World War II

By Amy Lim

  • World War I Ends

    Britain, France, the US, and other allies defeat Germany, bringing an end to World War I, billed as “the war to end all wars.”

  • Hitler Appointed As Germany's Leader

    Adolf Hitler becomes chancellor of Germany and later assumes dictatorial powers. German rearmament takes off.

  • World War II Begins

    Germany invades Poland, inciting Poland’s allies Britain and France to declare war on Germany.

  • Australia Joins The War

    Australia enters World War II.

  • Soviet Union Invades Poland

    Working in concert with Hitler, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin orders the invasion of Poland, securing a share of Polish territory.

  • Warsaw Captured

    Warsaw surrenders to German troops. Poland holds out for another 9 days before capitulating.

  • The United Kingdom Wins In The War's First Navy Battle

    British cruisers defeat a German pocket battleship at the Battle of the River Plate, the first major naval engagement of World War II.

  • Norway Invaded

    Germany invades Norway, ending a 6-month period of limited land operations called the “Phony War.”

  • Churchill Becomes Prime Minister

    Winston Churchill replaces Neville Chamberlain as British Prime Minister. The same day, Germany invades Belgium.

  • Miracle Of Dunkirk

    The trapped British army evacuates to England from Dunkirk, France, surviving to fight another day.

  • Paris Falls To Nazis

    Paris falls to German forces. France capitulates 11 days later.

  • Japan Joins World War II

    Japan enters World War II.

  • The United States Joins World War II

    The United States enters World War II.

  • Peace At Last

    The World War II finally ends.