WW2 Timeline by Alexa Polanco

Stalin asked Allies to open a second front - August 13th, 1942

2025apolanco — 2024-01-09 18:43:34 UTC

Stalin asked allies to open a second front because he wanted to divert German forces from the Eastern front. He wanted to open a second front. This would split up the Germans strength. This forces them to fight battles in two regions rather then one. The allies would be able to weaken Germany on two fronts. The U.S didn't want to agree at first, but then they did.

Nazi Invasion of Western Europe (Netherlands, Belgium, Norway) - May 1940

2025rluftglass — 2024-01-14 20:47:14 UTC

German Troops overran Western Europe in six weeks starting in May 1940. The Netherlands surrendered on May 14th and Belgium surrendered on May 28th. Shortly after France signed an armistice on June 22nd, 1940 which meant that France agreed that the Germans could occupy the Northern half of the country as well as the entire Atlantic coastline. This is significant because it brought hundreds of thousands of Jews under German control which allowed the Natzis to continue growing.

Nazi Invasion of Soviet Union - June 22nd, 1941

2025rluftglass — 2024-01-14 20:50:09 UTC

This was the largest military operation of World War 2 and marked Hitlers decision to break the non-aggression pact and expand westward. This was aimed to conquer Soviet territories and gain resources. Strategic errors by the Nazis and Soviet resilience led to defeat for Germany and helped the war in favor of the Allies.

Stalin Joined the Allies - June 1941

2025rluftglass — 2024-01-14 20:50:59 UTC

Stalin joined the allies because Hitler betrayed the Molotov- Ribbentrop Pact when he invaded the Soviet Union. This was significant because Stalin allied with the United States, and Britain. This was to defeat the Nazi Germany army. Their common goal was to defeat the Axis powers and this led to significant cooperation in the war effort.

Pearl Harbor - December 7th, 1941

2025rluftglass — 2024-01-14 20:52:23 UTC

The unprovoked attack by Japan brought the United States into World War 2 which immediately caused the US to declare war on Japan. Pearl Harbor was and is the most important American naval base in the Pacific as well as the home to the US Pacific Fleet

Surrender of Corregidor and the Philippines - May 6th, 1942

2025rluftglass — 2024-01-14 20:54:09 UTC

The island of Corregidor remained the last Allied stronghold in the Philippines after the Japanese victory at Bataan. Constant aerial bombardment attacks by the Japanese ate away at the American and Filipino defenders. This was significant because it marked the fall of the Philippines.

Battle of Midway - June 4th 1942 to June 7th 1942

2025rluftglass — 2024-01-14 20:55:07 UTC

The Battle of Midway was a major naval battle where the US and Japanese forces engaged in a five-day battle in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. This battle took place from June 4th to June 7th of 1942. This battle was very significant because it turned the tide of the war by stopping the growth of Japan in the Pacific and put the United States in a position where they could shrink the Japanese empire.

Battle of Stalingrad - August 23, 1942

2025rluftglass — 2024-01-14 20:55:49 UTC

The Luftwaffe went on nightly bombing raids which led rubble in the city. The city was mostly destroyed, and the Germans were now defensive. The Soviets were pushing them steadily westward. This is significant because it marked a turning point in the war, and significantly weakened Germany's military forces.

Allied "invasion" of Sicily and Italy - June 10th, 1943

2025rluftglass — 2024-01-14 21:01:57 UTC

The invasion of Sicily was called Operation Husky. The Allies’ Italian Campaign began with the invasion of Sicily. After 38 days of fighting, the United States and Great Britian successfully drove German and Italian troops from Sicily and prepeared to assault the Italian mainland. This led to the collapse of Mussolini’s government. He was forced to resign by the Fascist Grand Council and was arrested later that day (June 25th).

Battle of Britain - July 10th 1940 to October 31st 1940

2025rluftglass — 2024-01-14 21:08:40 UTC

The Battle of Britain was a military campaign in which the Royal Air Force and the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy defended the United Kingdom against large-scale attacks by Nazi Germany. This was the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces. This battle was very important because the British were able to successfully defend their country against German air attacks which prevented a German invasion. This boosted morale and showed people that Hitler’s forces were not invincible, giving even more hope to the Allies.