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Germany Invades Poland
German forces move into Poland, using the new Blitzkrieg strategy that was developed, they quickly take the half that was decided to be theirs when the Non-Aggression pact was made with Russia. This happened because Germany was striking all of the lesser powers nearby so as to gain power for the inevitable battle with the other major powers of Europe. This event was the first aggressive movement on Germany's part prior to the involvement of all of Europe and the Americas. -
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German Blitzkieg
This was a military tactic devised to disorient and neutralize enemy forces with minimal casualties. It involved coordination between radio centres and mobile units so as to be the most effective. This was the first strategy to base itself on the division of the enemy behind their own lines as the allied vehicles pour through the enemy defenses. -
Operation Barbarossa
German offensive into U.S.S.R. territory that starts out with heavy success, but after one loss outside of Moscow, the Germans were slowly pushed farther and farther out of Russia. This marked Germany's first loss and preceded many more great losses until the end of the war. -
Pearl Harbor
Japan launches a surprise attack on United States naval forces in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This attack was in an effort to weaken the U.S. for an incoming invasion, however, the entire naval fleet was not destroyed and thus The United States of America attacked Japan with full force. This marks the entry of the United States into World War 2 -
Battle of Stalingrad
Germany targeted Stalingrad as a whole, attacking with aerial bombardment and relentless assaults, eventually coming down to close quarters fights as well. Germany however was forced out of Stalingrad due to disobediance and exaustion. -
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Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
Residents of a ghetto in Warsaw rise up against their German oppressors. This army was under armed and was ill trained, thus the battle ended after a short time, and ended with the Germans completing the task of liquidation. This was the single largest revolt by jews during World War 2 -
D-Day
Allied forces land on the northern coasts of Normandy in an effort to retake western European land from German forces. This amphibeas assault is met with much resistance and results in one of the highest battle casualty totals in the war. Many of the Allied Forces' attempts fail miserably due to their caution over friendly fire and low material preparations and provisions. -
Battle of the Bulge
Germany launches an offensive in the Ardennes region in western Europe. American forces sustained heavy losses, but also managed to take down large numbers of German armor, luftwaffe, and soldiers. This offensive was meant to be an effort to end the western theatre and allow Germany to focus on the Eastern theatre with Russia, this however, failed due to an allied interception of plans. -
Battle of Okinawa
A battle to secure the island of Okinawa just miles from the mainland of Japan. American soldiers won the battle with less than a fifth of the japanese casualties, this was mostly due to their support on three various fronts: Amphibious, Aerial, and Naval. This battle lead to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as Japanese surrender. -
VE Day
Holiday celebrating Victory in Europe. This holiday marks the date of the unconditional surrender of Germany to the Allied forces. -
The Dropping of The Bombs
Two atomic bombs are delivered via bomber planes to Japanese cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The bombings result in an estimated casualty count of over 100,000. Japan subsequently surrenders to the Allies. -
VJ Day
The date on which the surrender treaty was signed that ends the war between Japan and Allied forces. This is recognized as the offical end to World War Two.
