WWII Timeline by Samuel Russell

Germany Invades Rhineland

237204_4 — 2025-04-01 19:14:17 UTC

Originally designated as a demilitarized zone established by the Treaty of Versailles. Germany decides to make the military move of taking over Rhineland, abolishing the Treaty made following the previous WWI.

Neutrality Acts 1935, 1936, 1937

237204_4 — 2025-04-02 18:53:01 UTC

Neutrality Acts

Japan Invades Manchuria

237204_4 — 2025-04-02 18:53:46 UTC

Japan Invades

Neutrality Act 1939

237204_4 — 2025-04-02 18:54:42 UTC

Neutrality Act 1939

Japanese Internment

169947_4 — 2025-04-04 16:40:30 UTC

Japanese internment camps were across the Western side of the United States, in places like Idaho. It was the forced relocation of Japanese-Americans into camps World War II due to Japanese attacks on the U.S. and it's territories, like Guam. This was due to concerns over disloyalty to the country or hidden spies. It ranged from February 19, 1942-March 20, 1946.

Battle of Midway

169947_4 — 2025-04-04 16:47:44 UTC

Pivotal navy battle between the U.S. Navy and Japanese Imperial Empire. The Japanese planned to invade Midway Atoll to gain Pacific power and destroy the U.S. Pacific fleet on the way to Alaska. The U.S. intercepted Japan's naval code and was aware about the plan before it happened. So, the U.S. navy ambushed the Japanese fleet and destroyed their aircrafts. This was a turning point as America took the lead against Japan and Japan was at a loss in naval supplies and strategies.

D-Day

169947_4 — 2025-04-08 04:16:33 UTC

Allied invasion (United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom) on June 6, 1944, around Nazi-occupied Normandy, France's beaches. Known as the largest amphibious attack with around 160,000 troops landed. The biggest challenges were at Omaha Beach for The Allies by the Germans. The day ended with over 10,300 casualties for The Allied Forces, with around 2,300 from Omaha Beach.

Bombing of Japan

169947_4 — 2025-04-08 06:21:30 UTC

On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb (nicknamed "Little Boy") over Hiroshima, Japan. It's destruction and devastation was immediate with around 80,000 immediate deaths and tens of thousands more later due to radiation exposure. 3 days later, Japan received another atomic bomb, this time on Nagasaki. The bomb was nicknamed "Fat Man," and was stronger than the first bomb, however killed less due to the different population sizes and areas dropped.

Lend-Lease Act

169947_4 — 2025-04-08 06:28:57 UTC

Signed into law by Franklin D. Roosevelt on March 11, 1941. It allowed the president to decide which countries receive aid and lend/lease war supplies to other countries in return for services or property that could support the U.S. defense.

Four Freedoms Speech

169947_4 — 2025-04-08 07:03:36 UTC

In Franklin D. Roosevelt's 'State of the Union address' on January 6th, 1941, he highlighted the need for continued American involvement in Great Britain's participation in WWII. Through American peoples production of armaments, payment of higher taxes, and other wartime sacrifices, Roosevelt promised it was to give democratic rights to all people, as part of American ideals.

Bombing of Pearl Harbor

169947_4 — 2025-04-08 07:22:39 UTC

The Imperial Japanese Navy orchestrated a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941. There were 2 waves of attacks, both an hour apart. Over 2,400 Americans were killed and 1,178 left wounded.

Congress Declares War

169947_4 — 2025-04-08 07:57:29 UTC

On December 8th, 1841, a few hours after the Pearl Harbor bombing, Roosevelt delivered his "Day of Infamy" speech to Congress, requesting a declaration of war with Japan. Congress accepted it almost unanimously with only 1 dissenting vote.