WW2 Timeline

German Invasion of Poland, September 1, 1939

September 1, 1939

On September 1, 1939, Poland was invaded by the germans, this sparked the beginning of World War 2. During the invasion, the Republic of Poland was attacked by Nazi Germany, the Slovak Republic, and the Soviet Union collectively. Germany invaded Poland in order to retake lost land and eventually subjugate their eastern neighbor.

Cause: Hitler's expansionist goals and desire to broaden the German empire.

Effect: Declaration of war by France and Britain on Germany on September 3, 1939.

Attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941

December 7, 1941

In what is known as the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese soldiers assaulted a US naval station at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii. The operation resulted in about 2,400 American deaths and the destruction of multiple US ships and aircraft.

Cause: Japan's desire to seize natural resources and increase its control over Asia

Effect: The U.S. joined World War 2 and emerged as a significant force in the Pacific Theater in the Pacific Theater.

Battle of Midway, June 4-7, 1942

June 4, 1942

During World War 2's Pacific Theater, the United States and Japan clashed in a massive naval battle named the Battle of Midway. Japan laid a trap for the American Pacific Fleet, but the US managed to intercept Japanese conversations through eavesdropping and was able to mount a fierce counterattack. Ultimately, the US was victorious, sinking four Japanese carriers and inflicting heavy damage on the Japanese Navy.

Cause: A result of Japan's attempt to expand its territory and influence in the Pacific.

Effect: With the American victory, Japan's progress was halted and the Japanese navy suffered its first significant setback.

Battle of Stalingrad, August 23, 1942 - February 2, 1943

August 23, 1942

Germany and the Soviet Union engaged in a major battle in Stalingrad.  The German invasion of Stalingard was successfully repelled by the Soviet Union. For the Soviet Union, this marked a turning point in the conflict.

Cause: Hitler invaded Stalingrad as an attempt to seize control of the Soviet oil fields.

Effect: Significant loss of German troops and equipment, which weakened the German army's military power and morale for the remainder of World War II.

D-Day, June 6, 1944

June 6, 1944

A significant Allied invasion of a Germany occupied France. Known as D-Day, this invation was a crutial turning point for the Allies in the war due to the fact that it gave the Allies a chance to take control of the continent and start driving the Germans back.

Cause: To relieve pressure on the Soviet Union and defeat Nazi Germany, the Allies needed to establish a second front in Europe.

Effect: The successful establishment of Allied beachheads in Normandy, France, which allowed for the gradual liberation of Western Europe.

Battle of Leyte Gulf, October 23-26, 1944

October 23, 1944

One of the largest naval battles in history, the Battle of Leyte Gulf was fought between the US and Japan in the philippines. The battle ended in a decisive vicotry for the US, which left Japan's naval power in the Pacific crippled.

Cause: Japan's desire to destroy the Allied invasion forces in the Philippines.

Effect: Broke down Japan's naval power and allowed the Allies to gain control of the Pacific Theater.

End of WWII in Europe, May 8, 1945

World War II ended when Germany unconditionally surrendered to the Allied powers. This surrender was signed on May 7, and became effective on May 8, bringing an end to the war in Europe.

Cause: The Allied powers had taken control of Berlin, and Adolf Hitler had committed suicide. leaving Nazi Germany with no choice but to surrender

Effect: The end of WWII in Europe

May 8, 1945

Bombing of Hiroshima, August 6, 1945

The boming of Hiroshima was the first use of nuclear weapons in warfare. It was a nuclear attack carried out by the US on the Japanese city of Hiroshima during World War II, this resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians.

Cause: The United States sought to end the war with Japan quickly and avoid a costly invasion.

Effect: The bombing of Hiroshima led to Japan's surrender and the end of WWII. It also ushered in the era of nuclear weapons and changed the nature of warfare.

August 6, 1945

Nuremberg Trials, November 20, 1945 - October 1, 1946

November 20, 1945

A series of military tribunals held in Nuremberg, Germany after WW2, where prominent leaders of Nazi Germany where prosecuted for war crimes, crimes against peace, and crimes against humanity. This trial established that individuals can be helf accountable for international crimes even if they were acting under orders from a government.

Cause: The Allied powers wanted to hold Nazi leaders accountable for their actions during WWII and establish the principles of international law.

Effect: the prosecution and punishment of several high-ranking Nazi officials.

Formation of the United Nations, October 24, 1945

The UN was formed in San Fransisco, California. The UN is an intergovernmental organization that was established to promote international cooperation, peace, and security. It is still active to this day.

Cause: The failure of the League of Nations to prevent WWII and the desire for a new international organization to promote global cooperation.

Effect: a new global organization to promote peace and cooperation, it has played a significant role in international affairs since its founding

October 24, 1945