Timeline: The Law and Times of World War I and II by Annabelle Christ

1914: The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

achrist17 — 2024-02-28 18:55:01 UTC

This event sparked World War I, demonstrating the power of political acts to ignite global conflicts. It led to a chain of events, culminating in the outbreak of war.

1915: The Sinking of the Lusitania

achrist17 — 2024-02-28 18:55:01 UTC

This tragic event underscored the deadly impact of naval warfare and shifted public opinion, particularly in the United States, towards involvement in World War I.

1917: The United States Enters World War I

achrist17 — 2024-02-28 18:55:02 UTC

Signaled a crucial turning point in World War I, the US entry into the war brought fresh troops and significant resources, impacting the war's trajectory.

1918: Armistice Day

achrist17 — 2024-02-28 18:55:02 UTC

Marking the end of fighting on the Western Front, the armistice paved the way for the Treaty of Versailles, which officially ended World War I.

1939: Invasion of Poland

achrist17 — 2024-02-28 18:55:03 UTC

The invasion by Germany marked the beginning of World War II, showcasing the aggressive expansion policies that would characterize the conflict.

1941: Attack on Pearl Harbor

achrist17 — 2024-02-28 18:55:03 UTC

A pivotal moment in World War II, the attack led to the United States declaring war on Japan, and shortly thereafter, on Germany and Italy, marking US involvement in the conflict.

1945: Victory in Europe Day

achrist17 — 2024-02-28 18:55:03 UTC

Celebrates the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, bringing an end to World War II in Europe.

1945: Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

achrist17 — 2024-02-28 18:55:04 UTC

These bombings brought Japan to surrender, effectively ending World War II. They highlighted the devastating power of nuclear weapons and shaped international warfare laws.

June 6, 1944: D-Day

mwebb114 — 2024-03-04 03:58:23 UTC

On this day, allied forces invaded from England, and landed in Normandy in Northern France. Under the command of U.S. General Dwight Eisenhower, the Allies were able to set up a base to begin the March towards Paris. This marked a turning point in the war, as after this the Allies liberated Paris in August, giving them greater control of Western Europe. The Allies moved closer towards victory over Germany.

November 9, 1938: Kristallnacht

mwebb114 — 2024-03-04 04:10:33 UTC

Kristallnacht, or the "Night of the Broken Glass" was a night of various violent anti-semitic acts throughout Germany and Austria. This was said to be in response to the assassination of a German diplomat by a Jewish teenager, but in reality these attacks were the result of Nazi plans. The violence was immense, causing the deaths of over 90 jews, the destruction of synagogues and Jewish shops, and the sending of over 30,000 Jews to concentration camps. The night clearly displays the terrible ideals of the Nazi party and Hitler, demonstrating extreme anti-Semitism.

September 2, 1945: V-J Day

mwebb114 — 2024-03-04 04:26:27 UTC

Following the bombings of Hiroshima (August 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (August 9, 1945), Japan surrendered unconditionally on August 14, 1945. President Truman of the United States subsequently designated the day of the formal surrender ceremonies, September 2, Victory over Japan Day, also known as V-J Day. This effectively marked the end of World War 2.