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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 German 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. -
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. -
UK Wins War's First Sea 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. -
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Miracle of Dunkirk
The trapped British army evacuates to England from Dunkirk, France, surviving to fight another day. -
Paris fall to Nazis
Paris falls to German forces. France capitulates 11 days later. -
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Britain Fights for its life
The Battle of Britain pits German bombers against British fighters in a thwarted German prelude to invasion. -
U.S. plunged into war
Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, starting war with the US. Sensing weakness, Hitler declares war on America 4 days later. -
U.S. begins bombardments
U.S. Air force begins bombardment of Hiroshima -
U.S. uses nuclear weapons
U.S. drops atomic bombs over Japan -
WW II ends
Japan surrenders and world war 2 is over.