Outbreak of World War I
World War I began on July 28, 1914, following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. The conflict quickly expanded as alliances were activated, involving many of the world's great powers.
1914
1917
United States Enters World War I
The United States declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917, joining the Allies in World War I. This marked a significant turning point in the war.
1918
End of World War I
World War I ended on November 11, 1918, with the signing of the Armistice. This day is commemorated as Armistice Day or Veterans Day in many countries.
1919
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, officially ending World War I. It imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.
1939
Outbreak of World War II
World War II began on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. This led Britain and France to declare war on Germany.
1941
Pearl Harbor Attack
On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked the US naval base at Pearl Harbor, prompting the United States to enter World War II.
1944
D-Day Invasion
On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France, marking a significant turning point in World War II.
1945
End of World War II in Europe
World War II in Europe ended on May 8, 1945, known as V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day), when Germany surrendered to the Allied forces.
1945
Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
The United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and August 9, 1945, respectively, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.
1945
End of World War II
World War II officially ended on September 2, 1945, with the formal surrender of Japan aboard the USS Missouri.
1945
Formation of the United Nations
The United Nations was established on October 24, 1945, in the aftermath of World War II, to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts.
1947
Marshall Plan Announced
The Marshall Plan was announced on June 5, 1947, providing aid to Western Europe to rebuild economies after the devastation of World War II.
1949
NATO Established
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established on April 4, 1949, as a collective defense alliance in response to the threats posed by World War II and the Soviet Union.
1951
Treaty of San Francisco
The Treaty of San Francisco was signed on September 8, 1951, officially ending the state of war between Japan and the Allied powers following World War II.
1965
Vietnam War Escalation
The Vietnam War, a conflict influenced by the geopolitical aftermath of World War II, escalated significantly in 1965 with increased US military involvement.
