-
Germany invades Poland, inciting Poland’s allies Britain and France to declare war on Germany.
-
By the early part of 1939 the German dictator Adolf Hitler had become determined to invade and occupy Poland.
-
Battle of Britain began against UK
-
Germany, Italy, and Japan sign the Tripartite Pact.
-
Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, starting war with the US.
-
On June 6, Yamamoto ordered his ships to retreat, ending the Battle of Midway. In all, Japan had lost as many as 3,000 men including more than 200 of their most experienced pilots, nearly 300 aircraft, one heavy cruiser and four aircraft carriers in the battle
-
American, British and Canadian troops storm five beaches at Normandy France June 6, known as D-Day, waging one of military history's largest water invasions.
-
US President Harry S. Truman announced Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II.
-
Formal surrender documents were signed aboard the USS Missouri, designating the day as the official Victory over Japan Day.
-
The Soviets attacked south of the Carpathians and encircled Budapest.