Key Events of World War Two and their Importance:

Invasion of Poland - September 1st 1939
Essentially the beginning of the war, Hitler's last push at the Allies. The Invasion of Poland pushed Britain and France over the edge and forced them to declare war on Germany. This was because Germany was told not to invade any more countries in return for peace, but they did not fulfill their promise.

Fall of France and defeat at Dunkirk - 26th May-4th June 1940
Germany's win against the Allies caused the French to lose a great amount of men, ammunition and other military equipment. This took the British army months to re-supply, giving Germany more time to prepare and plan for battle, a big advantage.

Battle of Britain - 10th July-31st October 1940
It prevented Germany from invading Britain which would otherwise have meant that Germany could have taken Britain and the war would have been much shorter. It also marked Hitler's first defeat in WW2 which knocked his ego slightly, meaning he may not have fought better in upcoming battles.

Operation Barbarossa (German attack on Soviet Union) - 22nd June-5th December 1941
Germany was defeated. Although they occupied Belarus and most of Ukraine and surrounded Leningrad, they met a resistance making their advance slower. They had low supplies and their soldiers were starved and matters were made worse by a surprise counterattack.

Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbour - 7th December 1941
The USA declared war on Japan and Japan joined Germany and Italy declaring war on the USA also. It marked America finally joining the war, which may have given the allies an advantage.

Battle of Midway - 4-7th June 1942
It destroyed Japan's naval strength when the Americans destroyed their aircraft carriers. Japan's nay never recovered and it was on the defensive ever since, losing Germany an Ally making them weaker.

Battle of El-Alamain - 23rd October-11th November 1942
The Allies won causing Germany's first retreat (into Tunisia), knocking their ego further.

Battle of Stalingrad - August 23rd 1942-February 2nd 1943
Germany was defeated again after they were encircled by the Red Amy. They trapped 290,000 axis troops and the German attack was pushed back by the Soviets.

Battle of Kursk - July-August 1943
After this battle there were no more German offensives in the East and the Soviets sustained an advance against Germany. This meant that Germany had conquered less, making them weaker.

D-Day landings - 6th June 1944
A decisive Allied victory which marked the successful start to their invasion of North West Europe, or the start of their 'home run' to victory.

Hitler's Suicide and defeat of Germany (VE day) - 8th May 1945
Hitler's death commemorates the end of WW2 in Europe, when Germans surrendered to the Allied forces.

US Atomic bombing on Japan, Hiroshima bombing - 6-9th August 1945
Japan announced its surrender on September 2nd, officially ending the Pacific War and World War Two; leaving the Allies victors.

	Created by chocoroco over 13 years ago

Note on History, created by chocoroco on 29/05/2013.