ww2 timeline By RichardLu Period: Jan 1, 1933 to Dec 31, 1945 ww2 timeline Jan 30, 1933 Adolf Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany. Jul 7, 1937 Japan invades China, initiating World War II in the Pacific. Sep 1, 1939 Nazis invade Poland, initiating World War II in Europe. Jul 22, 1941 Nazis invade Poland, initiating World War II in Europe. Dec 7, 1941 Japan bombs Pearl Harbor Jun 1, 1944 British and US troops successfully land on the Normandy beaches of France May 9, 1945 Germany surrenders to the Soviets Sep 2, 1945 Japan formally surrenders, ending World War II