-
Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany
Hitler was made Chancellor which started the Nazi dictatorship. This allowed the Nazi's to have power and make unfair policies that would lead to war. -
Germany militarizes the Rhineland
German trooped entered the Rhineland, which violated the treaty of Versailles. -
Annexation of Austria
The Nazi's annex Austria, which united Germany and Austria. This was achieved without military conflict but made other countries become aware of Hitler's intent to take over. -
Munich agreement and the Sudetenland
Britain, France, Italy, and Germany sign the Munich Agreement, which allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia in hopes of avoiding war. This policy failed to prevent further aggression. -
Fall of France
After a rapid German advance, France surrenders. The occupation of France leaves Britain standing alone against Nazi Germany in Western Europe. -
Nazi-soviet Non-aggression Pact
Germany and the Soviet Union sign a non aggression pact, and secretly agreed to divide Eastern Europe between them. This pact cleared the way for Hitler to invade Poland without any fear of the Soviet Union. -
Invasion of Poland
Germany invades Poland using blitzkrieg tactics, starting WWII in Europe, Britain, and France declare war on Germany two days later. -
Battle of Britain
The German Luftwaffe launches an air campaign against Britain. The Royal Air Force successfully defends the UK, marking the first major defeat for Hitler's military forces. -
Operation Barbarossa
Germany invades the Soviet Union, opening the Eastern front. The largest military operation in history, it leads to brutal fighting and heavy losses on both sides. -
Battle of Stalingrad
Soviet forces defeated the German 6th Army in a turning point battle. The defeat marks the beginning of a major German retreat on the Eastern Front. -
Liberation of Paris
Allied forces liberate Paris from German occupation, signalling the collapse of Nazi control in Western Europe. -
Battle of the Bulge
Germany launches a final major offensive in the Ardennes. The allies withstand the attack, hastening the end of the war in Europe. -
D-Day: Normandy Invasion
Allied forces land on the beaches of Normandy, France, opening a "Second Front" in Western Europe. This operation leads to the liberation of France. -
Siege of Leningrad
The city of Leningrad endures a nearly 900-day siege by German forces, resulting in severe civilian casualties and suffering. -
Germany surrenders
Nazi Germany unconditionally surrenders to the allies, marking the end of WWII in Europe.