1. World War II Begins: On September 1, Germany invaded Poland, sparking the start of World War II. The conflict would eventually involve dozens of countries and last until 1945.
2. Battle of Britain: Following the fall of France, Germany launched a massive air campaign against Britain, known as the Battle of Britain. The Royal Air Force successfully defended the country against the German Luftwaffe, preventing an invasion.
3. Tripartite Pact: Germany, Italy, and Japan signed the Tripartite Pact, also known as the Axis Pact, forming an alliance between the three countries. This would become a major factor in expanding the war.
4. Fall of France: In June, German forces invaded and quickly defeated France. The French government surrendered, leading to the formation of the Vichy regime in southern France, while a French government-in-exile continued the war from London.
5. The Blitz: Following the Battle of Britain, Germany began a series of heavy bombing raids on British cities, known as the Blitz. The attacks caused significant damage and civilian casualties.
6. Operation Barbarossa: In June, Germany launched a surprise invasion of the Soviet Union, known as Operation Barbarossa. Despite initial successes, the German forces were eventually stopped at the Battle of Moscow in the winter of 1941.
7. Pearl Harbor Attack: On December 7, Japan attacked the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, bringing the United States into World War II. The attack led to America's formal declaration of war against Japan and its allies.
8. Lend-Lease Act: The U.S. implemented the Lend-Lease Act, which provided war materials and supplies to Allied nations during World War II. This support proved crucial for many countries in the fight against the Axis powers.
These events marked significant turning points in the course of World War II and had lasting impacts on the geopolitical landscape of the world.