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Mussolini becomes Prime Minister
Benito Mussolini is appointed Prime Minister through the Fascist Party. Mussolini promised an Italian return to glory, but only brought conflict in the coming years. -
Adolf Hitler Rises to Power
Hitler is named the Fuhrer of Germany. He rose to this position through anti-Communist sentiments, anti-semitism, nationalism, and charismatic campaigning. -
Hitler Remilitarizes the Rhineland
After being pushed out in WWI, Hitler brought German troops back into the Rhineland. This violated the Treaty of Versailles and shifted the balance of powers in Europe -
Germany Annexes Austria
After campaigns by Hitler and his supporters, the German military annexes Austria. Though this was well recieved by the primarily German citizens of Austria, it was still a controversial move in the eyes of other nations. -
Munich Pact
On behalf of the United Kingdom, Nevile Chamberlain and Winston Churchill meet with Hitler and Mussolini to discuss the capture of the Sudetenland. While this seemed like a peaceful negotiation, it only emboldened and supplied the Nazi party. -
Germany Invades Poland
Parts of Poland are bombed from land and air, and troops are put down behind Polish borders. -
Germany Conquers France
Beginning May 10th, Germany begins its campaign into France. Ending in a decisive German victory over the Allies, this brought the popularity of Hitler and the Nazi Party to new heights. -
Battle of Britain
The name given to a large scale ariel battle that took place over Britain. The German assault was largely unsuccessul, losing a great number of aircraft. -
Axis Powers Formed
Germany, Italy, and Japan all sign the Tripartite Pact. This created the Axis Allience that would face the world in WWII. -
Lend-Lease Act
Congress authorized the Lend-lease Act allowed the US to trade, lease, and sell arms to foreign nations if it is deemed necessary to the defense of the US. -
Anti-Tank Dogs
First attempted in the 1930's, the concept was to train dogs to plant explosives on or under tanks. This was actually implemented in 1941-1942 with mixed results. -
Operation Barbarosa
Germany begins to invade the Soviet Union. Though costly, was still considered a Russian victory over the Third Reich. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
After the US stopped supplying Japan with oil, the Japanese responded to this "act of war" by a suprise bombing of a major US Naval base in Hawaii. This prompted the US to declare war shortly ater. -
USA enters WWII
After Pearl Harbor, the US officially declares war on Japan and its allies. America joined the Allies, drastically changing the face of the war. -
Incendiary Bat Bombs
In Early 1942, Lytle S. Adams concieved the "bat bomb", a canister full of bats with tiny incendiary devices set to go off simultaniously. Serious development went on for 2 years before it was overtaken by the Manhatten Project. -
Battle of Midway
A large battle in which Americans discovered the traps they were being brought into ahead of time. This led to a planned ambush and massive victory or the United States. -
Battle of Guadalcanal
One of the first sizable offenses by the Allies against Japan. Combined forces came together to drive the Japanese out of American territories and begin operantions in the Pacific. -
Operation Torch
Beginning on the 8th, US and British troops launched an invasion of northern Arica. This was done with the intention of taking pressure off of Russia's southern fronts. -
Battle of Stalingrad
Germany fights the Soviet Union for control of Stalingrad. This is often considerded the biggest and bloodiest battle in recorded historey. -
Tehran Conference
A meeting between "The Big Three", Churchill, FDR, and Stalin, to discuss tactics and ways to oppose Germany's progress in western Europe. This meeting also recognized the independence of Iran and helped build support in the region. -
Battle of the Bulge
A major operation by Germany that began as a suprise attack, soon turned in favor of the allies. After losing the upper hand, Germany's forces on the western front were largly depleted and unable to replenish. -
The Liberation of Auschwitz Detainees
On this day, divisions of the Red Army arrived at the hastily abandoned death camp. Over 7,500 victims were left behind and liberated from the camp. -
Yalta Conerence
A post-war conference between the "Big Three." They mostly spent this time discussing how to re-establish the nations of Europe. -
Battle of Iwo Jima
A fierce five-week long battle between Americans and the Japanese. This extended battle became a sort of seige, with the victory going to the better supplied US soldiers. -
Battle of Okinawa
Also known as Operation Iceberg, this battle was an extremely bloody one with heavy casualties both from the Japanese as well as the combined ally forces. This was one of several key events that led to Japan surrendering. -
Victory in Europe Day
A public holiday made to celebrate the surrender of Nazi germany. This marked the official end o WWII. -
Dropping the Atom Bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
After the surrender of Germany, Japan reused to do the same. After a vague warning from President Truman, the bombs were dropped shortly after and proved to be the most destructive weapon to scar the earth. -
Victory Over Japan Day
Similar to V-E Day, this marked the day that Japan surrendered. This was also celebrated on the 15th due to time differences. -
Nuremburg Trials
One of several tribunals after the defeat of Germany. These were carried out for the purpose of prosecuting those deeply involved in the Holocaust. -
Taft-Hartley Act
An act that restricted labor unions and prohibited some orms of protest. This was called an "attack on ree speech" and vetoed by President Truman. -
Warsaw Pact
A sort of defensive pact between the Soviet Union and its surrounding states. Acted as a counterweight to NATO.
