WWII Timeline by

Attack on Pearl Harbor

gavinmorr — 2024-02-08 01:11:34 UTC

On the morning of December 7th, 1941, Japan forcefully drew the United States into WWII after landing a devastating surprise attack on the U.S. naval base, Pearl Harbor. President Roosevelt famously described it as, "A day that will live in infamy". The importance of this surprise attack is that the U.S. was given no choice but to join WWII. They quickly declared war on Japan, and Germany declared war on the United States.

Battle of Midway (June 4,1942)

gavinmorr — 2024-02-08 01:18:51 UTC

The United States needed a strong defeat against the Japanese in order to boost the overall war effort / morale. U.S. Midway codebreakers set a trap for the Japanese. The reason this battle is crucial is because the U.S. sink 4 Japanese aircraft carriers. For the first time Japan will have be on the defensive side. This battle also boosted the United States' morale.

Battle of Stalingrad

gavinmorr — 2024-02-08 01:23:54 UTC

The Soviet Union's army kept getting pushed back all the way to Stalingrad. On August 23, 1942, Stalingrad was literally named after their leader / dictator, so he instructed the people of Russia to defend the city at any expense. The battle ends up being the bloodiest battle in the war / ever, with over a million casualties. The battle is significant because the Germans ran out of supplies and the harsh winter started getting to them, so they were forced to retreat. The soviet Union would now be the attackers, and the Nazi's would have to defend.

Guadalcanal (Aug 7, 1942)

gavinmorr — 2024-02-08 01:42:40 UTC

This marked the Americans first land offensive in the pacific. 10,000 marines were sent to control Guadalcanal. In 1 day they gain control of the landing zone and name it "Henderson Field." When the marines did finally meet resistance, the Japanese put their inhumane treatment of the Americans on full display. This only strengthened America's hate of the Japanese.

Operation Torch

gavinmorr — 2024-02-08 01:50:53 UTC

On November 8th, 1943, General Eisenhower orders 63,000 British and American forces to invade North Africa(Morocco & Algeria). This was an important invasion because it serves as the first American blow against the Nazi's and Italy. Within a few days of the invasion the enemies surrender, which allows the allies to advance untouched.

Invasion of Sicily (July 9, 1943)

gavinmorr — 2024-02-08 02:04:32 UTC

On July 9,1943, the allies invaded the beaches of Sicily. They were met with some resistance but nothing to heavy. The significance of this invasion came later when the allies successfully capture Sicily which now allowed them to advance further up "the boot" (Italy).

Battle Over Termoli

gavinmorr — 2024-02-09 01:58:03 UTC

The 332nd fighter group(All black Air Force unit) were given instructions to protect long-range bomber planes at whatever cost. The significance is the fact that they quickly excel at their task and build up a nice reputation. Bomber squads would even request to be escorted by them. Also, American Bombers as a whole have a decrease in being shot down.

Operation Overload (D-day)

gavinmorr — 2024-02-09 02:03:31 UTC

In June of 1944, 160,000 allied troops storm the beaches of Normandy. The reason this invasion was so necessary is because if the allies were able to capture the beach, they would now be able to attack Germany from three different fronts. This pressure would likely be enough to defeat the Nazi's.

Capture of Saipan

gavinmorr — 2024-02-09 02:10:31 UTC

On June 15, 1944, U.S. Marines were tasked with taking an airstrip on the Saipan. This airstrip was so crucial because if the marines successfully captured it, they would now be in range to bomb Tokyo. 30,000 Japanese soldiers were their waiting for them, and on top of that, they were doing everything in their power to not lose an inch of land (suicide bombings). For the first time, white and black marines fought with each other in order to overcome the defenses.

Battle of Iwo Jima (Feb 19, 1945)

gavinmorr — 2024-02-09 02:19:14 UTC

This barren island was less than 700 miles away from Japan. This island was crucial for Japan to maintain control of which is why they had spent years preparing it for war. The significance of the allies capturing the island is that they would now have two Islands close to Japan, and could now launch attacks against the mainland.