WWII Timeline by Sofia Coronado

Non-Aggression Pact - August 23, 1939

12365514 — 2025-03-11 20:07:45 UTC

On August 23, 1939 the Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union agreed not to attack each other. This secret deal also allowed them to divide Poland between them.

Poland Invaded - (September 1, 1939)

12365514 — 2025-03-11 20:07:45 UTC

On September 1, 1939 Germany launched a massive invasion of Poland, using blitzkrieg (lightning war) tactics. Britain and France declared war on Germany in response, marking the official start of World War II.

Dunkirk Evacuation (May 26 – June 4, 1940)

12365514 — 2025-03-18 03:38:34 UTC

From May 26 June 4, 1940 After Germany rapidly conquered France, hundreds of thousands of British and French troops were trapped at Dunkirk. In a desperate rescue mission, over 338,000 soldiers were evacuated across the English Channel, using naval ships and civilian boats. This saved the core of the British army.

Battle of Britain (July – October 1940)

12365514 — 2025-03-18 03:45:10 UTC

From July to October 1940 Germany launched a large-scale bombing campaign against Britain, hoping to force its surrender. The British Royal Air Force, using new radar technology, successfully defended the country. Hitler eventually abandoned his plans to invade Britain.

Soviet Union Invaded (June 22, 1941)

12365514 — 2025-03-18 03:46:59 UTC

On June 22, 1941 Germany launched a surprise invasion of the Soviet Union, violating the Non-Aggression Pact. Millions of Soviet soldiers and civilians were killed or captured in the early months. The invasion ultimately failed, leading to a prolonged and brutal war on the Eastern Front.

Attack on Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941)

12365514 — 2025-03-18 03:48:10 UTC

On December 7, 1941 Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, destroying battleships and killing over 2,400 Americans. This led the U.S. to declare war on Japan the next day, officially bringing America into World War II.

Japanese Internment Camps in America (February 19, 1942)

12365514 — 2025-03-18 03:49:27 UTC

On February 19, 1942 The U.S. government, fearing that Japanese Americans might be spies, ordered over 120,000 people of Japanese descent into internment camps. Many were American citizens and lost their homes and businesses. The camps remained in operation until 1945.

Battle of Midway (June 4–7, 1942)

12365514 — 2025-03-18 03:50:18 UTC

On June 4th till the 7th, 1942 The U.S. Navy, using intercepted intelligence, ambushed a Japanese fleet near Midway Island. Four Japanese aircraft carriers were sunk, crippling Japan’s ability to wage offensive naval war. This was a major turning point in the Pacific.

Allies Land in North Africa (November 8, 1942)

12365514 — 2025-03-18 03:52:56 UTC

On November 8, 1942 U.S. and British forces landed in North Africa to fight German and Italian troops. This campaign paved the way for the invasion of Italy and further weakened Axis control in the region.

Guadalcanal Campaign (August 7, 1942 – February 9, 1943)

12365514 — 2025-03-18 03:58:34 UTC

On August 7, 1942 until February 9, 1943 The U.S. launched its first major offensive in the Pacific, capturing Guadalcanal in a brutal six-month battle. Control of the island gave the Allies a strategic advantage and marked the beginning of Japan’s retreat.

German Surrender in Stalingrad (February 2, 1943)

12365514 — 2025-03-18 03:59:31 UTC

On February 2nd, 1943 The Soviet Red Army surrounded and defeated the German 6th Army in the Battle of Stalingrad. This was a turning point on the Eastern Front, as Germany suffered heavy losses and began retreating.

Battle of the Bulge (December 16, 1944 – January 25, 1945)

12365514 — 2025-03-18 04:00:46 UTC

On December 16, 1944 – January 25, 1945 Germany launched a surprise counterattack in Belgium, attempting to split Allied forces. After the first success, the Allies pushed the Germans back, using Germany’s last reserves.

Iwo Jima Captured (March 26, 1945)

12365514 — 2025-03-18 04:01:46 UTC

On March 26, 1945 the U.S. Marines captured the small volcanic island of Iwo Jima after intense fighting. The island was strategically important for launching air raids on Japan. The famous photo of U.S. Marines raising the flag on Mount Suribachi came from this battle.

Okinawa Captured (June 22, 1945)

12365514 — 2025-03-18 04:02:56 UTC

On June 22, 1945 The U.S. captures Okinawa in one of the war’s bloodiest battles. This placed American forces close enough to launch a potential invasion of mainland Japan.

D-Day (June 6, 1944)

12365514 — 2025-03-18 04:03:39 UTC

On June 6, 1944 Over 156,000 Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, in the largest amphibious invasion in history. Despite heavy German defenses, the invasion succeeded, leading to the liberation of France and Western Europe.

Germany Surrenders (May 7-8, 1945)

12365514 — 2025-03-18 04:05:10 UTC

On May 7th and 8th 1945 Germany officially surrendered to the Allies, ending the war in Europe. Massive celebrations took place across the Allied nations.

Hitler Commits Suicide (April 30, 1945)

12365514 — 2025-03-18 04:06:37 UTC

April 30, 1945 The Soviet forces closed in on Berlin, Adolf Hitler killed himself in his underground bunker by shooting himself in his head. His death marked the collapse of Nazi Germany’s leadership.

Bombing of Hiroshima/Nagasaki (August 6 & 9, 1945)

12365514 — 2025-03-18 04:07:45 UTC

On August 6 & 9, 1945 The U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing over 200,000 people. Japan, unable to continue fighting, moved toward surrender.

Japan Signs Official Surrender (September 2, 1945)

12365514 — 2025-03-18 04:08:38 UTC

September 2, 1945 Japan formally surrendered aboard the USS Missouri, officially ending World War II. The world began the process of rebuilding after the war’s devastation.