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The German invasion began on 1 September 1939, one week after the signing of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact between Germany and the Soviet Union. The Soviets invaded Poland on 17 September.
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during the War of the First Coalition. The brief campaign, on 22–24 February 1797, is the most recent landing on British soil by a hostile foreign force, and thus is often referred to as the "last invasion of mainland Britain".
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Germany uses quick strikes called blitzkrieg, meaning lightning war, to take over much of western Europe including the Netherlands, Belgium, and northern France.
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The government was in disarray as Winston Churchill became PM and, on the continent, Germany ended the Phoney War by invading the Low Countries.
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Germany, Italy, and Japan sign the Tripartite Pact creating the Axis Alliance.
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Italy surrenders to the Allies, however Germany helps Mussolini to escape and set up a government in Northern Italy.
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US Marines invade the island of Iwo Jima. After a fierce battle they capture the island.
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US President Franklin Roosevelt dies. He is succeeded by President Harry Truman.
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Adolf Hitler commits suicide as he knows Germany has lost the war.
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Germany surrenders to the Allies.
