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What it was: Germany invaded Poland using blitzkrieg tactics. Polish defenses were overwhelmed quickly.
Why it’s important: Britain and France declared war on Germany because of the invasion. It officially started World War II. -
What it was: Germany launched major air attacks on Britain. British pilots fought them off.
Why it’s important: Britain’s victory prevented a German invasion. It kept Britain in the war as a crucial Allied power. -
What it was: Japan attacked the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor. The attack damaged ships, planes, and killed many Americans.
Why it’s important: It caused the United States to enter World War II. American becoming involved greatly strengthened the Allied forces. -
What it was: The U.S. Navy fought Japan near Midway Atoll. American forces sank four Japanese aircraft carriers.
Why it’s important: It stopped Japanese expansion in the Pacific. It gave the U.S. the advantage for the rest of the war in the pacific. -
What it was: Germany and the Soviet Union fought a brutal battle for Stalingrad. Soldiers battled in the streets for months.
Why it’s important: The Soviet victory stopped Germany’s advance. It became the turning point on the Eastern Front. It is stated to be the bloodiest battle in human history -
What it was: The U.S. and Britain invaded North Africa. They landed in Morocco and Algeria to fight Axis forces.
Why it’s important: It created a new front against the Axis. It also led to the Allied invasion of Italy. -
What it was: This program protected art and cultural sites during the war. Its members were known as the “Monuments Men.”
Why it’s important: They saved thousands of artworks from Nazi theft or destruction. Their work helped shape future policies for protecting culture in war. -
What it was: Germany and the Soviet Union fought the biggest tank battle in history. Both sides used thousands of vehicles and soldiers.
Why it’s important: The Soviet win ended Germany’s hopes of regaining the offensive. After this, the Soviets pushed Germany back. -
What it was: The Allies landed on the beaches of Normandy, France. They fought through heavy German defenses to start the liberation of Western Europe.
Why it’s important: It opened a major Western Front against Germany. This allowed the Allies to liberate France and move toward Germany. -
What it was: Germany launched a surprise attack through the Ardennes forest. The attack created a bulge in the Allied lines.
Why it’s important: Germany used up its last major reserves in the battle. After it failed, the Allies advanced quickly toward Germany. -
What it was: The U.S. invaded the small island of Iwo Jima. Japanese forces defended it with tunnels and bunkers.
Why it’s important: The U.S. gained an air base close to Japan. This helped American bombers reach Japan more safely and easily. -
What it was: The Allies fought a long battle to capture Okinawa. Japan used kamikaze attacks to try and hold off the allies.
Why it’s important: The huge losses showed how difficult invading Japan would be. This helped lead to the decision to use atomic bombs. -
What it was: President Franklin D. Roosevelt died of a stroke. Vice President Harry S. Truman became the new president.
Why it’s important: The change happened at a crucial time in the war. Truman soon made major decisions, including ending the war with Japan. -
What it was: Adolf Hitler killed himself in his bunker during the war’s final days. Soviet troops were closing in on Berlin.
Why it’s important: His death ended Nazi leadership. Germany surrendered shortly afterward. -
What it was: The U.S. dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The blast caused massive destruction and loss of life.
Why it’s important: It showed the world the power of nuclear weapons. It pushed Japan closer to surrender. -
What it was: The U.S. dropped the second atomic bomb on Nagasaki. The explosion caused even more devastation.
Why it’s important: It convinced Japan to surrender. This ended World War II.