B A T T L E S OF W O R L D WAR 2 by Michelle Pavounko

Nazi-Soviet Pact - 1939

2156143_1 — 2024-03-28 15:22:49 UTC

In August of 1939, the Soviet Union and Germany were brought together in Moscow, Russia to sign a pact that would prevent aggression towards each other. This was known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which split up Europe to make battles less stressful so Stalin could just focus on the West. This eventually led to the beginning of WW2 as Germany invaded Poland.

Nazis Invasion of Poland - 1939

2156143_1 — 2024-03-28 15:29:49 UTC

The summer of 1939, German soldiers, under Hitlers command, invaded Poland on their western front. Poland's army unfortunately was not strong enough to overpower Germany and eventually lost the battle. This sparked up worry among other countries, leading France and Britain to declare war on Germany, causing a greater conflict to arise. Poland was left with no materials and was suffering from this tragic event.

France's Maginot Line - 1930's

2156143_1 — 2024-03-28 15:41:22 UTC

Trauma from WWI, France decided to build a defense system along the French and German border in the 1930's. Also known as the Maginot Line. This was meant to prevent direct assaults against other countries with the hard-enforced metal used. Inside were concrete bunkers, intercoms, and other weaponry. Unfortunately, Germany found their weak spot and traveled through the Ardennes Forest, throwing France off guard. This created a greater conflict, and France was not prepared because they only had one defense and relied only on it.

The Fall of France - 1940

2156143_1 — 2024-03-28 15:49:01 UTC

In 1940, France was quickly taken over by German forces. They used the " Blitzkrieg tactics" that consisted of sneaking past the Maginot Line, leading to the Fall of Paris. The French were caught by surprise but weren't ready to attack even though they had a better military. France was forced to surrender. Frances's weak tactics resulted in a greater invasion by the Germans, teaching them a lesson.

Miracle at Dunkirk - 1940

2156143_1 — 2024-03-28 15:58:00 UTC

Spring of 1940, after the quick invasion of Germany in France, many British and Allied forces were stuck on the beaches of Dunkirk surrounded by Germans. A rescue plan quickly established "Operation 'Dynamo" and the Royal Navy brought back French and British troops to Britain. Around 338,000 soldiers were brought back to safety and succeded in their plan even though Germany was still attacking. This allowed Britain to gain power and gave them a boost in the attack.

The Battle of Britain - 1940

2156143_1 — 2024-03-28 16:00:53 UTC

In the summer to winter of 1940, the eastern coast of England and the Royal Air Force (RAF) of Britain were under attack by the German Luftwaffe. The British used radar detection to detect bomber aircraft and outsmarted the Germans, leading to the first victory against the Germans. This was a big turning point for the Germans and gave hope to the Allied powers. This boosted the confidence of the British people.

Operation Barbarossa - 1941

2156143_1 — 2024-03-28 16:19:55 UTC

In 1941, Germany decided to turn on the Soviet Union and break their agreement of no aggression. Support from the Axis Allies, Germany was able to capture Soviet soldiers. Due to Russia's harsh conditions, many Germans were unable to continue the attack and died in the mean time. The Soviet Union was able to get back on their feet and defeated Germany. This led to a costly and deadly journey for Germany, and led to conflict on the eastern front. Germany's hopes of gaining the east was crushed.

Stalingrad, Russia - 1942-1943

2156143_1 — 2024-03-28 16:32:05 UTC

August of 1942- February of 1943 was the battle of Stalingrad. A time when Germany wanted to take over Russia's city of Stalingrad. This included both sides Fighting in the streets but quickly ended when Germans were trapped by the Soviets under the leadership of General Georgy Zhukov. Germans were left to starve, had lack of shelter and eventually the Germans surrended because of the harsh conditions.

Pearl Harbor - 1941

2156143_1 — 2024-04-01 15:22:49 UTC

On December 7th, 1941 Japan attacked the Harbor as an act against the US. Shortly before the US had cut off their oil supply. The Japanese had killed many Americans and sunk many ships. This caused America and Japan to enter WW2. Japan had gotten their victory of attacking.

D - day - 1944

2156143_1 — 2024-04-01 15:32:05 UTC

D - day or Operation Overload was an attack against the Nazis on June 6, 1944. Dwight D. Eisenhower had nations send out thousands of soldiers from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and other Allied nations storm into France where it was heavily under control of the Nazis. They eventually pushed through the resistance and had successfully overthrown the German army. It was a turning point for the Nazis and an opportunity for Europe to get back on their feet.

The liberation of Europe - 1945

2156143_1 — 2024-04-01 15:37:05 UTC

After D-day, Allied soldiers went through France and freed all people. It created a way for the Allied powers and France to take a hold of Germany. Germany was lacking and didn't have the support they needed. Eventually France was free and gave Europe and the Allied powers a foothold to attack on the heart of Nazi Germany.

the Battle of Berlin - 1945

2156143_1 — 2024-04-01 15:44:56 UTC

From April 16 to May 2, 1945, when the war started. The Soviet Union attacked against Hitler and the Nazis. Hitler admitted to the defeat and sat in his bunker until he committed suicide. Marshal Georgy Zhukov a commander of the Soviet Red Army, commanded his army to attack Berlin. Eventually, the Soviets won and Germany was forced to surrender leading to the war's end in Europe.

Battle of Midway - 1942

2156143_1 — 2024-04-01 15:47:51 UTC

On June 4th, 1942, Japan attacked the Midway islands to have all armies and naval power to the Island. The US found Japanese aircraft carriers and with strong forces attacked on them and it was a success. The US won and had lead their success into the Pacific. Naval aircraft from the US had strengthened and showed how much power the US had.

The Battle of Guadalcanal - 1942-1943

2156143_1 — 2024-04-04 01:54:37 UTC

From August 7, 1942, to February 9, 1943 was the first battle that was fought by Allied forces against Japan. Japan had placed an airfield and had threats against the US. America and the Australians had come together and took over the island, Japan had lost. This war consisted of jungle fights, naval clashes, and heavy casualties.

The Battle of Iwo Jima - 1945

2156143_1 — 2024-04-04 02:25:54 UTC

From February 19th to March 26th 1945 Japan and the US had another war. The little island was used as an Airbase and a potential launching base for Japan and attacks. US had a hard time getting to the island due to Japans defending which included tunnels, fortified bunker and a communication center. The US eventually got through and had another victory against Japan. The famous picture above was taken after they had won.

The Battle of Okinawa - 1945

2156143_1 — 2024-04-04 02:32:07 UTC

From April 1 to June 22, 1945 was one of the most significant battles of the Pacific Theaters. It was attack against the Allied forces to the Japanese. This consisted of a bloody battle between the both of them. This was an attack that was close to the mainland of Japan leading to a future invasion from the Allied powers. Despite the massive casualties that were created on both sides, the Allied powers eventually took over and won the Island as well but at a huge cost.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki - 1945

2156143_1 — 2024-04-04 02:38:43 UTC

The US, UK and Canada put The Manhattan Project to use as they created the first atomic bomb. On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped this atomic bomb on Hiroshima instantly killing tens if thousands of people. 3 days later they dropped another atomic bomb onto Nagasaki also resulting in tons of deaths and destruction. This led to Japan to surrender and end the war in the Pacific.

VJ Day - 1945

2156143_1 — 2024-04-04 02:51:54 UTC

This iconic picture was captured by Alfred Eisenstaedt on August 14, 1945. This was when Americans have gotten the news that Japan has surrendered and WW2 is over. This man identified as George Mendonsa, a sailor, kissed a random woman on the street. Alfred has captured this moment that represents the joy and emotion from this news. Many wonder if this had happened today, if the man would have been charged with assault.