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German Invasion of Poland
In the fall of 1939 1.5 million German soldiers march to claim Poland as new territory of the German people. Countries that participated in the Invasion were Germany, Soviet Union, and the Slovak Republic. The fight ended in Germany’s victory in occupying Poland. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/germans-invade-poland -
Battle of Belgium
A German offensive operation to take Belgium. The fight occurred between Germany and the People of France, (Belgians) after 18 days the Belgian army surrendered and Belgium was taken by Germany. Germany’s purpose was to take all of Europe, this was part of their operation to take France. http://totallyhistory.com/battle-of-belgium/ -
Battle of Crete
The Germans assault on the Greek island of Crete, this was the first recorded event in which normal citizens fought back against the Nazis in a stunning feat of bravery which had never been seen before from citizens. Countries involved Germany (of course), United Kingdom (New Zealand) (Australia) and Italy. The result ended in Germany winning and taking Crete. https://www.thenationalherald.com/10229/the-battle-of-crete-turning-point-of-world-war-ii/ -
Operation Barbarossa
Germany's code name for the invasion of the Soviet Union. Goal was to invade and take over western Russia to occupy the area. Countries involved Germany, Soviet Union, and the Kingdom of Italy. Three million German soldiers march to claim western Russia, the result ended in German completely underestimating the Soviet Union. Germany’s defeat here became a turning point for the war as it decimated a huge part of their army.https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/operation-barbarossa -
Pearl Harbor
An American base in Hawaii that was bombed in a surprise attack by the Japanese. The bombing was meant to deter the United States from joining the war. This surprise bombing was the main reason for the United States joining WWII, the result ended in most of the U.S. battleships being destroyed. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/pearl-harbor -
Operation Torch
Operation Torch was the code name for the invasion of North Africa, it was the first time British and American soldiers worked together. The purpose of Operation Torch was to prevent North Africa from falling into the hands of the Axis Powers. With the cooperation of the allied powers , they were able to hold back the attempted invasion. Countries involved United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and France. https://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/world-war-two/war-in-north-africa/operation-torch/ -
Battle of Kursk
The invasion of Russia by Germany. The plan was to take down the Red Army and procure dominance over the eastern front. After both sides reach heavy casualties, Germany’s invasion to take down the Red Army failed and eventually led to them losing the war. Countries involved were the Soviet Union, and Germany. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-kursk -
Monte Cassino
Monte Cassino was the Allied Powers attempt to defeat the Axis Powers and breakthrough Rome. This fight ended in bringing down Italy and pushed to end of WWII closer than ever. Countries involved were The United States, and Germany. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battles-of-monte-cassino -
Normandy
More famously known as D-Day, this was the Allies attempt to take back France as part as their plan to recover Europe from Axis Powers. The Allied powers victory marked the end for Hitler and his Axis Powers as it caused them to fight a two front war that they couldn’t handle. Countries involved in the invasion were the United States, United Kingdom (Australia, New Zealand), Canada, Poland, and Germany. https://www.history.com/news/d-day-normandy-wwii-facts -
Battle of the Bulge
This was Germany’s last major offensive battle in a last ditch effort before they exhausted all of their resources. This was Hitlers’ attempt to split the Allied powers before they reached Germany, this majorly failed and defeat for Germany was inevitable. Countries involved were the United States, United Kingdom, France, Soviet Union, Poland, Canada, and Germany. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-the-bulge
