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Invasion of poland
The invasion of Poland, led by Adolf Hitler, marked the beginning of World War 2. Efforts were made by Poland to subdue the opposing army, but the strategies and technology used left Poland devastated. Hitler did this aiming to expand Germany's territory and establish dominance in Europe. Germany's invasion of Poland was driven by Nazi ideology in which they wanted to expand German territory. Hitler's aggressive nationalism aimed to reclaim lost territories and create a "Greater Germany". -
Britain and France declare war
In response to the invasion of Poland, Britain and France intervene, declaring war on Germany. This was driven by a sense of national duty to maintain the balance of power in Europe and protect national interests. -
Hitlers invasion of France
Germany fired a surprise invasion on France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, this caused the downfall of France. -
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Miracle at Dunkirk
In May 26 - June 4, 1940 British and French troops, evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk in northern France. Despite being surrounded by German forces, a great number of solders were able to escape, producing its well fit name. -
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The Battle of Britain
The Royal Air Force defended the United Kingdom against Nazi's air force. This was the first major attack fought entirely by air forces. -
Pearl Harbor
Japan launched a surprise military strike against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, leading to significant American losses and prompting the US entry into World War II. -
USA enters the war
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States declared war on Japan, officially entering World War II. Shortly after, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States. -
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Battle of Midway
This was a pivotal battle in the Pacific where the United States Navy defeated an attacking fleet of the Imperial Japanese Navy, significantly weakening Japan's naval strength. The battle itself lasted three days. -
Raid on Dieppe
An Allied attack on the German occupied port of Dieppe. The raid was intended to test German defences, but resulted in heavy Allied losses and was considered a failure. -
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Battle of Stalingrad
This was considered one of the deadliest battles in history, where the Soviet Union defended Stalingrad against the German Army. This battle marked a positive turning point on the Eastern Front for allies. -
D-Day (Invasion of Normandy)
The Allies launched a massive invasion of Normandy, France to liberate Western Europe from Nazi control. This operation marked the a strong start to end the Nazi's -
End of World War II in Europe
When the Allies formally accepted Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, it marked the end of World War II in Europe and a new world. -
A-bombs dropped on Hiroshima
The United States dropped the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, causing mass destruction and a great many of civilian lives lost. -
A-bombs dropped on Nagasaki
Three days after Hiroshima, a second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, leading to further devastation and contributing to Japan's decision to surrender. -
End of World War II
This moment happened when Japan surrendered to the Allies aboard the USS in Tokyo Bay, which formally ended World War II.