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Japanese invasion of China
The Japanese wanted to control the resources of China, both mineral resources and agricultural production. The Japanese also wanted control over the vast Chinese market where Japanese industrial products could be sold. The japanese army turned a small incident into a full war. -
Germany's invasion of poland
1.5 million German troops invade poland, they bombed and attack naval forces. Hitler claimed the massive invasion was a defensive action, but Britain and France were not convinced. Hitler said Poland would bring Lebensraum, or “living space,” for the Germans. Everything had been accomplished and Hitler hoped that his invasion of Poland would be tolerated. -
Pearl Harbor
Hundreds of Japanese fighter planes attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbor near Honolulu, Hawaii. The barrage lasted just two hours, but it was devastating. More than 2,000 Americans soldiers and sailors died in the attack, and another 1,000 were wounded. President Roosevelt declared war on japan and it was approved.
