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Germanys Invasion of Poland
The Polish army was defeated within weeks of the invasion. Germany had over 2,000 tanks and 1,000 planes that broke through polish defenses. -
German Blitzrieg
Also known as the lightning war. Military tactic designed to create disorganization among enemy forces. It successfully executed results in short military campaigns, which preserves human lives and limits the expenditure of artillery. -
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is a US naval base in Hawaii. Japanese fighter planes descended on the base where they destroyed 20 American naval vessels, including 8 ships and over 300 air planes. More than 2,400 Americans died in the attack including civilians. -
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Battle of Midway
US was able to preempt and counter Japans planned ambush of its few remaining aircraft carriers. Causing permanent damage on the Japan navy. An important turning point in the pacific campaign, the victory allowed the US and its allies to move into an offensive position. -
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Allied Invasion of Italy
Italian government secretly agreed to the allies to surrender. Opposition groups in Italy were uniting to overthrow Mussolini and make peace with the allies. Strong German military presence in Italy threatened to resist. -
D-Day
156,000 American, British, and Canadian forces landed on 5 beach's of heavily fortified coast of Frances Normandy region. All of the northern France had been liberated . Largest amphibious military assaults in history. -
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Battle of the bulge
Hitler attempted to split the allied armies by means of surprise attack. Successful maneuvering of the 3rd army to Bastogne proved vital to the allied defense. This all lead to the neutralization of the German counteroffensive despite heavy casualties. -
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Battle of Iwo Jima
Air and naval bombardment within 3 US marine divisions. Defended by roughly 23,000 Japanese army and naval troops. Fought from an elaborate network of caves, dugouts, tunnels, and underground installations. -
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Battle of Okinawa
The last major battle and one of the bloodiest. Navy filth fleet and more than 180,000 US army US marine troops descended for a final push towards Japan. -
VE Day
Also known as Victory Europe Day. Celebration of the victory in Europe. Great Britain and US and formerly occupied cities in western Europe put out flags and banners, to rejoice the defeat of the Nazi war machine. -
Dropping of the Atomic Bombs
President was warned by some of his advertisers that there would be horrific casualties. But he knew that the weapon would bring a speedy end to the war. Enola Gay dropped a five-ton bomb over the Japanese city of Hiroshima. -
VJ Day
Also known as victory over Japan Day. Japan had surrendered unconditionally to the allies. With is ending world war 2.
