World War II: A Timeline of Events
Fascist Aggressions
Once Hitler became Führer, he developed an aggressive foreign policy. He wanted all German-speaking nations in Europe to be part of a great Germany.
Like Nazi Germany, Italy and Japan also wanted to expand their “living space”.
Timeline of Aggressions:
- 1931: Japan invades Manchuria (China)
- 1933: Germany leaves the League of Nations
- 1935: Italian Expansionism
- 1937: The bombing of Gernika*
- 1938: Austria and Sudetenland annexation
- 1939: Invasion of Czechoslovakia
- 1939: Invasion of Poland (September 1st): Hitler invades Poland, which leads to the outbreak of World War II in Europe.
The Start of World War II
International Pacts
The Axis Powers
Germany, Italy, and Japan were bound by their common interest in territorial expansion and the destruction of communism.
- Rome-Berlin Axis: An alliance between Italy and Germany in which they agreed to support Franco in the Spanish Civil War.
- Anti-Comintern Pact: Germany and Japan joined together against the threat of Communism, but mainly against the Soviet Union. Italy signed the pact a year later.
- Germany and Italy officially formed the Axis Powers. Japan joined later with the Tripartite Pact.
The Non-Aggression Pact
On August 23, 1939, Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin signed the pact which guaranteed Russia’s neutrality.
The pact also included a secret protocol, which divided Poland between Hitler and Stalin and allowed for the occupation of the Baltic States by Russia.
The Cause of the War
On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland. On September 3, France and the UK declared war on the Third Reich, marking the start of World War II in Europe.
World War II: 1939-1941
1. The Phoney War (September 1939 – April 1940)
- For 7 months, there was little overt military action.
- Both sides used this time to amass supplies and prepare for the war.
2. The Invasion of Western Europe
Blitzkrieg
- Blitzkrieg (Lightning warfare) relied on speed and surprise.
- It was first used in the invasion of Poland.
Invasion of Northern Europe
- Denmark surrenders.
- Norway falls.
*After this defeat, Churchill replaces Chamberlain as British Prime Minister.
Invasion of Western Europe
- Germany occupies Luxembourg, the Netherlands (*where Anne Frank lived), and Belgium.
- France is forced to sign an armistice. It was divided into two parts:
- North and West controlled by Germany
- South under a collaborationist regime called Vichy France (General Pétain)
Evacuation of Dunkirk (May – June 1940)
- After the German invasion of France, Allied troops retreated towards the beaches of Dunkirk.
- Great Britain sent a fleet to evacuate them.
3. Britain Stands Alone (July 1940 – June 1941)
Battle of Britain
- A major air campaign between the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) and the Royal Air Force (RAF).
- Radar technology was used effectively for the first time.
- Hitler calls off the invasion. This is a major turning point and Germany’s first significant defeat.
The War in Africa
- Italian troops enter Egypt but are pushed back by the British.
*General Rommel (German) takes command of the Axis forces in North Africa.
World War II: 1941-1942
4. The Tide Turns (June 1941 – December 1942)
Invasion of the Soviet Union (June 1941)
- On June 22, 1941, Hitler breaks the Non-Aggression Pact and launches a surprise attack on the Soviet Union.
- Germany advanced quickly at first.
- They get close to Moscow, but the harsh winter arrives and the German advance stalls.
- By the summer of 1942, the Germans renew their offensive and move towards Stalingrad. The Battle of Stalingrad (1942-1943) becomes a turning point in the war, resulting in a decisive Soviet victory.
Japan Attacks Pearl Harbor
- On December 7, 1941, Japan launches a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
- In response, the USA declares war on Japan, officially bringing the United States into World War II.
- The USA begins sending troops and resources to aid the Allies in Europe.
Battle of Midway (June 1942)
- A decisive naval battle in the Pacific where American forces defeat the Japanese fleet.
Battle of El-Alamein
- The British army, led by General Montgomery, defeats the Axis forces in North Africa.
World War II: 1943-1945
5. Allied Victory (January 1943 – August 1945)
The Allied Powers agree that only the unconditional surrender of Germany would be acceptable.
The Invasion of Italy
- After the victories in North Africa, the Allies turn their attention to Italy.
- Landings in Sicily: July 1943, under Generals Patton (USA) and Montgomery (UK). Sicily falls to the Allies.
Tehran Conference
- The “Big Three” Allied leaders meet for the first time: Stalin (USSR), Roosevelt (USA), and Churchill (UK).
The Fall of Rome (June 5, 1944)
- Rome is liberated by Allied forces.
- Italian partisans execute Mussolini.
*Partisans: resistance groups fighting against Axis occupation across Europe.
The Liberation of France
- June 6, 1944: D-Day. Allied forces, led by General Eisenhower, land on five beaches in Normandy (northern France).
- The D-Day landings mark the start of Operation Overlord, the Allied effort to liberate Northwest Europe from Nazi occupation.
- August 24, 1944: Paris is liberated.
The Invasion of Germany
- Soviet troops liberate Auschwitz death camp (Poland) and the world becomes fully aware of the horrors of the Holocaust.
- In March 1945, Allied soldiers cross the Rhine River from the west, while Stalin is determined to capture Berlin.
- Soviet troops capture Berlin in a brutal battle.
- April 30, 1945: Hitler and Eva Braun commit suicide in his bunker as Soviet forces close in.
Yalta Conference (February 1945)
- The Big Three meet again to discuss the postwar world, including the partition of Germany.
Battle of Okinawa (April 1945)
- A major battle in the Pacific War, marked by fierce Japanese resistance, including kamikaze attacks.
The End of the War
- August 6, 1945: The United States drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.
- August 9, 1945: A second atomic bomb is dropped on Nagasaki, Japan.
- September 2, 1945: Japan officially surrenders to the Allies, marking the end of World War II.