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Japanese invasion of China
In 1937 the Japanese and Chinese broke out in a skirmish close to the front lines which later lead to the Sino-Japanese War. Japan became a increasing threat to the Far Eastern borders of China. The Japanese were successful in quickly capturing many of the Chinese key ports and industrial centers. The Japanese felt they were superior to China and would do a better job at controling and using the resources. Both nations tried to gain support from the U.S., however the US showed its disappointment -
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World War II
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Ribbontrop/Molotov Pact
Hitler and Stalin signed this non-agression pacts for the benefits of their countries. They would each split different countries so that they could have a larger empire. This occurred to create an alliance between the Soviet Union and Germany. In the end, it was broken due to Germany attacking the Soviet Union. -
Germany's Invasion of Poland
In the fall of 1939, German armies led by Adolf Hitler invaded poland to take over the country. This was done to gain more land so that Germany would become extremely powerful. This was a major turning point in the war because it sparked an outrage in Britain and France which caused them to take action. Overall, this act by Germany was a major blow to many countries because it broke several peace agreements. -
German Blitzkrieg
Meaning "lightning war" in German, these were major and quick attacks on foreign countries. This destroyed many cities and killed civilians. It happened so that Germany could take over these other territories and make it their own. This caused Germany to end up gaining several countries, except Great Britain. -
Battle of Midway
This battle was on ambush on Japanese aircraft carriers that was a huge success for the United States. It was an important turning point in the war. Caused several Japanese ships to be destroyed and weakened their fleet severely. -
Operation Barbarossa
Operation Barbarossa was a massive invasion of the Soviet Union by the Axis Powers. This broke the non-agression pact they previously signed which caused major tension between the nations. Although Hitler damaged Soviet resources significantly, they failed to conquer the Soviet Union. -
Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a major attack in which Japan destroyed several fleets. This caused the United States to enter World War II. Several Marines and Airforce men died during this sneak attack and it caused a mass outrage! -
Bataan Death March
This was a dreadful march where approx seventy-five thousand troops were forced to march sixty-five miles to death camps. They had to under extreme conditions during this intense march. This led to several troops perishing and increased tension between the United States and the Philippines. -
Operation Gomorrah
This was a strategic bombing of several places by the allied powers. Several bombs were dropped on Hamburg in a matter of hours. This was a turn of the tables from Britain being attacked to German areas. Turned the shift of power greatly during the war. -
Tehran Conference
This conference centered on the opening of a western front in Europe. This was a discussion focused on political issues. Overall led to a push forward to fight against Germany and gain as much land as possible. Many different views from the different countries. -
D-Day
This was an attack of the allies on the Axis Powers which led to ultimate success. Thousands of troops landed on the shores of Normandy on June 6th, 1944. Several troops were lost, but this led to a huge success for the United States and the ally powers. -
Liberation of concentration camps
After years of suffering in concentration camps, Jews and other minorities were finally liberated in January of 1945. The United States stormed into Germany and surrounding areas to take over the concentration camps to save the people still alive. This led to a lifelong rememberance of millions of people who died and suffered and tensions that would last a lifetime. -
Battle of Iwo JIma
A very costly battle that could have easily been avoided. Iwo Jima was a small island that the United States thought would be easy to take over. However, the Japanese were prepared and this battle took three times as long as expected. Led to lost time and several casulaties. -
Battle of Okinawa
This battle is where the United States wanted to take over the island of Okinawa to serve as a base. This was one of the longest and costliest battles of WWII. This battle overall just ended in extreme loss and could have been avoided completely. -
VE Day
The Victory in Europe day marks the day in which Germany unconditionally surrendered. A major turning point in the war for the allies. Marks a major point in which the end of the war was ending. Still celebrated today as a major time in history for Europe and a huge success. -
Potsdam Conference
Last of the World War II meetings held by the "big three." This meeting centered around postwar Europe. Discussed how they would deal with the Axis powers and how they would not surrender. Caused great power and great alliances between these countries. -
Dropping of the atomic bomb
This was the first atomic bomb to be dropped. It was dropped by the United States in Hiroshima, Japan. It killed several people and made this area still uninhabitable up to this day. This caused the United States to be advanced in technology but extreme tensions between the nations. -
Battle of the Bulge
This was a surprise blitzkrieg by Hitler to try and split up the Allied force troops. This was the costliest battle ever for the United States, in which they lost 100,000 troops. Their was extreme battle between the Americans and Germans. Led to very high casualties for each power.
