* In June 1940, Germany invaded France and the Netherlands. The French and Dutch armies were quickly defeated and France was occupied by Germany. The Netherlands was also annexed by Germany.
* In July 1941, Germany invaded the Soviet Union. This invasion was initially very successful, and German troops managed to reach the outskirts of Moscow. However, the Soviets managed to launch a counter-offensive and push the Germans back.
* In 1940-1942, Germany occupied much of Europe. This included Austria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, Poland, and parts of the Soviet Union.