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Japanese Invasion of China
Japan lacked resources due to its geographical position. However, China was in the center of Asia which provided ample resources. This led to the invasion of China. Japan held an overwhelming victory over China by taking advantage of China's weakness. This led to increasing weakness in China. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/education/presidential-inquiries/invasion-manchuria -
Ribbentrop/Molotov Pact
Germany and the Soviet Union create a peace agreement. The agreement would aid the Nazi's in their Polish takeover later in the war. The pact made the events of the war possible. https://www.britannica.com/event/German-Soviet-Nonaggression-Pact -
German Blitzkrieg
The term Blitzkrieg refers to a battle tactic that results in battles ending quickly as to avoid drawn out battles as such in WWI where trench warfare was utilized. This technique was used all throughout WWII by Germany. This led to several victories for Germany. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/blitzkrieg -
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor refers to the ambush by Japan on Hawaii killing many Americans. Pearl Harbor was significant because it brought the US into WWII where they had previously stayed away. The deaths in Pearl Harbor greatly angered the US leading to attacks on Japan. (NO LINK NECESSARY) -
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway was a naval battle occurring between the USA and Japan. Japan suffered a loss due to lack of fleets to counter the US soldiers. Part of the reason for the battle was the attack on Pearl Harbor. Damages from the battle led to the loss of several important aircraft carriers. https://fdr.blogs.archives.gov/2019/11/05/midway/ -
Battle of Stalingrad
Perhaps one of the most devastating battles in history, the battle at Stalingrad caused the deaths of millions. After a year of fighting, the Germans eventually lost. It is known as the bloodiest battle in history. Few German soldiers made it back to tell the tale. Germany's armed forces took a major hit. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-stalingrad -
Wannsee Conference
The Wannsee Conference discussed the implementation of the Final Solution. The Final Solution refers to the extermination and torture of the European-Jewish population. The Germans were very insistent the issue with the country had to do with the Jews. https://www.britannica.com/event/Wannsee-Conference -
D-DAY
D-Day refers to the turning point battle in WWII on the coasts of Normandy France. This singular battle led to. the end of Nazi reign. The Allies won, meaning the Final Solution and other horrors would no longer occur, https://www.britannica.com/event/Normandy-Invasion -
Battle of Iwo Jima
The Battle of Iwo Jima was a systematic approach by the US to capture Japan territory. The airfields would serve helpful to the US. The American's succeeded in their approach and escaped with the land. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-iwo-jima -
Battle of Okinawa
As said by the name, the battle was fought in Okinawa Japan. It occurred to remove the wall wedged between Japan and the US. The US was eager to invade. It ended as a win for the allied forces, but nonetheless provided opportunities for both sides. https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/wars-conflicts-and-operations/world-war-ii/1945/battle-of-okinawa.html -
Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge was planned to be a turning point in Hitler's favor by intercepting his enemies. This was Germany's best chance at success. Despite this plan, Germany lost the battle and would soon lose he war. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-the-bulge -
Dropping of the Atomic Bombs
The USA dropped nuclear bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. This caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Japanese citizens and wrecked the lands in radiation. This attack ended WWII and was fairly unnecessary given the weakness of the Japanese army. https://www.icanw.org/hiroshima_and_nagasaki_bombings -
VJ Day
VJ Day stands for "Victory over Japan Day" in the USA. It is celebrated on the day of the Japanese surrender. The Americans were devastated by the attack on Pearl Harbor and celebrate the victory over their killers. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/v-j-day -
Liberation of Concentration Camps
This day celebrates the day that the Jewish people and other people captured and placed in Concentration Camps were finally released. This meant that those being tortured would no longer suffer. Despite this victory, antisemitism would not end. Many starved to death even after their release. However, those who survived now had a chance at a better life. -
VE Day
VE Day celebrates European victory in WWII - standing for "Victory in Europe Day." During this day, the citizens celebrate their win and remember all who died during the devastating war. This date marks the Nazi surrender. https://www.asomf.org/interesting-facts-about-victory-in-europe-day/