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Non-Aggression Pact
On this date, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union created and signed a non-aggression pact, which promised peace between the two. This was beneficial at the time, keeping Germany from fighting a two front war and awarding the Soviet Union land. The Soviet Union agreed to provide Germany with materials while Germany gave the Soviets Baltic States. The Soviet Union remained faithful to this pact. Germany had violated this pact within two years. -
Germany Attacks
On this day, the Germans followed through with an unexpected attack on Denmark and Norway. Norway was planning on remaining independent as they had during World War I, but was eventually taken over by Germany. The Danish resisted in small amounts, but were vastly outnumbered by the Germans. The Danish "surrendered" within two hours, but remained hostile and resistant to their invaders until they were liberated in 1945. -
Japanese Bomb Pearl Harbor
On this day, the Japanese Navy shocked Americans with a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, a naval base in Hawaii. It is believed that this attack was planned to prevent the United States from interfering with Japans plans regarding overseas territories. The Japanese attacked with fighters, bombers and torpedo planes. 2,402 Americans were killed and many were wounded. This event ultimately led to the United States entry into war. -
America Declares War
On this day, the United States congress and President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war on Japan. This was in response to the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor one day earlier. Unintentionally, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor before formally declaring war on the United States. Roosevelt delivered his famous infamy speech, and one hour later war was officially declared. -
Auschwitz
On this day, Jewish citizens were dropped off at a death camp known as Auschwitz. The intentions behind this death camp were to completely wipe out the Jewish population, as Hitler wished. This became one of the most grusome, tortuous, and well known death camps during the Holocaust. Within three years, over one million jews had died at this camp. -
Battle of the Coral Sea
On this day, Japan moved to take New Guinea. The United States saw this as an opportunity to attack Japan, and sent two aircraft carriers to fight. On the 7th, the United States and Japan fought via aircraft, but the ships never saw each other or engaged in battle. The battle was a draw, however Japan called off their attack. This battle shifted the outlook for the United States. -
D-Day
On this day, the Allies attacked the Germans in force and vast numbers by storming the beaches at Normandy. The first American troops landed at 6:30 A.M., and found that Nazi soldiers were attacking full force. Many soldiers were not even out of the water before drowning or being shot. This day symbolized perseverance and bravery for American soldiers. By the end of this day the allies had a firm grip on France. -
The Wolf's Lair
On this day, Colonel Claus Von Stauffenberg attempted to assassinate Hitler by planting a bomb at Hitler's headquarters, also known as the Wolf's Lair. While the explosion did kill/wound twenty people, Hitler survived. This man took poison in order to avoid a trial for his actions. Hitler refused to surrender following this attack, but not long after killed himself. -
The End of Adolf Hitler
On this day, Hitler commited suicide by gunshot alongside his wife, Eva. It is believed his suicide was a result of stress, fear of defeat, and realization that no one was following his orders anymore. At this point, Hitler was mentally, physically and emotionally unstable. He had ruined and ended millions of lives, and many were relieved following his death. Hitler will always be known as the leader who ruined Germany for a period of time. -
Hiroshima
On this day, United States Pilots dropped an atomic bomb known as "little boy" on Hiroshima. Within minutes, 60,000 citizens were dead. Following this bombing, Japan debated whether or not they should surrender. At this point, they were not sure whether or not the United States would drop more bombs. Three days later, the United States dropped "fat man" on Nagasaki and killed 35,000 citizens. Japan surrendered on the 14th of August.
