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Nuremberg Laws Created
German officials create the Nurember Laws, a set of oppresive rules against the Jews. -
Japan Invades China
Japan invades China, starting a war in the Pacific. -
Kristallnacht
In response to a Jew killing a German official, German military stormed through Jewish businesses and homes, breaking everything in sight. -
Invasion of Poland
Adolf Hitler organized an invasion of Poland from the north, south and west. The invasion lastec more than a month, ending on October 6. -
Miracle at Dunkirk
The British had been badly defeated by the Germans in the battle of France. Hitler held off the final attack, and by a miracle, 340,000 troops were rescued at the port at Dunkirk. -
Italy Enters the War
Italy enters the war and attacks southern France eleven days later. -
Germany, Italy and Japan Unite
Germany, Italy and Japan form an alliance, signing the Tripartite Pact. -
Bombing of Pearl Harbor
The Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor Military Base. The attack was successful due to a number of mistakes by the Americans, and the results were horrible, killing 2,402 Americans -
Wannsee Conference
German leaders meet at the Wannsee Conference. In this meeting, they come up with the "Final Solution", a plan to kill all Jews. -
Bataan Death March Begins
75,000 Filipino and American troops were forced to march 85 miles in six days starting on April 4, 1942. Cruel guards and almost no food led to the death of thousands. -
Anne Frank Goes Into Hiding
Anne Frank and her family go into hiding to avoid the Germans. Anne's diary was found later on and is considered one of the most valuable records of the war. -
Benito Mussolini Resigns
Benito Mussolini resigns as leader of the Italian Fascist Party, hurting the Axis Powers' chance for a victory. -
Seige of Leningrad Ends
The siege of Leningrad ends after 900 days on Jan 27. -
D-Day
This risky attack by the Americans was a decisive battle that the Americans won. Dwight Eisenhower led the two pronged air and sea attack of more than 24,000 soldiers. -
Adolf Hitler Commits Suicide
Adolf Hitler commits suicide as opposing forces close in. -
Germany Surrenders
German officials sign an unconditional surrender. This was the first of a few critical events to completely end the war. -
Victory Day
Public holiday in Europe to celebrate the surrender of Adolf Hitler and the Germans. -
Bombing of Hiroshima
The Americans drop a bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, killing around 120,000. -
Bombing of Nagasaki
The Americans bomb the Japanese city of Nagasaki, killing around 70,000. -
Japan Formally Surrenders
Japan formally surrenders after bombings on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
