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Germany invades Poland
When Hitler invaded Poland in September 1939, France and Britain declared war on Germany. Hitler's troops invaded from north, south, and west. This marked the beginning of WWII. -
The Battle of Britain
July 10, 1940 — October 31, 1940. The first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces. Marked the first defeat of Hitler's military forces. Britain's victory, against German air forces, showed the courage of the country's military, allowing them to stay free of Nazi occupation. Allowed for Americans to create a base of operations in England to invade Normandy on D-Day. -
Pearl Harbor
The Japanese were on a mission to destroy the American fleet at Pearl Harbor. Surprise attack. This attack was one of the most stunning moments in American history. America trusted in the Japanese at the time, as they even received a peace medal. Over 2,000 Americans are killed. 27 hours after the attack, America declares war on Japan. The bombing of Pearl Harbor unleashed the wrath of America, and gave America an energy that carried us through the war. -
Battle of Midway
June 4-7, 1942. The turning point in the war came in June, 1942, at the Battle of Midway. The US destroyed hundreds of Japanese planes in a four day battle fought between aircraft based on giant aircraft carriers. Important as the US regained control of the Pacific, especially after the bombings of Pearl Harbor. One of the most important American naval victories of WWII. -
The bombing of the rail yards at Rouen
These rail yards keep German war machine alive, so the bombing broke the Germans stronghold. 36,900 pounds of bombs hit the rail yard. 50% of the bombs fall in the target area. Precision bombing — this technology leads to today's GPS-guided smart bombs. Catches Germans by surprise with a daytime surprise. Also proved daylight bombing is possible. -
Battle of Stalingrad
August 23, 1942 — February 2, 1943. Turning Point of the war in favor of the allies. Ended any ideas of Hitler dominating Europe. The beginning of the end for Germany as this battle marked the end of any German advances into Eastern Europe and Russia. First major German loss during WWII. -
D-Day
Also known as Operation Overload, or the Battle of Normandy. June 6, 1944 — August 30, 1944. Eisenhower takes command of the biggest military operation in history. USA and UK invade Normandy. It marked the turn of the tide for the control held by Nazi Germany. It changed the course of WWII. The Normandy invasion was the start of the liberation of France. -
Hitler's Defeat
Hitler commits suicide in his own bunker. On April 22, 1945, Hitler admits to everyone in his underground bunker that they are going to lose the war and that suicide is his only recourse. One step closer to victory for the allies. -
Victory in Europe Day
Celebrations erupted around the world to celebrate the end of World War II in Europe. The people of the British Empire and allied countries wanted to celebrate the defeat of Nazi Germany. -
The drop of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
August 6 and August 9, 1945. Weapon to end the war. Weapon that changed the world. Atomic bombs were new to warfare at the time. A day after the second bomb is dropped, the Japanese surrender.