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Germany Invades Poland
World War II begins with German forces attacking the Polish from both air and land, with tanks, bombs, and planes.
Historical Perspective:
- Hitler wanted to gain more power, and so he decided that he would overturn the Treaty of Versailles and try to get Danzig
- The German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact allowed Hitler to attack Poland without the possiblity of the Soviets interfering
- The secret terms of the pact also stated that if the invasion was successful, they would divide up the territory -
The Battle of Atlantic
Ships travelling from North America carried food, supplies, weapons, and troops to the British to help them during the war. However, Germany wanted to cut off these supply lines and take control of the sae routes.
Historical Significance:
- One of the longest battles during World War II, lasted nearly six years
- Killed almost 73, 000 people in total -
Great Britain and France Declare War
As allies with the recently invaded Poland, Britain and France declare war on Germany.
Continuity and Change:
- The countries can be seen holding up their alliances and supporting each other
- Britain had supported France when Germany was invading Belgium during the first World War
- Great Britain and France decide to work together again to protect their ally -
Canada Declares War
Canada declares war against Germany.
Continuity and Change:
- Previously, during the first World War, Canada automaically joined the war with Britain.
- Since then, the country had become more independent, allowing it to join the war later, at its own time -
The Battle of Britain
This air force battle ended as a defeat for the Germans.
Ethical Dimension:
- Due to poor planning, the Germans were unable to carry out the entirety of their plan
- When Hitler saw that he was going to be defeated, he ordered the bombing of London
- It is morally wrong to kill innocent people that have done nothing wrong -
The Axis Powers are Formed
Germany, Italy, and Japan sign the Tripartite Pact and become allies.
Cause and Effect:
- Each country would be ensured two other allies if they were ever attacked by the USA
- Provided the fascists with bigger numbers -
Operation Barbarossa
Germany breaks the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact with Russia.
Historical Significance:
- One of the largest military invasions ever
- Played a big part in Germany's loss during the war -
Attack on Pearl Harbour
Hundreds of Japanese fighter planes attacked the US Naval Base.
Historical Significance:
- Caused nearly 3, 7000 deaths and casualties
- Destroyed 18 American ships and almost 300 airplanes
- This attack was what led to the US finally joining the war, despite the country first declaring neutrality -
The Battle of Stalingrad
The Nazi Germans fought against the Soviet Union as an attempt to gain control over the city of Stalingrad.
Historical Significance:
- First time Germany was on the defensive side instead of the offensive side
- The beginning of Germany’s downfall
- First major victory for Russia during WW2
- Everyone started believing that this battle would inevitably lead to Hitler’s defeat
- With the major losses caused by the battle, Germany was left with a significantly lower amount of victories -
Mussolini is Voted Out
Benito Mussolini, the dictator of Italy, is voted out of his postition by his own Grand Council, and is then arrested.
Cause and Effect:
- End of Italy`s fascist government
- Germany lost an ally
- Pietro Badoglio was to lead the new government -
Italy Surrenders
Italy surrenders to the Allies.
Historical Significance:
- Germany had begun to lose all of its allies
- This would leave the Allies with the stonger forces -
D-Day
The Allies invade Normandy.
Cause and Effect:
- Gave the Allies the first major opening for the War
- Caused a sgnificant dent in the German troop number -
Liberation of Paris
The Allies free Paris from the Germans.
Historical Significance:
- Hitler's troops were forced back
- The German influence was lessening -
Hitler Commits Suicide
Historical Perspective:
- Hitler did not want to face the humiliation of Germany losing the war
- His death was a sign that the war was coming to an end -
Germany Surrenders
Historical Significance:
- Germany surrenders to the Allies, which means that they were successful
- Would bring an end to the European conflict in World War II
- The Nazi party had ended -
Hiroshima Bombing
The USA drops a bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.
Historical SIgnificance:
- First atomic bomb used in warfare
- Created major losses: killed 75,000 people, injured 100,000 -
Nagasaki Bombing
The USA drops a bomb on Nagasaki, Japan.
Ethical Dimension:
- Was wrong to injure countless amounts of people without a care
- Would create long-lasting impacts on people`s lives, as well as the enviroment -
Japan Officially Surrenders
Historical SIgnificance:
- The end of World War II
