World War II by Kieran Smith

Nazi Invasion of Western Europe - May 10, 1940

2025ksmith2 — 2024-01-12 22:56:42 UTC

The Nazi Invasion of Western Europe commenced in May of 1940 and involved strategies of overwhelming Belgium, the Netherlands, and France, which allowed Germany to swiftly seize control. This military campaign demonstrated Germany's formidable military capabilities and set the stage for future engagements between the powers in this region.

France Surrenders - June 22, 1940

2025ksmith2 — 2024-01-12 22:56:52 UTC

France ultimately surrendered to German forces in June 1940 marking a pivotal moment in the War. France faced swift defeat after being overwhelmed by German BlitzKrieg tactics which included speed, surprise, and coordinated attacks to catch the enemy off guard.

Pearl Harbor - December 7, 1941

2025ksmith2 — 2024-01-12 22:57:09 UTC

Taking place on December 7th, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the American naval base Pearl Harbor just before 8:00 am. Many American planes and vessels were destroyed in the attack along with the deaths of over 2,000 men. Japan's goal in the attack was to weaken America's naval strength and capture oil supplies. The event was a direct cause of what made the United States Join the war and fight alongside the allies.

Stalin Joins the Allies - Janurary 1, 1942

2025ksmith2 — 2024-01-12 22:57:19 UTC

On New Year's day of 1942, Stalin was forced to join the big three to protect his country from Germany. Stalin did not want to join the Allies as he thought he had a non-aggression pact with Germany but did it anyway. The significance of this event was that the Allies had now gained a large superpower to fight alongside them in their effort to destroy Nazi Germany.

Battle of Guadalcanal - August 7, 1942 - February 9, 1943

2025ksmith2 — 2024-01-12 22:57:31 UTC

The battle was fought in the Pacific between Imperial Japan and the United States from August of 1942, to February of 1943. The campaign was fought for the Allies to take control of the Guadalcanal and establish airfields that could threaten Japan's supply lines. The Allies left the battle with a victory marking the first time the Allies had made a major offensive against Japan and put them in favor.

Second Battle of El Alamein - October/November 1942

2025ksmith2 — 2024-01-12 22:58:38 UTC

The Second Battle of El Alamein took place from October to November of 1942 during the Northern Africa campaign. The battle took place between Axis power Germany and Allied power Britain near the town of El Alamein in Egypt. The allies were able to successfully halt Germany's advancements in North Africa and won the battle. The allied victory led to a retreat of Axis forces in North Africa and boosting the morale and positioning of the Allies.

Battle of Coral Sea - May 4-8, 1942

2025ksmith2 — 2024-01-12 22:59:03 UTC

The 4-day-long naval battle was fought between the United States and Australia against imperial Japan. Japan was heading towards New Guinea to take control of the static port but was turned back and forced into a battle between Australia and the United States. The Allies were victorious in this battle and were able to successfully block Japan's advances in trying to take Australia.

Battle of Midway - June 4-7, 1942

2025ksmith2 — 2024-01-12 22:59:14 UTC

The battle of Midway was a three-day-long battle that occurred in the Pacific between imperial Japan and the USA. The United States was victorious in its efforts to destroy one Japanese first-line carrier and one of its best-trained pilots. After Japan attacked pearl harbor and their growing strength in the Pacific, the United States was able to turn the fight around.

Battle of Britain - July-October, 1940

2025ksmith2 — 2024-01-12 22:59:35 UTC

The Nazi Germany air force attacked Britain in July of 1940 and left the Royal Air Force to have to defend the country. Britain was able to withstand Germany in the long run and proved that Nazi Germany was not invincible. The battle was also significant because it was the first time a major military campaign was fought entirely by air force.

Allies Invade Italy - July-September, 1943

2025ksmith2 — 2024-01-12 22:59:48 UTC

After previously capturing Sicily, Operation Avalanche began on September 3, 1942, with the landing of Allied forces on the Italian mainland. The operation aimed to push Axis forces out of Italy and create a southern front of support in the war. The Allies consisted of America, British, and Canada focus were able to successfully invade Italy eventually leading to the fall of Mussolini’s regime and the Italian surrender.

Nazi Invasion of The Soviet Union - June 22, 1941

2025ksmith2 — 2024-01-12 23:03:03 UTC

On the 22nd of June 1941, Germany launched Operation Barbarossa and invaded the soviet union with 3.8 million troops. The Germans were able to capture and kill millions of Red Army troops. The beginning of the operation officially marked the start of World War 2.

Battle of Stalingrad - August, 1942-February, 1943

2025ksmith2 — 2024-01-12 23:03:12 UTC

The battle of Stalingrad was a major battle that occurred on the eastern front of the war. The battle took place inside of Stalingrad between the Soviet and German Armies. The Soviets were able to put an end to Germany's advancements into Russia and marked a critical turning point for the war to be in favor for the allies. Even though the Soviets were victorious in the battle, they still faced much more catastrophic casualties than the axis powers.

Surrender of Corregidor and Philipines - May 6th 1942

2025ksmith2 — 2024-01-12 23:03:49 UTC

Corregidor, a fortified island at the entrance of Manila Bay in the Philippines, was a key strategic location. The battle for the island took place between Allied forces of Americans and Filipinos against Japan. After months of bombardment by Japanese forces, the Allied defenders were forced to surrender under the command of General Johnathan Wainwright. The fall of Corregidor was significant as it marked the completion of Japan’s control over the Philippines during the early stages of the war in the Pacific.

Stalin Asks the Allies to Open a Second Front - August 13, 1942

2025ksmith2 — 2024-01-12 23:04:17 UTC

For the majority of the war, the battles were fought on the eastern front of Europe and it made it extremely difficult for the Soviets to stand their ground with the immense amounts of Nazi pressure. Stalin pleads with the Allies to open a second front on the western part of Europe to relieve themselves from Nazi pressure and fight back easier. It wasn't until June 6th, 1944 when the Allies invaded the beaches of Normandy and fought to take back France.