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Attack of Manchuria
The Japanese army attacked Manchuria, even though their parliament was against the idea. This allowed them to set up a puppet government and harvest the iron and coal available in Manchuria. -
Nuremberg Laws
These laws deprived the Jews of Germany of their rights to citizenship, jobs, and property. Jews then had to wear a yellow star attached to their clothing to show they are a Jew. -
Alliance with Italy and Germany
Hitler's growing strength convinced Mussolini to seek an alliance with Italy. When Hitler and Mussolini reached the agreement, it became known as the Rome-Berlin Axis. The two countries were now Allies for the whole war. -
Kristallnacht
Kristallnacht, or "Night of Broken Glass" occured when many Nazi leaders violently attacked the Jewish community by attacking homes and buisnesses. Around 100 Jews were killed. The Nazi leaders proceeded to smash many business windows, giving the night its name. -
Invasion of Poland by Germany
Germany launched a suprise attack on Poland at dawn. German tanks, troops, and airplanes rushed over Poland borders, completely taking it over, causing Poland to crumble. This invasion unleashed World War II, but no one knew of it at the time. -
Invasion of Eastern Poland by Soviet Union
After a secret agreement with Hitler, Stalin sent Soviet Union troops to occupy the eastern half of Poland. This allowed Stalin to begin annexing regions such as Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. -
France Surrenders
France fell under the control of Germany when they lost many battles within their own country. Germany took control of northern France. They left the southern half to a puppet government in the city of Vichy. -
Lend Lease Act
President Roosevelt of the United States persuaded Congress to pass the Lend Lease Act. This law allowed the president to lend or lease arms and other supplies to any country vital to the United States. -
Battle of Britain
Germany launched their attack in Great Britain, which with a victory would almost definitely win Germany the war. Great Britain was able to resist and claim victorious, causing Hitler to call off his attacks. This taught the Allies that Hitler's advances could be blocked. -
Atlantic Charter
Roosevelt and Churchill met secretly on a battleship off Newfoundland to issue a joint declaration. This upheld free trade among the nations and the right of the peopleto choose their own government. It later served as the Allies' peace plan by the end of World War II. -
Pearl Harbor
Japan launched a suprise attack on the United States military post, Pearl Harbor. This attack allowed Japan to bomb the area, killing 2,400, wounding 1,000, and sink/damage many ships. This attack brought the United States into the war. -
Japanese Internment in the United States
President Roosevelt set up a program of internment and loss of property for thosse in America of Japanese decent, since the Japanese were a threat to the United States. These people were relocated to relocation camps to reduce threat, even those born a United States citizen. -
Battle of Midway
Japan wished to attack the United States again at Midway island to further wipe out their airforce and navy. The United States were ready for the attack and avenged themselves for the loss at Pearl Harborwith a victory. -
German Invasion of Soviet Union
Germany suffered heavy losses because of the Russian winter. When the summer approached, Germany was ready to attack again. When Germany gained a good amount of control of Russia, another winter came around. This allowed the Soviet Union to cut off German supplies and the Soviet Union gained the advantage. -
Allies Invasion of Italy
Allied forces of 180,000 soldierd landed in Sicily, Italy and captured it from Italian and German troops. This requlted in Mussolini being taken out of power temporarily. -
D-Day
The Allies launched a major attack with troops from many of the Allied countries. They were able to attack Germany through the English Channel and punch a hole in their defences. The Allies got Germany to have to retreat from battle. -
Germany Surrenders
Germany was attacked by millions of the Allies troops. They attacked at Germany's capital, Berlin, and overwhelmed them. Germany was forced to surrender, ending World War II in Europe. -
Bombing of Hiroshima
This was the first of two atomic bombs dropped on Japan by the United States in World War II. This bomb dropped on Hiroshima, a city of 365,000, killed about 73,000 people. Radiation killed many more. -
Bombing of Nagasaki
This was the second of two atomic bombs dropped on Japan by the United States in World War II. This bomb dropped on Nagasaki, a city of 200,000, killed about 37,500 people. Radiation killed many more. -
Japanese Surrender
Nearly a month after the bombings in Japan, Japan was left with no choice but to surrender to the United States. They surrendered on the battleship, Missouri, in Tokyo Bay. The world was now left with the task of rebuilding their countries.
