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Neutrality in the U.S.
The Neutrality Acts in the U.S. are renewed for another 14 months in an effort to keep America out of the war. -
Rhine land
Hitler invades the Rhineland. This was the DMZ on the boarder of France and Germany. -
Cash and Carry Policy
U.S. policy that allowed for the sales of weapons to warring nations as long as recipients transport the cargo in their own ships and pay in cash. -
Quarantine Speech
FDR gives this speech in an effort to inspire an international effort to stop the rapid expansion of the aggressive and eventual Axis Powers. -
Anschluss
Hitler declares the reuniting of Germany and Austria, his home country. -
Hitler takes the Sudetenland
In an attempt to prevet large-scale violence from Germany, the Sudetenland is given to Hitler in accord with the Munich Pact. -
Munich Conference
Where it was decided that Hitler would be given the Sudetenland by other nations of Europe. -
Nazi-Soviet Nonagression Pact
The USSR and Germany sign a nonagression pact, confirming that the USSR will not attack Germany and vice-versa. This was also a secret agreement to divide Poland amongst the two after it was conquered. -
Hitler Invades Poland
The Nazi forces invade Poland using the Blitzkreig tactic. This marks the official start of WWII. France and Britain declare war on Germany as a result of this aggressive action. -
The Lend Lease Act
While still wanting to give aid to its allies in Europe but not be directly involved in the war, the Lend-Lease Act allowed the U.S. to give weapons and supplies to the Allied Powers, without regard to their ability to pay. -
Pearl Harbor
Japan bombs Pearl Harbor. The U.S. Navy was critically injured and losses were in the thousands. -
U.S. Declares War
Just after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, FDR declares war on the Axis Powers, thus bringing the U.S. officially in the war. -
Corregidor in Manilla Harbor Surrenders
Just after the Japanese took over the Philippines, they forced the surrendered fighters to make the Bataan Death March - an 85 mile march that killed many of those who were forced to take part. Soon after, the fortress of Corregidor in Manilla harbor surrendered. -
Battle for Midway
The Japanese pushed closer to the US and eventually tried to seize the island of Midway. Admiral Chester W. Nimitz commaned the US forces that forced the Japanese retreat, which led to the ceasing of Japanese expansion in the Pacific. This began the US island hopping campaign. -
Invasion of North Africa: Operation Torch
Great Britain and the U.S. begin a major offensive in Northern Africa. -
Recapture of Guadalcanal
After six months of fighting through the first major Allied offensive against the Japanese, the Allies were able to successfully reclaim the Guadalcanal Island. -
Smith-Connally Ant-Strike Act
Passed by Congress while facing war time. This allowed the federal government to take control of industries threatened by striking. This was in an effort to keep production up for the war effort. -
D-Day
Allied forces invade the beaches of Normandy. There were multiple landing sites, most of which were taken with ease; however, Omaha beach experienced heavey losses and took hours to secure. Overall, the invasion was a success. -
Victory in Europe
Europe is declared victorious in WWII. Known as VE day, it is the date of the Allies formal acceptance of Germany's surrender. -
Battle of Okinawa Ends
After vicious fighting, some of the bloodiest in the Pacific, the Battle of Okinawa ends. The U.S. was successful in holding the airfields necessary to continue bombing Japan. -
Japan Surrenders
Japan surrenders in the Pacific after the atomic bombs have been dropped on both Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
