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Period: to
WWII
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Germany Attacks Poland
This was the beggining of the war. Germany, after the rise of fashism had launched a full blown attack, sweeping through Poland. Poland was no match for the new German style of war, known as the Blitzkrieg. German quickly overtook Poland, and thus set WWII into motion. -
Neutrality Act
The United States wanted both to profit from the war, and also remain neutral, thus they passed the new neutrality act which allowed trade, so long as countries brought their own ships, and paid in cash. This ultimately begun to decide which side the US was on, but in the short term, was a benefit for the US. -
Germany attacks USSR
This was one of Hitlers biggest errors. Insteat of relying on their sole biggest ally, Hitler instead leads an attack on the Soviet Union. This angers Stalin, and eventually causes him to side against Germany, which ultimately brought he downfall of Hitlers regime. -
Pearl Harbor
This was the only real crushing victor the Japanese ever had against the US. There were times of bloodshed, and fierce fighting, but never such a one-sided victory. Japan had sunk quite a few ships, but american media played it off as, not too important, because the only sunk one old destroyer. -
D-Day
This was a turning point of the war, and was also vitaly important stragetically because it forced germany to fight on two fronts. This cause soldiers to be spread too thin, and ultimately the Allies to victory. They invaded Northern France at 5 different beaches. Each beach more dangerous than the last. -
Last Hoorah
This was the final example of a German Counterattack. German troops attempted to break through our lines, and split our troops into two parts, which makes them easier to deal with. They were unsuccessful, however, and this ultimately marked the beginning of the end for Germany. -
Truman
Harry Truman succeeded Roosevelt on this day. It is sad to think that after 4 terms in office, Roosevelt never did see the end of the war. It had to have been nearly positive that the Alies would win, but Truman was given the task of rebuilding much of the world, when he had nothing to do with what broke it. -
Suicide.
After his horrific actions during the war, it is almost logical that Hitler commited suicide. He did not want to face the errors of his ways, and the price he would have to pay, so he took an easier way out. This angered many americans and leaders because those responsible could not be held accountable. -
Germany Surrenders
Finally, German troops surrendered to allies. This marked the end of the war, and on the 30th the Third Reich was eliminated. After, peace confrences happened to decide how the world would differ from the pre-war. The end of the war marked a time of peace, prosperity, and possibly forgiveness. -
Japan Surrenders
Normally, the Japanese would never surrender, due to their thoughts of Honor. However, the US sent a clear message with Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we proved that we would not only win, we coul wipe Japan off the face of the planet, which quickly caused a full ceasefire, and surrender of Japan.