-
Japanese Invasion of China
This conflict was a war fought between the Empire of Japan, and the Republic of China before and during World War II. The Second Sino-Japanese war occurred as the result of a Japanese imperialist policy aiming to take over China for its resources. It began when an important bridge into Beijing was attacked by the Japanese. Eventually it merged into the conflict of WWII. By the end of it, Nationalists wee left crippled and unpopular, while Communism became a strengthened idea. -
-
German Blitzkrieg
The German Blitzkrieg was a military tactic that meant “lightning war.” If it was employed properly it resulted in “short military campaigns.” It was tried out in Poland for the first time before being used on the countries of Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. It made the German forces even more formidable on the offensive. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/blitzkrieg -
Germany's Invasion of Poland
This invasion began when Hitler decided he wished to expand Germany’s borders into Poland. In August 1939 the German-Soviet Pact was signed, allowing Germany to attack Poland without worry of Soviet intervention. Within a month of invading, Warsaw surrendered to Germany. However, Germany and France declared war on Germany two days after the invasion began, standing firm that Hitler broke a deal with them not to invade Poland’s borders. This is considered one of the big events that began WWII. -
-
Operation Barbarossa
Operation Barbarossa was a massive invasion attempt of the Soviet Union from Germany, the turning point of the war. The Germans underestimated their opponent and the conditions they would face in Russia, resulting in Operation Barbarossa failing. Hitler’s quest for taking over the land of the Soviet Union led to Germany facing a war on two fronts that it couldn’t hope to win. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/operation-barbarossa -
Pearl Harbor
On December 7th, 1941, Japanese fighter planes attacked the Hawaiian Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. More than 2400 people were killed and over 100 injured, while many of the ships were bombed and sunk. Japan intended to expand the war into the Pacific, and the attack has come to be known as the event that brought America into WWII. http://www.history.com/news/5-facts-about-pearl-harbor-and-the-uss-arizona -
Wannsee Conference
This was the conference where Nazi officials met to discuss the “Final Solution.” It was meant to create a plan to give the “final solution to the Jewish question.” The conference officials came to the conclusion that anyone not worked to death in the camps would be dealt with. “The minutes of this conference were kept,” providing evidence during the Nuremberg trials. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-wannsee-conference -
Bataan Death March
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Japanese invaded the Philippines. When the Japanese captured the main island of Luzon, all the Filipino and American troops there were forced to march to a prison camp. They had to go 85 miles in six days, with no rest and one meal. Very few of the survivors of the march lasted long enough in the camps to be liberated. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/bataan-death-march-begins -
Battle of Midway
This was a major naval battle, fought between America and Japan. Japan had planned an ambush of the U.S.’s remaining aircraft carriers, but with advances in code-breaking, the Americans were able to prepare for it, and inflict “permanent damage on the Japanese Navy.” The victory allowed the American forces and allies to move into an offensive position in the war. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-midway -
Battle of Stalingrad
Germans tried to advance into the Soviet Union to take over, and the Soviet army surrounded, and crushed them. The Germans saw their conquest of Stalingrad essential to their campaign in Russia. Making their defeat a crucial event and turning point in the war. It was humiliating for Hitler, while it encouraged Stalin, which resulted in the Soviet Union being much more offensive. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-stalingrad -
Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
In the ghettos the German’s forced Jews into before being shipped off to death camps, the conditions were terrible. Multiple underground resistance groups were formed. When SS units arrived for final deportations, they were ambushed, and the Jewish resistance raised their flags from the rooftops. German troops were immediately sent in, and spent weeks destroying all of the resistance. Some people were able to escape, and other ghettos were inspired to do the same. -
Warsaw Ghetto Upising cont.
While most still got sent off to concentration camps, some escaped the ghettos as a result of the resistance to the Germans spreading. http://www.history.com/news/remembering-the-warsaw-ghetto-uprising -
Operation Gomorrah
British bombers raided Hamburg, Germany by night while the Americans bombed it by day in their own “blitz week.” In a way it acted as payback for Britain after German bombers had torn up their country. Operation Gomorrah crushed German morale, as many German officials began to hold defeat on their minds. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/operation-gomorrah-is-launched -
D-Day
Operation Overlord, or D-Day was one of the largest amphibious attacks in military history. The Allies invaded the beaches of Normandy, France, where they were all eventually secured, with the most casualties coming from Omaha Beach. The Allies were able to fight their way across Normandy, with the invasion being the beginning of the end for Hitler’s regime. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/d-day -
Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge was a surprise German counter offensive. Catching American units off guard, the Blitzkrieg was intended to break through American defenses that were lightly guarded. The Germans were thwarted as the Americans held a line, which formed a large Bulge, creating the name of the Battle. While one of Germany’s last massive strikes was diffused, it was the costliest battle for the U.S. army. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-the-bulge -
Operation Thunderclap
Operation Thunderclap was a cancelled plan that would have been a massive attack on Berlin. However, parts were still enacted. The Firebombing of Dresden for example, was a two-day attack by British and American aircraft that more or less flattened the city, and left it burning for many more days. Many believe it was merely to punish the Germans and weaken their resolve. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/firebombing-of-dresden -
Battle of Iwo Jima
The invasion of Iwo Jima by America was based on a need for a base near the Japanese coast. After a month of battle, the U.S. forces wiped out the Japanese forces. Winning the battle gave the ability to have a base for bombers so they wouldn’t have to travel nearly as far to or from battles. The battle became part of American culture when a picture of soldiers raising the U.S. flag in triumph was displayed. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-iwo-jima -
Battle of Okinawa
This was the “Last and biggest of the Pacific island battles of WWII.” Americans were fighting the Japanese over air bases that would likely be vital to the invasion of Japan. Over the 82-day campaign, more than 14,000 American soldiers died. The Allies won and occupied Okinawa, adding bases to the land after the “bloodiest battle of the Pacific War.” http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-okinawa -
VE Day
“Victory in Europe day.” The Nazis were defeated and their troops throughout Europe surrendered. Over 13,000 British POW’s were released back to Great Britain. Not everyone surrendered until the next day though, as some Germans and Soviets continued to fight. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/victory-in-europe -
Dropping of the Atomic Bombs
As a means to force the Japanese to surrender, an American bomber dropped the world’s first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. It decimated nearly all of the city. When Japan refused to give up, a second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki three days later. About 120,000 died from initial explosion, while radiation would kill many more over the years. Finally, Emperor Hirohito announced his country’s surrender to the United States. -
Dropping of the Atomic Bombs cont.
-
VJ Day
“Victory Over Japan Day.” In response to America’s release of two atomic bombs on Japanese cities, Japan surrendered unconditionally to the Allied powers. Japan’s surrender brought WWII to its official close. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/v-j-day -
Nuremberg Trials
The Nuremberg Trials were conducted to bring Nazi war criminals to justice. There were 13 trials carried out over 4 years. Many wee charged with crimes against humanity and crimes against peace. Adolf Hitler committed suicide and was never brought to trial. The trials were a step towards establishing a permanent international court of law. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/nuremberg-trials
