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Precursors
After WW1 Germany was hit with strict economic restrictions that caused their economy to crumble. This allowed influential people to step forward and place blame on other people or countries. -
Hitler Steps Forward
In 1933 Adolf Hitler stepped forward as the leader of the Nazi Party. He took over and ruled as a Dictator for Germany. His official title was Fuhrer. -
Early Concentration Camps
The earliest concentration camps were used to eliminate "enemies of the state". These were basically anyone who may disapprove of Hitler's tactics (sometimes including homosexuals, Gypsies, or Jehovah's Witnesses). It wasn't until 1938 that Jews were brought in. -
Austria
In 1938 Austria was annexed and Germany began rounding up Jews from both Austria and Germany to place them in concentration camps. -
Czechoslovakia
Most believe Germany invaded Poland first, but technically Czechoslovakia occurred shortly beforehand. -
Britain and Poland
Britain gave a reassurance to Poland that any invasion by Germany would lead to their interference. -
Germany and Russia
Germany signed a "nonaggression" pact with Russia in order to keep them out of the war. Later Hitler breaks this pact. -
Invasion of Poland
After feeling that his back was covered Hitler made the decision to invade Poland. This action set the wheels in motion for other countries to get involved. -
Declaring War
France and Britain declare war on Germany following the invasion of Poland. No real fighting by Britain took place for several months though. -
Blitzkrieg
This is the form of war that Hitler developed or used during WWII. The true meaning of it is "lighting war". He bombed and struck countries very quickly and gave no time for them to even realize what happened. -
Italy Joins the Fight
Italy joins the fight alongside Germany. This is after Germany had taken out several countries and annihilated France. So basically they were looking to ride the coattails. -
France Surrenders
France lasted just under a full year in the war before signing an Armistice with Germany. -
Battle of Britain
One of the most important battles of WWII. Had Britain lost this the world is Germany's. The plan was to break Britain's morale by having constant bombing on London. Fortunately the British air force (Royal Air Force) was superior to Germany's. This held off the raids and allowed the British to fight off the German's. Hitler also used a new tactic which was night bombings during this battle. Lasted from July 10 - October 31 -
Japan Signs On
Italy, Germany, and Japan sign a pact known as the Tripartite Pact. -
Breaking the Pact
Germany attacks Russia - Operation Barbarossa -
Pearl Harbor
Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, but do not send their second wave to complete the job. This allowed the US to have just enough left to enter the war. -
Battle of Midway
Another turning point in the war. The US Navy defeated the Japanese Navy at Midway. This allowed the US to grab a foothold in the Pacific Theater and push the Japanese back. -
Battle of Stalingrad
Russia wins its first battle against Germany. Almost 2 million soldiers were lost during this battle. -
North Africa
Italy and Germany had been pushing into North Africa early in the war. When the US entered the war they and Britain fought back in Africa. in 1943 they finally had pushed Italy and Germany out of Africa. -
Italy is Out
Shortly after winning back North Africa, the Allies pushed into Italy and captured Sicily. After doing this it led to the surrender of Italy. Leaving only Germany to fight in Europe. -
D-Day (Overlord)
This is one of, if not the, most important attacks in history. A total of 14 countries were involved in this strike. Took place on 5 beaches (Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword). This attack allowed Allied forces to push Germany back in all directions. -
Battle of the Bulge
This was the final strike by the German forces. One of the biggest deficiencies during this battle was the lack of air support by Germany. Their Air Force (Luftwaffe) had been grounded due to earlier attacks. This left them with no cover or intelligence against the enemy. -
Almost Over
In a span of 5 days some of the most powerful Axis leaders are eliminated. April 28th Mussolini (Italy) is captured and killed. April 30th Hitler commits suicide. May 2nd German forces surrendered. -
Japan's Defeat
Due to the threat of massive casualties in the event of a mainland invasion of Japan, US decides to drop the Atomic Bombs instead. August 6th the bomb known as "Little Boy" was dropped on Hiroshima. August 9th the bomb known as "Fat Man" was dropped on Nagasaki. -
Japan Surrenders
The Japanese surrender effectively ends WWII. The signing of the surrender took place on the USS Missouri, which was one of the ships bombed at Pearl Harbor
