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September 1, 1939: Invasion of Poland (Operation Fall Weiss)

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September 1, 1939: Invasion of Poland (Operation Fall Weiss)

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The German invasion of Poland marked the beginning of World War II in Europe. Using the innovative 'Blitzkrieg' tactics, Nazi forces overwhelmed Polish defenses with rapid mechanized warfare and air support. The Soviet Union invaded from the east on September 17, and by October 6, Poland had fallen, being divided between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

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In a stunning display of Blitzkrieg warfare, German forces bypassed the French Maginot Line by advancing through the Ardennes Forest. The Wehrmacht rapidly pushed through France, trapping Allied forces at Dunkirk and eventually forcing France to surrender. This battle dramatically changed the power balance in Europe.

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The first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces. The German Luftwaffe attempted to gain air superiority over Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF). Thanks to radar technology, skilled pilots, and tactical errors by the Germans, Britain prevailed, marking Hitler's first major defeat and preventing a planned invasion of Britain.

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Nazi Germany launched its massive invasion of the Soviet Union, breaking the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. The largest military operation in history saw over 3 million German troops advance across a 2,900-kilometer front. Despite initial success, the operation ultimately failed to achieve its objectives before winter set in.

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Soviet forces launched a major counter-offensive that pushed German forces back from Moscow. This marked the first significant German defeat on land during WWII. The harsh winter conditions and stretched supply lines contributed to the German failure to capture the Soviet capital.

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August 23, 1942-February 2, 1943: Battle of Stalingrad

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August 23, 1942-February 2, 1943: Battle of Stalingrad

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One of the bloodiest battles in history, Stalingrad marked a turning point in the war. The German 6th Army was surrounded and destroyed, resulting in nearly 2 million casualties on both sides. This Soviet victory marked the first major Nazi defeat and the beginning of Germany's retreat from the East.

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The largest tank battle in history and a decisive Soviet victory. German forces attempted to pinch off a Soviet bulge in the front line but were met with deep Soviet defenses. The resulting Soviet counter-offensive permanently removed German forces' ability to launch large-scale attacks on the Eastern Front.

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Battle of Sicily (July 9 – August 17, 1943)

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Battle of Sicily (July 9 – August 17, 1943)

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The Battle of Sicily, also known as Operation Husky, took place from July 9 to August 17, 1943, and marked the beginning of the Allied invasion of Italy. The operation was a large-scale amphibious and airborne assault by American, British, and Canadian forces, aimed at driving Axis powers from the island of Sicily. The invasion was characterized by a combination of swift advances and fierce resistance from German and Italian troops. The successful capture of Sicily allowed the Allies to secure the Mediterranean Sea, toppled Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini, and paved the way for the subsequent Allied invasion of mainland Italy. The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of Allied cooperation and marked a significant strategic victory in the European theater of WWII.

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Battle of Monte Cassino (January 17 – May 18, 1944)

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Battle of Monte Cassino (January 17 – May 18, 1944)

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The Battle of Monte Cassino, fought from January 17 to May 18, 1944, was a series of four costly assaults by the Allies against the Winter Line in Italy, held by Axis forces. The objective was to break through to Rome, but the German defenses were formidable, centered around the historic Benedictine monastery of Monte Cassino. The battle is notable for its harsh terrain and fierce combat, leading to high casualties on both sides. The monastery was controversially bombed by the Allies, mistaking it for a German stronghold, which later turned into a defensive position for Axis troops. After months of grueling fighting, the Allies finally captured the position, opening the way to Rome and marking a significant strategic victory in the Italian Campaign.

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June 6, 1944: D-Day (Operation Overlord)

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June 6, 1944: D-Day (Operation Overlord)

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The largest seaborne invasion in history saw Allied forces land on five beaches in Normandy, France. Despite strong German defenses, the Allies established a beachhead and began the liberation of Western Europe. This crucial operation opened the Western Front and divided German forces between two fronts.

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December 16, 1944-January 25, 1945: Battle of the Bulge

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December 16, 1944-January 25, 1945: Battle of the Bulge

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Hitler's last major offensive in the West created a 'bulge' in the Allied lines in the Ardennes Forest. Despite initial success and severe winter conditions, the German offensive was ultimately contained and repelled. This battle exhausted Germany's remaining military reserves in the West.

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The final major battle in Europe saw Soviet forces capture the German capital. Hitler committed suicide in his bunker as Soviet troops closed in. The battle ended with the complete defeat of Nazi Germany and Victory in Europe (VE Day) was declared on May 8, 1945.