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German Blitzkrieg
An elite Germna fighting force that used speed and momentum to break through enemy lines to secure new positions. -
Germany invades Poland
Hitler claimed the invasion of poland was a defensive measure but was actually an attempt to to gain more lebensraum (living space). France and Britain were not convinced. They declared war on Germany on Sept 3rd. -
Operation Barbarossa
A large invasion of Soviet Russia by the Germans. Over 3 million troops and 3,000 tanks smashed through Soviet territory. The German Army was the finest in Europe at the time. However they were not prepared for the Russian weather, their logistics were not complete, and by the time they reached Moscow, they were battered and a slow retreat left them fighting a war on 2 fronts. -
Pearl Harbor
Japanese bombers destroy hundreds of aircraft and several Naval vessels at the Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii. The US declares war on Japan the next day. -
Operation Torch
The US and UK launched an amphibious attack against French North Africa. The operation allowed the US to complete mobilization of its immense industrialization and manpower resources for the titanic air and ground battles that characterized the Allied campaigns of 1944. -
D-Day
More than 156,000 Allied troops storm Normandy Beach, overruning the German defenses. Allied troops suffered 4,000 casualties. -
Battle of the Bulge
Hitler attempted to split allied forces. Of three battles the German Blitzkrieg won one. American forces were caught off guard and desperately fought back as German forces advanced annihilating the American defenders at Ardennes. However, the brilliant defense of ST-Vith stoped the German advance. The German sortage of supplies made it to where Hilter couldnt gain any ground. -
VE-Day
Germany finally surrendered to their Soviet enemies. More than 2 million German soldiers were taken prisoner and over 13,000 British POW's were released back to Britain. This day officially ended the war in Europe. -
Battle of Midway
One of the most decisive naval battles of WWII. American forces destroyed 4 of Japan's remaining fleet carriers along with the heavy cruiser Mikusa. They also lost 5,000 sailors. American losses consisted of 147 aircraft and 300 sailors. -
VJ-Day
Victory over Japan day. The day that Japan cabled their surrender to the US. Officially ended the war.
