1. Invasion of Poland (September 1, 1939):
- Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, is considered the start of World War II.
- The invasion was a culmination of Germany's aggressive expansionism and its quest for "Lebensraum" (living space) in Eastern Europe.
2. Blitzkrieg Strategy:
- Germany employed the "Blitzkrieg" (lightning war) strategy, which involved rapid and concentrated attacks using combined arms (infantry, armor, and air power).
- This strategy proved highly effective in the early stages of the war, as German forces quickly overran Poland, France, and other European countries.
3. Non-Aggression Pact with the Soviet Union (August 23, 1939):
- Germany and the Soviet Union signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which was a non-aggression treaty that divided Poland and Eastern Europe into spheres of influence.
- This agreement allowed Germany to focus its military efforts on Western Europe without immediate fear of Soviet intervention.
4. Battle of Britain (July-October 1940):
- Germany launched a massive air campaign against Britain in an attempt to achieve air superiority and pave the way for an invasion.
- The Royal Air Force (RAF) successfully defended against the German Luftwaffe, marking a significant turning point in the war.
5. Invasion of the Soviet Union (Operation Barbarossa, June 22, 1941):
- Germany broke the non-aggression pact and invaded the Soviet Union, opening up the Eastern Front.
- The initial German advances were rapid, but the Soviet Union's vast territory, harsh winter conditions, and determined resistance eventually halted the German progress.
6. Holocaust and Genocide:
- Nazi Germany implemented a systematic genocide against Jews and other minorities, known as the Holocaust.
- Millions of people were killed in concentration camps and through various other means, making it one of the darkest chapters in human history.
7. Pearl Harbor Attack (December 7, 1941):
- Germany's ally, Japan, attacked the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, leading to the United States' entry into World War II.
- Germany's declaration of war on the U.S. shortly afterward further escalated the global conflict.
8. Stalingrad Battle (July 1942-February 1943):
- The Battle of Stalingrad is regarded as one of the most critical battles of the war.
- German forces were surrounded by the Soviet Red Army and eventually defeated, marking a significant turning point in the Eastern Front.
9. D-Day Landings (June 6, 1944):
- Allied forces, primarily from the United States, Britain, and Canada, landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, in a massive invasion to establish a Western Front against Germany.
- The successful landings eventually led to the liberation of France and the push toward Germany.
10. Fall of Berlin (April-May 1945):
- As Allied forces closed in on Germany from both the Eastern and Western Fronts, the Battle of Berlin ensued.
- Hitler committed suicide on April 30, 1945, and Germany unconditionally surrendered on May 8, 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe.
In conclusion, Germany played a central and destructive role in World War II. Its aggressive expansionism, racial ideologies, and atrocities committed against humanity left a lasting impact on the world and shaped the course of history that followed.