-
Rise of Fascist Dictators in Europe
On this date, Benito Mussolini comes to power in Italy. He invaded Ethiopia in 1935. The League of Nations attempted to help the Ethiopian nation, but they had no power. By 1936, Ethiopia was taken over. Benito remained in power for the majority of the war which ended in 1945. -
Japanese Aggression in Asia
In 1931, Manchuria was seized by Japan. The League of Nations disapproved of Japan's aggressiveness causing Japan to leave the organization. By the end of 1937, a large part of eastern China was conquered by Japan. The Rape of Nanking also occured during this time period and resulted in many deaths of both Chinese citizens and soldiers. This event lasted into 1937. -
Annexation of Austria
Hitler wants to achieve Anschluss which is the "union of Austria and Germany." Austria is forced by Hitler to make Nazis in power. Hitler sends in his army when Austria's leader refuses his orders. A threat of war comes up, but any Austrians who oppose Hitler will be silenced. -
Munich Conference
Hitler wants the Sudetenland of Czechoslovakia to be annexed to Germany. Not willing to go to war, Britain and France give in to Hitler. The Czechs surrender the land to Germany. Hitler claims he has no plans to take over any more land. -
Nazi-Soviet Pact
The Nazi-Soviet Pact is a nonaggression pact signed between Hitler of Germany and Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union. Publicly, they agreed to not fight each other; however, they also agreed to some conditions secretly. Hitler and Stalin would "not fight if the other went to war" and would "divide up Poland and other parts of Eastern Europe." -
Battle of the Atlantic
The Battle of the Atlantic is the longest battle of WWII lasting from 1939-1945 when the war is over. The Allied powers are going against the Germans in the battle on the sea. Advantages shift between sides many times throughout the fight. At the end, the Allies manage to win over the Germans and their U-boats. -
Phony War
The "Phony War" was a time period during the first winter of the war where not much fighting took place. The French were behind their battle line, the Maginot Line. British troops waited with them. Once spring hit, the war went on full force. This event lasted until March 20th of 1940. -
Nazi Genocide
On this day, Auschwitz was established. During this time, Hitler murdered millions of Jews and other people of races he thought were inferior. Jews were sent to these camps to be worked until death, starved, and mudered. Now, this time in history is known as the Holocaust. This event lasted into 1945. -
Miracle at Dunkirk
Pouring in to France, the Germans trap the British between them and the English Channel. Britain sends all the ships they can to rescue stranded soldiers on the shore. Germans launch air attacks against British; however, they do not succeed. The British successfully transport over 300,000 of their soldiers to safety. -
Battle of Britain
Germans launch an air attack on British ships in the English Channel. London is bombed by the Germans on August 23rd of 1940. In response, Britain bombs Berlin the next day. Hitler then focuses his attacks on London, Britain's capital. The British are able to push through the battle and Hitler cancels the invasion on October 12, 1940. -
Fall of France
Germany invades France and travels towards Paris while Italy is attacking from the south after declaring war on France. France then surrenders. In same place the Germans signed the armistice, France is forced by the Germans to sign the surrender papers. Northern France is now occupied by Germany. -
Operation Barbarossa
Hitler wants to conquer the Soviet Union. When Germans invaded, 2.5 million Russian soldiers lost their lives. The Germans were closing in on Moscow and Leningrad by the fall of that year; however, the Russian winters proved to be brutal and thousands of Germans froze to death. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor is a surprise attack on the United States declared by General Tojo. American ships and airplanes are destroyed by the Japanese. This attack leaves more 2,400 people dead. Germany and Italy declare war on the United States after President Roosevelt asks Congress to declare war on Japan. -
Battle of Midway
The Japanese plan to trap the United States and take over Midway is not successful. The US reacts differently than the Japanese expect them to causing the plan to fail. Because they were able to figure out the date and location of the attack, the United States was able to prepare their navy. Four Japanese planes and one ship were sunk. On the US's side one plane and one ship were sunk. -
Battle of El Alamein
There were two BAttles of El Alamein. The first one occured during the month of July 1942. The second Battle of El Alamein took place from October 23rd 1942 to November 4th 1942. Both the Axis and Allied powers suffered much loss throughout the battles. Axis powers were outnumbered by the Allies and retreated from the Battle. -
Battle of Stalingrad
The Germans are set on capturing Stalingrad in the Soviet Union. They surround the city and the Russians trap them. When winter comes, it's a struggle. Germans surrender when they realize there is no hope.This battle lasts until February of 1943. -
Invasion of Italy
The Allied powers landed in Sicily first and then southen Italy. After a month, the Italian forces were defeated. Italy's new government signed an armistice, but it did not end the fighting. Germans came and helped Italians reinforce the Italian's will to keep fighting. Because of the Germans resistance, the Allies had a tough time gaining land and suffered many losses. -
D-Day
Allied powers invade France in the night. Allied troops are carried across the English Channel. They fought their way onto shore and broke through German troops. Southern France is also being invaded by forces that sailed from Italy. Germans are pressured from all sides and retreat. France is finally free once Allied powers enter Paris. -
Batlle of Okinawa
The Allies are planning to invade Japan by using the island of Okinawa. Japanese attempt to defend themselves by the use of kamikaza pilots. These pilots go on suicide missions to attack their opponents. Around 200,000 lives are lost in total. This battle lasts until June 22, 1945. -
Battle of Berlin
Russians race into the nation and got to Berlin. Both the Germans and Russians lose many soldiers in the battle. The city of Berlin is surrendered to the Russians on May 2nd when the battle is over. -
United Nations
A meeting takes place in San Francisco to come up with a charter for the United States. Under the United Nations:
- Each of the member nations had one vote in the General Assembly.
- There was a group given more power called the Security Council.
- Each of the five nations included (US, Russia, Britain, France, and China) had the right to veto any council decision.
The United Nations is involved in many world problems such as improving education and preventing disease outbreaks. -
Nazis Defeated
The Allied powers storm into Belgium in December of 1944. Germans fight back strong and both sides suffer major losses. Also in Germany, bombing is also happening killing around 135,000 people. Hitler knows there is no hope; he commits suicide and Germany surrenders. -
Use of Atomic Weapons
An atomic bomb is dropped on the Japanese town of Hiroshima by the Americans. More than 70,000 people are killed that instant. Other deadly aftereffects kill many more. Another bomb is dropped by the Americans 3 days later on August 9th. This one is dropped on the Japanese city of Nagasaki killing 40,000 people instantly. Japan decides to surrender on August 10th. -
Surrender of Japan
The United States bombs Japan twice in a span of 4 days. Also in that timespan, the Soviet Union declares war on Japan. The Japanese government is forced to surrender on August 10 by Emperor Hirohito. The formal peace treaty is signed on September 2nd that year.
