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The Holocaust
A massive discrimination campaign created by the Nazi Regime in Germany that progressed into a massive genocide. The systematic and inhumane killing of the Jews by the Germans began in 1941, killing two thirds of the Jewish population in Europe by the time it ended in the middle of 1945. -
WWII Begins in Europe
The second world war began in Europe when Germany, with the help of the soviet union, invaded Poland. Britain and France declared war on Germany and its ally immediately after the invasion began, sending troops to help defend Poland from the invaders and thus beginning World War II. -
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Battle of Britain
A very long air battle between the Germans and British in which British planes defended the UK from German bombers, preventing an invasion during the massive blockade the Germans set up around the country. The Germans were unsuccessful in incapacitating the Royal Air Force, however, leading to the first major victory in the war against the Germans. -
Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 was a surprise attack by the Japanese, who was one of the major axis powers, on an American naval base. The attack was intended to prevent America, who didn't want to be apart of the war, from interfering with its navy. Ironically, this attack directly caused the US to enter the second world war; the exact opposite of what Japan was trying to achieve. -
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Battle of Stalingrad
An incredibly long, grueling battle between the Germans and the Soviets over the Soviet city of Stalingrad. The battle lasted around five and a quarter months, and finally ended when the Axis forces in Stalingrad ran out of resources to continue fighting, and thus had to surrender, -
D-Day
On this day over 160,000 allied troops landed on the German controlled shore of Normandy; making for the largest seaborne invasion in history. The surprise attack ended in a decisive victory for the allies, allowing them to push the Germans back towards land. -
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The Atomic Bombings
Two atomic bombs are dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japan surrenders on 8/15/1945 due to the atomic bombs shear power, ending the war. -
WWII Ends in Europe
The war in Europe finally ended with the defeat of Germany and its European allies in mid 1945. The news of the imminent defeat lead to a holiday known as VE-Day, being formed. Finally, in late may, the last battle ends and Europe begins its recovery.
