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Inavsion of Poland
Poland was invaded by the German army and was annexed within weeks of the invasion. Because of the German-Soviet Pact, Germany thought they could take over Poland with no problems from the Soviet Union. Poland was occupied by Germany until January 1945. Source: https://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10005070 -
Battle of France
France was invaded by Germany and was taken over within weeks. With British and French troops preoccupied, waiting for the Germans, German troops were able to go around mountains and enter France from another location. France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands were quickly taken over. Source: http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Battle_of_France -
Battle of Britain
German and British air forces fought over the United Kingdom from Summer to Fall. Britain was fighting the Germans all alone at this point, because the French quit WWII. Germany couldn't keep up with Britain's defenses of their own country and retreated. Britain's victory prevented yet another German invasion. Source: http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-britain -
Lend Lease Act
The Lend-Lease Act was the way that the U.S. was helping European nations defend themselves against Germany during WWII. The U.S. sent over weapons and defense materials to the countries. Germany sent boats to destroy the ships containing the materials the U.S. sent. This act also was partly responsible for the U.S.'s entry into the war. Source: http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/lend-lease-act -
Battle of Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad stopped the Germans from invading the city of Stalingrad. The battle was won by the Russians. The Russians consider this battle to be one of the greatest in the war. This battle was considered to be a turning point in the war, in favor of the Allies. Source: http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-stalingrad -
Operation Barbarossa
Hitler ordered an invasion on the Soviet Union who had a vast territory that would give the German master race it needed. However, it was delayed, yet they were still defeated by underestimating. Source: www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/world-war-ii-history -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
Japan wanted to expand their Asian Empire, but the United States stood in the way. Soon, the United States cut off the export of oil to Japan causing them to attack. They had warned the United States of the attack but it was brushed aside. It ended up with United States getting evolved in the war. Source: Class Notes -
Germany Declares War on U.S.
After the horrendous attack of Pearl Harbor, the Untied States declared war against Japan. However, this had caused Germany and Italy to interfere and declare war against the United States. Source: Class Notes -
Bataan Death March
The Bataan Death March was a result of a defeat when the Japanese had taken over the capital of the Philippines. After three torturous months, the U.S.- Filipino army was forced to surrender due to lack of naval and air support. They had to march some 65 miles to get to the prisoner-of-war camps. To avenge the defeat, America invaded islands of Leyte. Source: www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/bataan-death-march -
Battle of Midway
Six months after Pearl Harbor, Battle of Midway happened to be the most decisive naval battle. Japan had tried to predict United States next move, but U.S. was able to decode the Japanese and preempt and counter their ambush. Japanese aircraft had lost at Midway and eliminated the power of Imperial Navy's air arm. Source: www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-midway -
Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
The Warsaw Ghetto was a prison-like area to keep Jews confined. SS force was sent with tanks and heavy artillery to liquidate the Warsaw ghetto. Several hundreds resistance fought against the Germans for over a month. Due to the uprising, many had perished and sent to extermination or labor camps. Source: www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/warsaw-ghetto-uprising -
D-Day
This was the start of Western Europe from Nazi Control and meet up with the Russians moving in from the east. In hopes to repel the American army, Hitler had come up with a counterattack. However, Hitler did not succeed for America was able to fight through it. Source: www.history.com/this-day-in-history/d-day -
Battle of the Bulge
Hitler had wanted to split the allied armies, so he had ordered an attack in the Ardennes to Antwerp. Even though it had caught them by surprise, The Germans launched the deadliest and most desperate war. For US Army, it was the costliest action. Source: www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-the-bulge -
Liberation of Concentration Camps
Dachau was a concentration camp with an increasing number of prisoners, and these prisoners were experimented on and forced labor. A battle had broken out, after trying to move Jews to another camp, between units of the 45th Infantry and the left over camp's guards. Sickened by the conditions, some American troops gunned down some of the guards. Source: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/dachau-liberated -
Battle of Iwo Jima
Iwo Jima was a key island in the Bonin chain, a little off the coast of Japan, and it was a way for B-29 bombers could land without returning all the way to the Marianas. However, it had been guarded by the Japanese army and navy troops. All in end, the entire garrison was wiped out. Source: www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-iwo-jima# -
Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Due to Japan's desire to finish the war with a bitter end, the United States had sent two nuclear bombs to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Soon, Emperor Hirohito had announced their surrender in the radio broadcast causing the "Victory in Japan" or "V-J Day" celebration in United States and Allied Powers. Source: www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/bombing-of-hiroshima-and-nagasaki
