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Japan invades Manchuria
After many years of Japan's desire to expand begins, the nation acts on its desires and invades Manchuria. It begins with the Japanese blowing up its own railroad tracks and blaming it on China, giving the Japanese reason to invade China. The Japanese troops take Nanjing in the battle known as the Rape of Nanjing. This was the beginning of World War II in the Pacific. -
Hitler invades surrounding countries
For many years before the war, Hitler was invading countries. It began in Austria in 1938. After that, in 1939, Hitler invaded Poland. That was the moment when Britain and France declared war on Germany. Before this the Allies had tried appeasement by letting Hitler have a little more land every time he moved. The invasion of Poland was when everyone knew he had to be stopped. -
Tripartite Pact Creates the Axis Powers
This day marked the creation of the Axis Powers. It officially made Japan, Italy and Germany allies. This agreement specified that the other two nations would back up the other country with reinforcements, should any one of the Axis Powers be attacked. The pact also allowed the countries to control their desired "spheres of influence" leaving Japan with the Pacific and Hitler with most of Europe. This was the day the ties were officially formed for the Axis Powers. -
Japan Bombs Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor, in many ways, was a turning point in the war. This bombing made the U.S. realize Japan would stop at nothing to get what they want. The attack came in two waves, but both missed the vital aircraft carriers which were out at sea. The Japanese were trying to destroy the U.S. forces necessary to prevent the spreadof Japanese imperialism. However, this did the opposite and brought the U.S. into World War II. -
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway was the turning point of the war in the Pacific. The Japanese intended to surprise the U.S. troops to force our troops back to California. However, Admiral Nimitz intercepted those plans and defeated the Japanese at Midway. In this battle the U.S. destroyed four of the Japanese' most important aircraft carriers. This battle turned the tide and showed the future defeat of Japan and the Axis Powers. -
Battle of Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad is considered the turning point of World War II. It was the first time the Allies defeated the Axis Powers. Stalingrad was the center of Soviet manufacturing as well as communications. This battle was the most brutal of World War II and was fought with hand-to-hand combat. The battle was a major defeat for Hitler because he lost many troops as well as morale. -
Tehran Conference
The Tehran Conference was the first time the Big Three ever met face to face. The Big Three discussed the importance of Operation Overlord and contemplated when to open the Western Front for Germany. Stalin and FDR agreed to open it soon, but Churchill was hesitant. However, Stalin and FDR continued planning the attack. The Big Three had been in contact for many years, but this was the first time they ever met. -
D-Day
D-Day was the day the day the Allies opened the Western Front. The operation was named Operation Overlord and Dwight D. Eisenhower was the Supreme Allied Commander. The Allies struck five beaches in Normandy, codenamed Utah, Juno, Omaha, Sword and Gold. This plan included landing 47 U.S., British, Polish and Canadian division on a 50 mile stretch of beach in France. The Allies did not win this battle, but it was an essential part of the Allies getting a foothold in Nazi-controlled France. -
Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge was one of Hitler's last attempts at victory through a counterattack. It was a desperate attempt to drive a wedge between the American and British troops. The Allies were taken by surprise but held the line at Bastogne, despite everything. On December 23, the Allied bombers pushed Germany out of France. At this point, the German troops are demoralized and ready to quit. -
Hitler dies
On April 30, 1945, Hitler commits suicide. He knows the Allies are coming to take Berlin. He was physically ruined after the war with tremors, paranioa and mad dreams. He was still giving orders, but no one followed them because the Allies had won. This was a sign that the Germans were truly defeated. -
Atomic Bombs
The decision of the atomic bomb fell solely on President Truman. Truman believed anything that could be done to prevent the loss of more American lives should be done, so he authorized the atomic bomb drop. Little Boy was dropped on Hiroshima, and Fat Man on Nagasaki. The bomb killed people first from the explosion, then from radiation. This was the only time an atomic bomb has ever been used.
