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Germany's invasion of Poland, which marked the beginning of World War II in Europe, was characterized by blitzkrieg tactics that emphasized rapid movement and surprise attacks; this invasion ultimately led to Britain and France declaring war on Germany, officially starting the conflict in Europe. -
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During the war, Americans experienced rationing, war production efforts, and the mobilization of women and minority groups into the workforce. The significance of these home front efforts was crucial for supporting the war, and they also led to significant social changes, including advancements in civil rights.
Munitions Factories in WW2 Canary Girls • Women at War: The role of Women during WW2 • MyLearning. (n.d.). https://www.mylearning.org/stories/women-at-war-the-role-of-women-during-ww2/743 -
Allied forces launched a massive invasion of German-occupied France at Normandy, involving thousands of troops and extensive planning. The significance of D-Day marked a turning point in the war, leading to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control. Reed, A. (n.d.). What is D-Day? The D-Day Story, Portsmouth. https://theddaystory.com/discover/what-is-d-day/ -
Japan launched a surprise military strike on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, resulting in significant losses for the U.S. Pacific Fleet. This attack led to the United States' formal entry into World War II, significantly altering the course of the war. -
The United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to massive destruction and loss of life, which ultimately contributed to Japan's surrender and effectively ended World War II. Attack on Pearl Harbor - 1941 - Nuclear Museum. (n.d.). Nuclear Museum. https://ahf.nuclearmuseum.org/ahf/history/attack-pearl-harbor-1941/ -
The atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki | National Archives Museum. (n.d.). National Archives Museum. https://visit.archives.gov/whats-on/explore-exhibits/atomic-bombing-hiroshima-and-nagasaki