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1939
On September 1, 1939, Hitler invaded Poland from the west; two days later, France and Britain declared war on Germany, beginning World War II. -
1939
Working in concert with Hitler, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin orders the invasion of Poland, securing a share of Polish territory. -
1939
British cruisers defeat a German pocket battleship at the Battle of the River Plate, the first major naval engagement of World War II. -
1940
Germany invades Norway, ending a 6-month period of limited land operations called the “Phony War.” -
1940
Paris falls to German forces. France capitulates 11 days later. -
1941
Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, starting war with the US. Sensing weakness, Hitler declares war on America 4 days later. -
1945
Hitler's suicide and the German unconditional surrender on 8 May 1945.