Timeline by Evan Montoya

Dunkirk Evacuation - May 26, 1940

12356753 — 2025-03-10 19:57:45 UTC

The Dunkirk Evacuation, or Operation Dynamo, was the evacuation of more than 338,000 Allied Soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk. This happened after Allied troops were cut off by Axis forces during the Battle of France.

Attack on Pearl Harbor – December 7, 1941

12356753 — 2025-03-10 19:57:45 UTC

Early in the morning, Japanese forces launched an airstrike on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor. Battleships were sunk, aircraft were destroyed, and over 2,400 Americans lost their lives. In response, the United States declared war on Japan.

Non-Aggression Pact – August 23, 1939

12356753 — 2025-03-10 20:00:18 UTC

Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which was a secret agreement pledging that neither country would attack the other. The pact also included a secret protocol dividing Eastern Europe, allowing Germany to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention.

Poland Invaded – September 1, 1939

12356753 — 2025-03-10 20:00:21 UTC

Germany invaded Poland, marking the official start of World War II. The invasion was a swift and brutal attack, with German forces using blitzkrieg tactics, followed by the Soviet Union invading from the east.

Hitler Commits Suicide - April 30, 1945

12356753 — 2025-03-10 20:00:23 UTC

Hilter was cooped up in a bunker and towards the end of the war he had given up hope. He took a cyanide pill and shot himself which ended his life.

Battle of Britain – July 10, 1940

12356753 — 2025-03-11 22:51:07 UTC

The Battle of Britain was an air campaign waged by the German Luftwaffe against the United Kingdom during World War II. It was the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces, with the Royal Air Force successfully defending Britain from German invasion.

Soviet Union Invaded – June 22, 1941

12356753 — 2025-03-11 22:51:10 UTC

Nazi Germany launched Operation Barbarossa, which was the largest military invasion in history, attacking the Soviet Union. The invasion marked a significant turning point in World War II as it led to brutal fighting on the Eastern Front, eventually exhausting German forces and contributing to their defeat.

Allies Land in North Africa – November 8, 1942

12356753 — 2025-03-11 22:51:12 UTC

The Allies Landing in North Africa was called Operation Torch. The landings took place in Morocco and Algeria, which wanted to reduce pressure on the Soviet Union by opening a new front for them.

German Surrender in Stalingrad – February 2, 1943

12356753 — 2025-03-11 22:51:14 UTC

The Battle of Stalingrad ended with the surrender of the Germans after months of fighting in the Soviet Union. This was the first major defeat of the Nazis and halted their advance into the Soviet Union.

D-Day – June 6, 1944

12356753 — 2025-03-11 22:51:22 UTC

D-Day was the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, which marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control. Over 156,000 American, British, and Canadian forces landed on five beaches, Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword Beach.

Battle of the Bulge – December 16, 1944

12356753 — 2025-03-11 22:51:25 UTC

The Battle of the Bulge was Nazi Germany’s last major offensive on the Western Front, with the goal of breaking through Allied lines in the Ardennes Forest. Harsh winter conditions and fierce resistance slowed the German advance, allowing the Allies to counterattack and push them back.

Guadalcanal Campaign – August 7, 1942

12356753 — 2025-03-11 22:51:51 UTC

The Guadalcanal Campaign was the first major offensive by Allied forces against Japan in the Pacific Theater. U.S. Marines landed on the island to seize a strategic airfield, leading to months of battles, eventually winning.

Battle of Midway – June 4, 1942

12356753 — 2025-03-11 22:51:55 UTC

The Battle of Midway was a pivotal naval battle between the United States and Japan, fought near the Midway Atoll in the Pacific. The U.S. Navy, having cracked Japanese codes, launched a surprise attack that led to the sinking of four Japanese aircraft carriers.

Japanese Internment Camps in America – February 19, 1942

12356753 — 2025-03-11 22:51:57 UTC

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. government forcibly relocated and killed over 120,000 Japanese Americans, which most were U.S. citizens, into internment camps across the United States.

Manhattan Project – December ?, 1942

12356753 — 2025-03-11 22:51:58 UTC

The Manhattan Project was a secret U.S. research and development program aimed at building the first atomic bomb during World War II. Led by physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, it brought together scientists, engineers, and military leaders in an effort to develop nuclear weapons before Nazi Germany could.

Iwo Jima Captured – February 19, 1945

12356753 — 2025-03-11 22:52:00 UTC

The U.S wanted to capture the island for its strategic airfields. Control of Iwo Jima would provide a critical base for U.S. bombers and fighters, allowing for safer air raids on Japan and emergency landings for damaged aircraft.

Okinawa Captured – April 1, 1945

12356753 — 2025-03-11 22:52:02 UTC

The Battle of Okinawa was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific front. U.S. forces fought to seize the island from Japan, with them using kamikaze attacks and village people to attack. The Allied victory provided a crucial base for a potential invasion of Japan.

Bombing of Hiroshima/Nagasaki – August 6 & 9, 1945

12356753 — 2025-03-11 22:52:04 UTC

The United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The bombings killed an estimated 200,000 people, either instantly or from subsequent radiation sickness. The bombs made Japan eventually surrender to the U.S.

Japan Signs Offical Surrender - September 2, 1945

12356753 — 2025-03-11 22:52:06 UTC

Representatives of Japan signed the official Instrument of Surrender on the USS Missouri. The Japanese military was unable to conduct major operations after it was signed.

Germany Surrenders – May 7, 1945

12356753 — 2025-03-11 23:17:34 UTC

After months of fighting in Europe, Nazi Germany officially surrendered to the Allied forces, marking the end of World War II in Europe. On May 7, Germany signed an unconditional surrender in Reims, France, which took effect the following day.