-
1933 BCE
Hitler becomes Chancellor
Hitler officially becomes Chancellor within Germany's political system. This event both signifies the rise of power of the Nazi's as well as Hitler himself. The German people were rallied under a fascist flag -
Italian invasion into Ethiopia
A large stepping stone establishing Italy as an aggressive fascist country. The invasion into Ethiopia served to extend italy's influence and demonstrated the lack of control from the league of nations. Italy also established itself as a major power in the coming world war. -
Rhineland occupation by Germany
The significance of the Rhineland occupation cannot be understated, as it was the first major military move made by Germany post-WW1. Shortly after, Hitler proclaimed a 25 year non-aggression pact to the rest of Europe to assuage worries. -
Rome-Berlin Axis
Meeting between Italy and Germany formally establishing their alliance with each other as well as establishing the term Axis. It was formally sealed with the pact of steel. -
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
This pact was a non-aggression pact between Germany and Russia, and was intended to prevent Russia from entering the coming world war. It might have worked, were it not for Germany's repeated breaking of promises and treaties prior. -
WW2 begins
World war 2 begins, with the stage set in Europe. The official start of the war began with the German invasion of Poland. This caused an initial war between Germany and Italy vs Britain and France. -
Battle of Britain
A pivotal point in the survival of Britain and the extent of German control early on in the war. Britain was under heavy invasion by the German Luftwaffe, but the British air-force was able to hold their ground securing Britain's defensive position in the war. -
Battle of Dunkirk
The battle of Dunkirk was an evacuation from the French port by the same name. This was early in the war, when France was occupied by Nazi Germany, and several French and British soldiers who did not wish to fight without preparation and supplies needed to leave. -
Pearl Harbor
The Japanese execute a surprise attack against the US' naval base on Pearl Harbor. This officially marked the turning point for the US joining the war. -
Occupation of yugoslavia
Nazi Germany invaded and occupied Yugoslavia, establishing a Fascist ruler and deposing the previously ruling prince. Following this, several resistance groups fought back with Guerilla warfare tactics. This is also where the dictator Joseph Tito comes to power following this. -
Battle of Stalingrad
A pivotal turning point in WW2 in which the allies turned around the German offensive into Soviet territory right before it would've severed supply lines in half. Hitler refused to back his army off when it was clear they were losing and thus lost the entire force by surrender later on. -
Battle of Kursk
The battle of Kursk was a battle between Germany and the Soviet Union within the Union's territory. it was a brutal loss for the German forces, and forced their retreat from the homeland. -
Italy Surrenders
Italy, after several military losses and home front disillusions, withdraws from the war. German forces were still occupying Italy, however, and still had to be forcibly removed. This was the first major axis member removed from the war. -
Battle of the Bulge
Allied forces were moving closer to the German homeland, and with very few reserve forces remaining, Germany pulled on the last of its reserves to push into Belgium in a desperate counter-attack. This marked the last major battle on the German front, as Germany lost and surrendered shortly after. -
Normandy (D-day)
perhaps the most famous battle from WW2, the invasion of Normandy was a combined effort from the US, UK, Canada, and other regiments to retake France from German occupation. It is perhaps one of the bloodiest battles historically. -
Liberation of Paris
Paris is officially liberated from Nazi occupation. This was both a strategic and symbolic advancement, as it exemplified the full withdrawal of the Nazi's influence, and with it, advantage. -
Iwo Jima
The battle of Iwo Jima was an offensive battle on the island of Iwo Jima. 70,000 US soldiers fought against 18,000 Japanese soldiers dug into defensive bunkers. -
Japan surrenders
Japan, after 2 repeat nuclear bombings, surrenders. This led to the loss of all Japanese islands outside of Japan itself, military disarmament, and temporary occupation. -
Yalta Conference
Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin meet at Yalta to discuss under what terms and conditions the Soviet union would enter the war against Japan, and they agreed that the Soviet Union would get manchuria but would have to let Poland hold its own elections -
Germany Surrenders
After the Shelling of Hitler's compound and his suicide, remaining German leaders are forced to surrender to Allied military forces. This signals the end of the war on the European front, and refocused the remaining efforts towards Japan.