WW2 Timeline by BECK, MEREDITH A (STUDENT)

Pearl Harbor (Pacific) December 7th, 1941

beckma3 — 2024-02-12 21:51:17 UTC

The Pearl Harbor attack was an important day in history because it is what forced the United States into the War. The Japanese had bombed the naval base on December 7th, destroying boats and planes, and taking many lives away. Japan's main goal was to disable the US planes and resources, and force the US to break their neutrality and join the war.

Hitler declares war on the US (Eastern) December 11th, 1941

beckma3 — 2024-02-12 21:53:42 UTC

This day was important because this is when the US had been called out and pulled into a dangerous situation. Hitler had declared war because Germany was allied with Japan. Japan had attacked at Pearl Harbor and declared war so Germany also joined.

Doolittle Raid (Pacific) April 18th,1942

beckma3 — 2024-02-12 21:57:56 UTC

Although the Doolittle Raid of April 18, 1942, caused only minor damage, it forced the Japanese to recall combat forces for home defense, raised fears among the Japanese civilians, and boosted morale among Americans and our Allies abroad.

Battle of Coral Sea (Pacific) May 4th, 1942

beckma3 — 2024-02-12 21:59:56 UTC

Days of battles between Japanese and American aircraft carriers resulted in 70 Japanese and 66 American warplanes destroyed. This battle, called the Battle of the Coral Sea, marked the first air-naval battle in history, as none of the carriers fired at each other, allowing the planes taking off from their decks to do the battling.

Battle of Midway (Pacific) June 4th 1942

beckma3 — 2024-02-12 22:50:21 UTC

America had intercepted that Japan was going to attack at Midway. So the US had destroyed Japan's 1st line of carrier. The Battle of Midway ended the threat of further Japanese invasion in the Pacific.

Iwo Jima (Pacific) February 19th-March 26th, 1945

beckma3 — 2024-02-12 22:52:26 UTC

Iwo Jima was an important event in the war because it represented the capabilities of American soldiers. to be able to claim this island was a daunting task as the US would have a huge disadvantage. Securing Iwo Jima would help prepare the army for the last battle (Okinawa). This battle had been one of the bloodiest battles as it suffered 6,140 deaths.

Battle of Stalingrad (Eastern) August 22, 1942- February 2, 1943

beckma3 — 2024-02-12 22:58:49 UTC

Stalingrad was an important battle because it had stopped the Germans from taking over Russia. This battle was one of the longest and bloodiest battles in the war. This battle was nearly 8 months long, but Russia had stood their ground and beat Germany.

Operation Barbarossa (Eastern) June 22th, 1941

beckma3 — 2024-02-12 23:00:41 UTC

Operation Barbarossa was the codename of Germany's plan to invade the Soviet Union. This event was very important because this is what started the spread of Germany and its power. Hitler wanted a Nonaggression pact that kept the Soviets from attacking them and help them invade Poland.

Battle of Kursk (Eastern) July 5th, 1943- August 23rd, 1943

beckma3 — 2024-02-12 23:01:46 UTC

Another unsuccessful German invasion, as the Soviets had beaten them again at Kursk. This battle began with a German surprise attack but ended as an embarrassing loss. This was the largest tank battle of the war, consisting of 6000 tanks!

Siege of Leningrad (Eastern) September 8th, 1941 - January 27th, 1944

beckma3 — 2024-02-12 23:04:37 UTC

Leningrad was considered important by Hitler so he decided to make it a priority to capture it. Leningrad had been a home base to Russia's Baltic Fleet. It also housed more than 600 factories, making it a massive industrial hotspot. The Soviets obviously didn't want to give up Leningrad so they fought for it, and Hitler didn't play very fair. When Hitler wasn't getting anywhere in negotiations he decided to stop sending food and starve the Soviets into submission.