Invasion of Poland
On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, marking the official start of Drugi svjetski rat. This invasion prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany two days later, escalating the conflict into a full-scale war.
Fall of France
In May 1940, Germany launched a rapid invasion of France, leading to the fall of Paris on June 14. By June 22, France had signed an armistice with Germany, resulting in significant territorial and political changes in Europe during Drugi svjetski rat.
Operation Barbarossa
On June 22, 1941, Germany invaded the Soviet Union in a campaign known as Operation Barbarossa. This marked a critical turning point in Drugi svjetski rat, as the Eastern Front became a major theater of conflict.
Attack on Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, leading to the United States' entry into Drugi svjetski rat. This event significantly shifted the balance of power in the conflict.
Battle of Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad, fought from August 1942 to February 1943, marked a turning point in Drugi svjetski rat. The Soviet Union's victory over Germany in this brutal battle halted the German advance into Eastern Europe.
Allied Invasion of Italy
In July 1943, Allied forces launched the invasion of Sicily, leading to the fall of Mussolini's regime in Italy. This campaign was a significant development in Drugi svjetski rat, as it opened a new front against the Axis powers.
D-Day: Normandy Invasion
On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, commonly known as D-Day, landing on the beaches of Normandy, France. This operation was a critical moment in Drugi svjetski rat, leading to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.
Liberation of Concentration Camps
Throughout 1944, Allied forces began to liberate concentration camps in Europe, revealing the horrific extent of the Holocaust. This aspect of Drugi svjetski rat highlighted the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime.
