion of Poland
The German Invasion of Poland started in the fall of 1939. Germany would conquer Poland within weeks of the invasion. This event is important because it sparked the beginning of the Second World War. Also, it would give Nazi Germany power and be a primary location for Nazi concentration camps for eliminating the Jewish race. -
Canada Enters the War
Canada joined the Second World War when they declared war on Germany as a result of the German attack on Poland. It is important to the Second World War because Canada would declare war on another country for the first time ever without Britain, giving Canada a source of independence. -
The Invasion of Norway, Denmark, Holland, and Belgium
The German invasion on these coutnries would end in German domination. It is important to the Second World War because Germany would not only control most of Western Europe, but introduct the war there. This also would concentrate German efforts on capturing the Soviet Union. -
Invasion of France
The Germans would attack France and Low Countries in southern Europe in a duration of six weeks. France thought German troops would invade from Belgium like the First World War, and they were rightfully correct. French troops would prevent the invasion successfully. This is important to the Second World War because Germany completely overthrew the Treaty of Versailles, was one step closer to world domination, and would bring Britain into the war. -
Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain took place between July and September 1940. Germany's goal was to rule Wastern Europe and the Atlantic that came with it. This is an important part to the Second World War because it is seen as the turning point of the entire war. Germany would face its first defeat in the war and not caputre Britain. As a result, this gave hope to the Allies. -
Fall of France
The Fall of France was the day the French surrendered to the Germans. Germans were attacking the Low Countries of Europe and France for a duration of six weeks. It is important to the Second World War because Germany would look more intimidating to the rest of Europe and world, especially Britain which would be forced to join combat. Also, Germany completely ignored the Treaty of Versailles from the First World War and other European countries became especially anxious. -
The Phony War
The Phony War is a vague period between September 1939 when Britain and France declared war on Germany and April 1940 when Germany attacked the west. Everyone was expecting Britain and France to brawl with Germany at war but the exact opposite happened- nothing. The Allies did not have strong enough militaries to attack Germany and would build up their defences. It is an important part of the Second World War because many opportunities were lost for both sides to change the course of battle. -
Operation Barbarossa
Operation Barbarossa was the name of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. Germany would begin a two- front war at this point which they were ironically hoping to avoid. It is important to the Second World War because it broke the Nazi- Soviet Pact from 1939. Also, Germany was attempting to eliminate Communism and take over the enormous Russian land which held a great amount of oil, valuable to their military. -
Attack on Pearl Harbour
The Attack on Pearl Harbour was a sudden attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy on the American Navy Base at Pearl Harbour, Hawaii. Japan sent many ships and planes to bomb the Harbour and it was successful. It is important to the Second World War because it forced America into the Second World War. America would declare war on Japan the next day. Also, Germany was cut short of conquering Europe and the Americans allowed the USSR to bring up their military forces in facing the Germans. -
Nazi Occupation of Europe
