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Japanese invasion of China (1937
Japan launched a full-scale invasion of China in 1937, marking the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War. Seeking to expand its empire, Japan captured major cities, leading to widespread devastation. The conflict lasted until 1945 and caused millions of casualties. -
Rape of Nanking (1937)
During the invasion, Japanese forces committed horrific atrocities in Nanking, killing and assaulting tens of thousands of civilians and prisoners. The massacre lasted for weeks and remains a dark chapter in history. It significantly worsened relations between China and Japan. -
Fall of Paris (1940)
Germany invaded France in 1940, swiftly capturing Paris and forcing France to surrender. This marked a major victory for the Nazis and led to the establishment of the Vichy government. Paris remained under German occupation until 1944. -
Ribbentrop/Molotov Pact (1939)
Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed a non-aggression pact, agreeing to divide Eastern Europe. The treaty allowed Hitler to invade Poland without Soviet opposition, triggering World War II. It was later broken when Germany attacked the Soviet Union. -
German Invasion of France (1939-1940)
The Battle of France (1939-1940) was a swift German invasion using blitzkrieg tactics, overwhelming French and British forces. Aiming to dominate Western Europe, Germany’s attack led to France's fall, the Vichy regime's establishment, and Nazi occupation of much of the region. -
Pearl Harbor (1941)
Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, aimed to cripple the U.S. Pacific Fleet and prevent interference in its expansion. The strike caused heavy losses and led to the U.S. entering World War II, marking a turning point in the conflict. -
Operation Barbarossa (1941)
Germany launched a massive invasion of the Soviet Union, violating the non-aggression pact. The operation aimed to conquer Soviet territory quickly but ultimately failed. It became a turning point in World War II, leading to Germany’s eventual defeat. -
Wannsee Conference (1942)
The Wannsee Conference on January 20, 1942, saw senior Nazi officials coordinate the "Final Solution," leading to the systematic genocide of six million Jews and millions of others in concentration camps. -
D-Day (Normandy Invasion - 1944)
D-Day on June 6, 1944, was a massive Allied invasion in Normandy, France, aiming to free Western Europe from Nazi control. American, British, and Canadian forces launched an amphibious assault, opening a crucial Western front. The operation led to France's liberation and contributed to Nazi Germany's eventual defeat. -
Battle of the Bulge (1945)
The Battle of the Bulge, fought from December 1944 to January 1945, was Germany's last major offensive on the Western Front. German forces attempted to split Allied lines and seize supply points but were ultimately repelled. The battle caused heavy casualties and signaled the collapse of Nazi Germany as Allied forces pushed into its territory. -
Battle of Iwo Jima (1945)
The Battle of Iwo Jima, fought from February to March 1945, was a pivotal conflict between U.S. and Japanese forces during World War II. The U.S. aimed to capture the island to use as a base for air operations against Japan. The battle was marked by intense fighting and significant casualties, but the U.S. ultimately secured victory. The impact was strategic, providing a critical staging ground for the final assaults on Japan. -
VE Day (1945)
Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), celebrated on May 8, 1945, marked the official end of World War II in Europe. Germany's unconditional surrender followed months of Allied advances and the fall of Berlin. VE Day occurred due to the Allies' relentless military campaigns and the collapse of Nazi leadership. The impact was profound, bringing an end to the war in Europe and beginning the process of rebuilding and reconciliation. -
Dropping of the Atomic Bombs (1945)
The dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 was a decisive action by the United States to end World War II. The bombs caused unprecedented destruction and loss of life, forcing Japan to surrender. The decision was driven by the need to avoid a prolonged and costly invasion of Japan. The impact was far-reaching, ending the war but ushering in the nuclear age and raising ethical debates about the use of such weapons. -
VJ Day (1945)
Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), celebrated on August 15, 1945, marked the end of World War II following Japan's surrender. The surrender occurred after the atomic bombings and the Soviet Union's declaration of war against Japan. The impact was global, bringing an end to the deadliest conflict in human history and beginning a new era of international relations. -
Liberation of Concentration Camps (1945)
The liberation of concentration camps in 1945 by Allied forces revealed the horrors of the Holocaust to the world. Camps like Auschwitz and Dachau were freed, exposing the extent of Nazi atrocities. The liberation occurred as Allied forces advanced into Nazi-occupied territories. The impact was profound, leading to global awareness of the Holocaust, the prosecution of war criminals, and the establishment of "Never Again" as a guiding principle for humanity.