-
Germany invades Poland
WWII started on this day due to Germany attacking Poland from the land and air. It was the first time Hitler used the blitzkrieg strategy. Poland was no match for Germany's tactics or military force, and was overwhelmed. -
Germany invaded France and captured Paris
German tanks flanked the Maginot line and headed straight for Paris. German tanks and troops met no resistance on their way there. British Prime Minister tells France to hang on, America will come to its' aid. -
The US aids Britain with supplies and navy warships for military bases
President Roosevelt signs a Lend Lease agreement called "Destroyers for Bases". It wouldn't be known as "Lend Lease" until December that year. Britain told the US that it was no longer able to pay for supplies and so "Lend Lease" was created. -
Germany bombs London, Battle of Britain begins
Hitler wanted to get revenge on Britain from the bombings they've done to Germany. The largest aircraft collection was made and taken over the Channel to commence the bombing raids. The bombing starts Sep. 5, and continues onto the next 76 nights. -
Japan bombs Pearl Harbor
Japanese fighter planes surprised attacked the naval base of Pearl Harbor. The attack leaves the US morally devastated air planes and navy vessels destroyed, as well as 2,400 civilian and sailors dead. The US gains a fighting spirit from the attack to avenge the fallen and to get payback for what Japan has done. -
Germany declares war on the US, the Us declares war on Germany and Japan
Prior to the bombings of Pearl Harbor, Germany saw this and declared war on the US. The US soon declared war on Japan and Germany. -
The victorious Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway was a total victory for the US. This battle turned the tide for the US as it crippled Japan's navy fleet. The battle was also a huge success, thanks to code breaking. -
The Battle of Stalingrad
German troops were cut off from reinforcements and supplies and soon surrendered as winter rolled in. The Battle of Stalingrad is considered the bloodiest battle of the war with casualties of 2 million civilians and soldiers. The battle was a victory that tilted the war into the allies' favor. It halted the German advancement into more of Soviet territory. The battle ended in February 2, 1943. -
The Invasion of Normandy
The invasion was delayed a day due to bad weather and was launched the following day at 6:30 am. The victory at Normandy was another tide changer into the allies' favor. -
Japan's surrender, the end of WWII
Two atom bombs were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima in Japan. In August 14, 1945, Japan's unconditional surrender came in a radio broadcast from the emperor. Over 120,000 people were killed by the atom bombs. The atom bomb "Little Boy" was dropped in August 6, on Hiroshima. The "Fat Man" atom bomb, was dropped in August 7, on Nagasaki and had the most casualties.
