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German Blitzkrieg (1939-1940)
What happened: Germany used rapid, surprise military tactics (Blitzkrieg or “lightning war”) to invade Poland and other countries, overwhelming them with speed and force.
Why it happened: This was part of Hitler’s strategy to expand the Nazi Empire and assert German dominance in Europe.
Effects: It led to the swift fall of Poland, France, and other nations, and changed the nature of modern warfare, influencing military strategies for decades. -
Pearl Harbor (1941)
What happened: Japan attacked the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941.
Why it happened: Japan sought to weaken the U.S. military presence in the Pacific, secure resources, and expand its empire in Asia.
Effects: The attack led to the U.S. entry into WWII, significantly altering the war’s global dynamics.