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Invasion of Poland
Nazi Germany's invasion of Poland marked the start of World War II, prompting Britain and France to declare war on Germany. It led to the division of Poland between Germany and the Soviet Union under the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. -
Fall of France to Nazi Forces
Germany's rapid and overwhelming invasion led to the collapse of France, with the government signing an armistice. This event left Britain to face Nazi Germany alone in Western Europe. -
Rescue at Dunkirk
Over 330,000 British and Allied troops were evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk despite the German army advancing. The successful retreat bolstered Allied morale and allowed Britain to continue resisting Nazi control. -
Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain marked the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces. Britain's Royal Air Force successfully repelled Germany's Luftwaffe, preventing a Nazi invasion and securing Britain's position in the war. -
Victory at Stalingrad
The German defeat at Stalingrad marked a turning point in the war, as it ended Germanys offensive in the Soviet Union. It was the first major loss for Hitler and began a series of Soviet offensives that would push German forces back. -
Italian Campaign
The Allied invasion of Italy after the fall of Sicily forced Italy out of the Axis powers. It led to hard-fought campaigns in Italy, diverting German resources and weakening European Axis defenses. -
D-Day
The Allied invasion of Normandy was a pivotal moment in World War II, opening a Western front against Nazi Germany. It led to the liberation of Western Europe, beginning the downfall of Nazi occupation. -
Operation Market Garden
It was a bold but failed attempt by the Allies to capture key bridges in the Netherlands and bypass German defenses. Though it aimed to shorten the war, it resulted in heavy casualties and delayed the Allied advance into Germany. -
Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge was the last major Nazi offensive against the Allies in Western Europe. Although initially successful, the German forces were repelled, hastening the Alliesa advance into Germany. -
Victory in Europe Day
D-Day marked the official surrender of Nazi Germany, ending the war in Europe. It was a moment of celebration for the Allied nations, though the Pacific War would continue until Japan surrendered in September 1945.