World War II

World War I Ends

Nov 11, 1918

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

Jan 30, 1933

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

World War II Begins

Sep 1, 1939

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

Soviet Union Invades Poland

Sep 17, 1939

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

Warsaw Captured

Sep 27, 1939

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

UK Wins War's First Sea Battle

Dec 13, 1939

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

Apr 8, 1940

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

Churchill Becomes Prime Minister

May 10, 1940

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

Miracle of Dunkirk

Period: May 26, 1940 to Jun 4, 1940

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

Paris fall to Nazis

Jun 14, 1940

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

Britain Fights for its life

Period: Jul 10, 1940 to Oct 31, 1940

The Battle of Britain pits German bombers against British fighters in a thwarted German prelude to invasion.

U.S. plunged into war

Dec 7, 1941

Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, starting war with the US. Sensing weakness, Hitler declares war on America 4 days later.

U.S. begins bombardments

Dec 8, 1944

U.S. Air force begins bombardment of Hiroshima

U.S. uses nuclear weapons

1945

U.S. drops atomic bombs over Japan

WW II ends

Aug 14, 1945

Japan surrenders and world war 2 is over.