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Invasion of Poland
German and Soviet forces invade Poland and conquer it. They split up the country according to the nonaggression pact they had. The was the battle that started WWII, as afterwards Britain and France declared war. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/invasion-of-poland-fall-1939 -
Battle of Belgium
British, French and Belgian Allied forces tried to stop Germany from capturing Belgium. The battle only lasted 18 days and Germany successfully conquered Belgium and its army surrendered. http://totallyhistory.com/battle-of-belgium/ -
Battle of Britain
In the skies over Great Britain, Britain and Germany’s air forces fought for control. Britain had the Royal Air Force and Germany had the Luftwaffe. The battle ended when Hitler called off the attack. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-britain-1 -
Battle of Crete
German parachutists attack a mixed group of Allied forces, making their last stand in Crete, Greece. This group contained British, New Zealanders, Australian, and Greek troops. These troops eventually retreated to Egypt, and Germany now had full control of Greece. https://nzhistory.govt.nz/war/the-battle-for-crete/overview -
Operation Barbarossa
Germany breaks the non-aggression pact and invades Russia. Hitler thought it would be an easy victory, and at first it was, but then Russia turned the tide and repelled them. This betrayal made them join forces with the Allies. https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/what-was-operation-barbarossa -
Battle of Stalingrad
Fought between Germany and Russia, Stalingrad, Russia was where the Russians were able to stop the invasion of the Germans. This battle turned the tides of war in the favor of the allies and is seen as one of the greatest battles of WWII. https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Stalingrad -
Battle of Kursk
After the defeat at Stalingrad, German forces attack the Russian city of Kursk, hoping to regain ground. Hitler delayed the attack and Soviet forces used this time to decimate the army and claim victory. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-kursk -
Battle of Monte Cassino
Britain and America work together to bomb German forces occupying the Gustav line. Monte Cassino is a hill in Italy. Eventually the troops were defeated and the Allies opened a way to Rome. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/ff6_cassino.shtml -
Battle of Anzio
In Anzio, Italy, Allied forces try to open a path to Rome. The British forces couldn’t break through Germany’s Gustav Line, and eventually the two sides hit a stalemate. https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Anzio -
Operation Bagration
The largest Allied operation of WWII, Russian forces tore open the Eastern front (Ukraine’s Western borders) and destroyed three German armies. This severely crippled the Germans and gave massive support to other Allied forces in France. https://www.historynet.com/operation-bagration-soviet-offensive-of-1944.htm
