- 1939:
- Germany invades Poland, marking the beginning of World War II.
- Britain and France declare war on Germany, but their involvement remains limited.
- 1940:
- Germany invades Denmark, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France, securing control over much of Europe.
- Britain is the only country actively fighting against Germany.
1941-1942: Expanding Engagement
- 1941:
- Germany invades the Soviet Union, opening a new front in the war.
- The United States enters the war after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, expanding the conflict on a global scale.
- The United States provides military and economic support to its allies, including Britain and the Soviet Union.
1943-1944: Turning Point and Increased Allied Activity
- 1943:
- The Allies achieve significant victories at Stalingrad (against Germany) and the Battle of Midway (against Japan), marking a turning point in the war.
- The Allies invade Sicily and mainland Italy, pressuring Germany on the southern front.
- 1944:
- The Allies launch a massive invasion of Normandy (D-Day), successfully establishing a foothold in France and liberating Paris from German occupation.
- The Allied forces continue to advance, pushing the Germans back and liberating many European countries.
1945: Final Stages and End of the War
- 1945:
- The Allies close in on Germany from all sides, intensifying their attacks and gaining more ground.
- The Allies' strategic bombings on German cities and industrial areas contribute to the weakening of Germany.
- Nazi leader Adolf Hitler commits suicide, and Germany surrenders on May 8, 1945, marking the end of the war in Europe.
- The United States drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II on August 15, 1945.