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Nazis invade Poland, Fall 1939World War 2 Begins- Warsaw Surrenders 9/27/39
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In reaction to the German invasion, and the loss of the buffer state of Poland between superpowers Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, Stalin occupies Eastern Poland.
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The less-talked about: Soviet invasion of Finland"The Winter War," was mainly due to Soviet territorial concessions to a fascist Finland not being met in Fall 1939. Treaty signed 03/12/40.
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Denmark surrenders initially; Norwegian army eventually surrenders 06/10/40.
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Hitler in ParisGerman "blitzkrieg" overruns all militaries of the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Luxembourg. Nazi Germany occupies Paris by 06/14/40.
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Shown left is the aftermath of Germany air strikes on the metropolis of Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
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The Battle Of Britain 1940The largest air battle in world history took place over the skies of England as the Nazi Luftwaffe mercilessly bombed British civilians, sea vessels, and industries in an attempt to put the British nation into submission.
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Royal Air Force and coalition forces remained resilient- they inflicted heavy losses to German Luftwaffe- eliminating key personnel, in lieu of Air Marshal Goering's escalation of attacks.
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Royal Air Force units execute their first major offensive move with successful sorties into the heart of Germany.
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Germany's last attempt to strike at the heart of Britain. The British, led by Winston Churchill, withstand the incendiary strikes.
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In recognition of severe losses to the Luftwaffe, Hitler executively ends the Battle of Britain in defeat. The western front would be closed until D-Day 06/06/44.
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Italian Dictator Benito Mussolini's forces invade Greece in order to strengthen Axis influence over the entire Balkan peninsula.
