Germany and the Soviet Union sign a non-aggression pact, which secretly includes an agreement to divide Eastern Europe into spheres of influence.
Invasion of Poland
September 1, 1939
Germany invades Poland, marking the beginning of the war. This event leads to the United Kingdom and France declaring war on Germany two days later.
Soviet Invasion of Poland
September 17, 1939
The Soviet Union invades Poland after defeating Japan in Mongolia, as per the secret agreement with Germany in the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.
Winter War
November 30, 1939
The Soviet Union invades Finland, initiating a conflict that lasts until March 1940 and results in Finland ceding territory to the Soviets.
Invasion of Denmark and Norway
April 9, 1940
Germany invades Denmark and Norway in an operation known as Weserübung, aiming to secure the vital iron ore supply from Sweden and establish naval bases on the Norwegian coast.
Battle of France
May 10, 1940
Germany invades France and the Low Countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg), employing the Blitzkrieg strategy to rapidly defeat these nations.
Dunkirk Evacuation
May 26, 1940
British and Allied troops are evacuated from Dunkirk in a massive operation that saves more than 300,000 soldiers from being captured by the Germans.
Battle of Britain
July 10, 1940
Germany begins an air campaign against Britain in an attempt to gain air superiority and pave the way for a possible invasion.
Operation Barbarossa
June 22, 1941
Germany invades the Soviet Union, breaking the non-aggression pact and initiating the largest military campaign in history.
Siege of Leningrad
September 8, 1941
German and Finnish forces besiege the city of Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), resulting in a prolonged struggle that lasts until January 1944.
Attack on Pearl Harbor
December 7, 1941
Japan attacks the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, bringing the United States into the war and prompting Germany and Italy to declare war on the U.S.
Fall of Singapore
February 8, 1942
British forces surrender Singapore to the Japanese, resulting in a significant loss for the Allies in the Pacific.
Battle of Midway
June 4, 1942
The United States defeats a Japanese fleet in a decisive naval battle, marking a turning point in the Pacific War.
Battle of Kursk
July 4, 1943
German and Soviet forces engage in a massive tank battle, resulting in a major Soviet victory that marks the beginning of a series of successful offensives against the Germans.
Allied Invasion of Sicily
July 9, 1943
The Allies invade the island of Sicily, leading to the eventual fall of Mussolini's regime in Italy.
D-Day
June 6, 1944
The Allies launch a massive invasion of Normandy, France, marking the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.
Battle of the Bulge
December 16, 1944
Germany launches a major offensive in the Ardennes region, attempting to push back the advancing Allies. The attack ultimately fails, and the Germans are forced to retreat.
Battle of Berlin
April 16-May 2, 1945
Soviet forces capture the German capital, leading to Adolf Hitler's suicide and the collapse of the Nazi regime.
Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day)
May 8, 1945
Nazi Germany surrenders to the Allies, marking the end of World War II in Europe.
Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
August 6 and 9, 1945
The United States drops atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing over 100,000 people instantly and leading to Japan's surrender.
Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day)
August 15, 1945
Emperor Hirohito announces Japan's surrender, effectively ending World War II.
Formal Surrender of Japan
September 2, 1945
Japan formally surrenders to the Allies aboard the USS Missouri, marking the official end of World War II.