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In late 1937, during a time span of six weeks. The Japanese Imperial Army forces brutally murder hundreds of thousands of Chinese soldiers and civilians. During the massacre, between 20,000 and 80,00 women were sexually assaulted. The capital of Nanking was in ruins. https://www.history.com/topics/japan/nanjing-massacre
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Blitzkrieg is the method of offensive warfare designed to strike a swift, focused blow at an enemy using mobile, maneuverable forces. German forces used this tactic to invade Poland. Germany had invaded Poland to reclaim the territory they lost at the end of WWI. German forces had plowed their way through with troops, tanks, and artillery. Much of the Polish resistance were killed.
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Paris fell to Nazi Germany one month after Wehrmacht stormed France. In the eight days following the fall of Parid, France signs an armistice With Germany. France becomes a puppet state for Germany. However, Free Fench keep fighting Nazi rule. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/paris-liberated#:~:text=Paris%20fell%20to%20Nazi%20Germany,with%20its%20capital%20at%20Vichy.
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On June 22, 1941, Hitler launched his armies eastward in a massive invasion of the Soviet Union. He sent three great army groups with over 3 million soldiers, along with 150 divisions and 3,000 tanks. The invasion covered a front from the North Cape to the Black Sea. Germany was forced to fight a two-front war. This was marked as the turning point of the War. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/operation-barbarossa
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On December 7, 1941, the Japanese Imperial Navy launched a surprise attack on the U.S. This attack on the Hawaii naval base was used as a declaration of war towards the United States. The attack lasted a total of 90 minutes, sinking 4 battleships and 2 destroyers. 188 aircraft were also destroyed. In the end, 2,400 Americans were killed. https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2011/07/world-war-ii-pearl-harbor/100117/
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The Battle of Stalingrad was a brutal military campaign between Russian forces and Nazi Germany. From this battle, Operation Thunderclap was created. Operation Thunderclap created on December 12, 1942, was the breakout plan for the sixth army. This plan was vetoed by Hitler. https://www.britannica.com/list/timeline-of-the-battle-of-stalingrad
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January 20, 1943, Nazi officials meet to discuss details of the "final solution to the Jewish question." The true meaning being, what is the most effective way to kill off large groups of people. After this conference, the decision was made. The end result being gas vans killing 1,000 people a day. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-wannsee-conference
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On September 3, 1943, the British 8th army under Field Marshal Bernard L Montgomery began the allied invasion. They Crossed the Strait of Messina from Sicily and landing in Calabria. The invasion of Italy resulted in Italy surrendering in secret. This marked another Ally victory. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/allies-invade-italian-mainland
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On June 6, 1944, 156,000 American, Canadian, and British forces landed on five beaches across a 50-mile stretch. This was one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history; resulting in the Allied liberation of Europe from Nazi control. D-Day was named the end of the war in Europe after the allied powers defeated the Germans https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/d-day
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On February 19, 1945, American forces invaded the island of Iwo Jima. This epic military campaign between U.S. Marines and the Imperial Army was dubbed the bloodiest fighting of WWII. This battle lasted all of two weeks. It is believed that only 200 of 21,000 Japanese forces were killed, along with 7,000 U.S. Marines. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-iwo-jima
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In early January 1945, Soviet soldiers poured into Auschwitz. The Soviet soldiers had believed the camp to be abandoned until they realized it was full of people. The prisoners of Auschwitz had been left for dead by the SS guards who had evacuated the camp. The people had rejoiced for the liberation of Auschwitz. https://www.history.com/news/auschwitz-liberation-soviets-holocaust
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On May 8, 1945, the United States and Great Britain celebrate Victory in Europe Day. Flags and banners are put up to rejoice in the defeat of the Nazi's in WWII. On this day in history, German troops laid down their arms in surrender. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/victory-in-europe
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On August 6, 1945, an American B-29 bomber dropped the world's first atomic bomb over Hirojima. 80,000 were killed immediately after, while thousands more died from radiation exposure. Three days later, the B-29 bomber drops another bomb over Nagasaki. This kills 40,000 people, leading to Japan's surrender. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/bombing-of-hiroshima-and-nagasaki
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On August 14, 1945, Japan surrendered unconditionally to the allies. This marked the end of WWII. Japan's formal surrender took place aboard the U.S.S. Missouri anchored in Tokyo Bay. The name V-J Day stands for "Victory over Japan Day" https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/v-j-day
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From December 16, 1945, to January 25, 1945, was the Battle of the Bulge. It was dubbed "The Greatest American War" by Winston Churchill. This was Hitler's last major offensive in WWII against the western front after failing in dividing the Allies. The battle resulted in 100,000 U.S. casualties. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-the-bulge#&gid=ci0257d40b500025b3&pid=battle-of-the-bulge-gettyimages-50659716
