Second world war History Timeline and Biographies

Invasion of Poland

On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, marking the official start of the Second World War in Europe. This invasion prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany on September 3, 1939, as they were bound by treaties to protect Polish sovereignty.

Fall of France

In May 1940, Germany launched a blitzkrieg against France, leading to the rapid fall of Paris on June 14, 1940. By June 22, France had signed an armistice, resulting in German occupation of northern and western France during the Second World War.

Operation Barbarossa

On June 22, 1941, Germany invaded the Soviet Union in a massive military campaign known as Operation Barbarossa. This marked a significant escalation in the Second World War, leading to some of the largest battles in history, including the Battle of Stalingrad.

Attack on Pearl Harbor

On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This attack led to the United States formally entering the Second World War on December 8, 1941, declaring war on Japan, and subsequently on Germany and Italy.

Battle of Midway

The Battle of Midway, fought from June 4 to June 7, 1942, was a pivotal naval battle in the Second World War. The United States Navy achieved a decisive victory against the Japanese fleet, marking a turning point in the Pacific Theater.

Stalingrad and Turning Points

The Battle of Stalingrad, fought from August 1942 to February 1943, ended with the surrender of German forces. This defeat marked a significant turning point in the Second World War, as the Soviet Union began to push back against German advances.

D-Day: Normandy Invasion

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, known as D-Day, landing on the beaches of Normandy, France. This operation marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation during the Second World War.

Liberation of Paris

On August 25, 1944, Allied forces liberated Paris from German occupation, a significant event in the Second World War that boosted Allied morale and marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany.

Yalta Conference

In February 1945, the Yalta Conference was held, where leaders of the Allied powers, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin, discussed post-war reorganization and the future of Europe after the Second World War.

End of the Second World War in Europe

On May 7, 1945, Germany signed an unconditional surrender, officially ending the Second World War in Europe. May 8, 1945, is celebrated as Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

On August 6 and 9, 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, respectively. These bombings led to Japan's surrender and effectively ended the Second World War on September 2, 1945.

Formation of the United Nations

In October 1945, the United Nations was established in the aftermath of the Second World War to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts, marking a significant shift in global governance.

Nuremberg Trials

The Nuremberg Trials began in November 1945 and continued into 1946, prosecuting major war criminals for their roles in the atrocities committed during the Second World War, setting precedents for international law and justice.