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Ribbentrop/Molotov Pact (1939)
The Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, signed on August 23, 1939, was a non-aggression deal between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. It secretly divided Eastern Europe between them and allowed Germany to invade Poland without Soviet resistance. This started World War II. The pact ended in 1941 when Germany invaded the Soviet Union.
Sources-
https://www.history.com/articles/molotov-ribbentrop-pact -
German Invasion of France (1939-1940)
The German invasion of France took place from May 10 to June 25, 1940. Using a Blitzkrieg strategy of fast , coordinated attacks, Germany bypassed French defenses by advancing through the Ardennes Forest. This move led to the fall of Paris on June 14. France surrendered shortly after. The defeat left Britain to face Nazi Germany alone, the course of World War II.
Source- https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/german-invasion-of-western-europe-may-1940 -
Fall of Paris (1940)
The Fall of Paris happened on June 14, 1940, when German troops entered the city during World War II. To avoid mass destruction, Paris was declared an open city and surrendered without a fight. This led to German occupation and the signing of an armistice. This established the Vichy government in southern France.
Sources-
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/german-invasion-of-western-europe-may-1940? -
Pearl Harbor (1941)
The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. They launched over 350 aircrafts in a surprise strike on the U.S. naval base in Hawaii. The assault destroyed eight battleships, 200 aircrafts, and killed over 2,300 Americans. Japan aimed to expand its empire and eliminate U.S. interference. The attack led the U.S. to enter World War II, which led to Japan's eventual defeat.
Source- https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/pearl-harbor?utm -
Wannsee Conference (1942)
On January 20, 1942, Nazi officials met at the Wannsee Conference in Berlin to plan the "Final Solution" The meeting was led by Reinhard Heydrich, the meeting coordinated the change from mass shootings of Jews to industrialized killings in camps like Auschwitz. This marked a major point in the Holocaust, leading to the deaths of 5 to 6 million Jews and millions of others.
Sources- https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/gallery/wannsee-conference-and-the-final-solution -
Bataan Death March (1942)
In April 1942, 75,000 Filipino and American POWs were forced by Japanese troops to march 65 miles in brutal conditions during the Bataan Death March. Thousands died from starvation, disease, and abuse. The event is remembered as a major WWII atrocity.
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https://www.britannica.com/event/Bataan-Death-March -
Battle of Stalingrad (1942)
The Battle of Stalingrad (July 1942 – February 1943) was a major WWII battle between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Challenging fighting in the city led to many casualties and destruction. Soviet forces eventually surrounded and defeated the German 6th Army, marking a turning point in the war. It stopped German advance and gave hope to the Allies.
Sources-
https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Stalingrad?utm -
D-Day (Normandy Invasion - 1944)
On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched D-Day, to eliminate Nazi-occupied France. Over 156,000 troops landed on Normandy’s beaches, facing resistance, especially at Omaha Beach. Despite the high casualties, the Allies secured a foothold, marking a major turning point in World War II. This event also began the liberation of Western Europe.
Sources- https://www.lemonde.fr/en/videos/video/2024/06/06/what-happened-on-d-day-a-major-turning-point-in-world-war-ii -
Battle of the Bulge (1944-1945)
The Battle of the Bulge (December 16, 1944–January 25, 1945) was Germany’s final offensive on the Western Front. German forces attacked through the Ardennes creating a "bulge." Despite early German victories, American forces strongly held key positions. Allied reinforcements led a counterattack, defeating the German forces. The battle caused 75,000 Allied and 100,000 German casualties.
Sources-
https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-the-Bulge -
Liberation of concentration camps (1945)
In 1945, Allied forces liberated Nazi concentration camps. Soviet troops freed Auschwitz on January 27, while American forces liberated Buchenwald, Dachau, and Bergen-Belsen in April. They found mass graves and thousands of starving survivors. The liberations revealed the full extent of the Nazi's crimes and are remembered to honor victims and educate future generations.
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https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/animated-map/liberation-of-nazi-camps -
Battle of Iwo Jima (1945)
The Battle of Iwo Jima (February 19–March 26, 1945) was a conflict in the Pacific during WWII. U.S. Marines assaulted the island to secure airfields for B-29 bombers. Despite resistance from 21,000 Japanese troops, the U.S. captured the island with 6,800 Americans killed and 20,000 Japanese dead. The iconic flag-raising on Mount Suribachi became a symbol of U.S. determination. The victory gave the U.S a crucial base for air operations in the war.
Sources-
//www.livescience.com/battle-of-iwo-jima -
VE Day (1945)
VE Day is celebrated on May 8. It marks Germany's surrender to the Allies in 1945, ending World War II in Europe. It was met with street celebrations across the UK, where leaders like Churchill and King George VI appeared. The day is celebrated with events like parades, concerts, and tributes to veterans. These events include torch relays and a special tea party for WWII vets.
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https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/may-8/victory-in-europe -
Potsdam Declaration (1945)
The Potsdam Declaration was issued on July 26, 1945. It set the terms for Japan's surrender in WWII. It demanded Japan's disarmament and the removal of militaristic authority, while promising the country would not be destroyed. Japan’s failure to respond led to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, resulting in Japan's surrender.
Sources-
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-potsdam-declaration-august-1945 -
Dropping of the atomic bombs (1945)
The United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima on August 6 and on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. The bombings resulted in approximately 210,000 deaths and led to Japan's surrender on August 15, 1945. The decision creates constant debates over its necessity and if it was ethical. Survivors, known as hibakusha, continue to advocate for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons.
Source-
https://www.britannica.com/event/atomic-bombings-of-Hiroshima-and-Nagasaki -
VJ Day (1945)
V-J Day, on August 15, 1945, marked Japan’s surrender, ending World War II. Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration, leading to celebrations in Allied countries. Cities saw many street parties, while Japan had no public festivities. The formal surrender occurred on September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri.
Sources-
https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/vj-day-and-the-end-of-the-second-world-war