Key Events of World War II: A Concise Overview

Early Stages of the War

In the spring of 1940, the Germans launched a massive invasion known as the Blitzkrieg, meaning "Lightning War".

The Lend-Lease Act

The "Lend-Lease" plan in 1940 allowed the U.S. to lend or lease arms and other supplies to any country whose defense was vital to the United States.

Pre-Pearl Harbor Actions

In 1941, prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt froze all Japanese assets in the United States.

Declarations of War

Germany declared war on the United States before the U.S. declared war on Germany.

American Strategy Against Japan

The main American strategy in World War II to fight Japan was to mount two offensive campaigns, attacking the Japanese from two directions.

Pacific Theater

One of the primary American commanders in the Pacific was Chester Nimitz.

Battle of the Coral Sea (1942)

1. Japan moved south, hoping to take control of Southern nations.
2. America reacted and fought back.
3. Ultimately, America won because Japan was forced to withdraw due to a lack of equipment and specialties.

Battle of Midway (1942)

• June 4, 1942
• The U.S. intercepted Japanese plans to attack Midway, and Admiral Nimitz set up defenses around the island.
• The U.S. launched an attack on a major portion of the Japanese fleet.
• The U.S. defeated the Japanese and delivered a major blow to their fleet. This is viewed as a turning point in the war.

Advance on Japan (Post-1943)

After 1943, the United States advanced on Japan primarily with the aid of forces from Australia and New Zealand.

Battle of Leyte Gulf (1944)

The Battle of Leyte Gulf was the largest naval engagement in history. It permitted the U.S. invasion of the Philippines and reinforced the Allies' control of the Pacific.

Battle of Iwo Jima

The Battle of Iwo Jima was the costliest battle in the history of the United States Marine Corps.

European Theater

North African Campaign (1942–1943)

In 1942–1943, the British and American war effort against the Nazis concentrated on North Africa.

Italy's Defeat

During World War II, the first Axis country to be defeated was Italy.

Liberation of Paris (1944)

In August 1944, the Allies liberated Paris from German occupation.

Bombing of Dresden (1945)

• Destroyed 75% of the previously undamaged city.
• Killed approximately 135,000 people, mostly civilians.

Battle of the Bulge

The Battle of the Bulge was the last major battle on the western front, an unsuccessful attempt by Germany to push the Allies back from German home territory.

Advance on Germany (1945)

In April 1945, American and British forces halted their advance on Germany at the Elbe River to wait for the Russian army to arrive.

The Atomic Bomb

Early Development

In 1939, the first steps toward the creation of an atomic bomb were taken by Nazi Germany.

Truman's Ultimatum

Prior to ordering the use of the atomic bomb against Japan, President Harry Truman issued an ultimatum to Japan to surrender or face utter devastation.

Second Atomic Bomb

In August 1945, the primary reason the United States dropped a second atomic bomb on Japan was because the Japanese did not immediately surrender after the first bomb was dropped.

Wartime Leaders

• U.S.: Franklin Roosevelt
• USSR: Joseph Stalin
• UK: Winston Churchill
• Germany: Adolf Hitler
• Japan: Emperor Hirohito
• Italy: Benito Mussolini

Atomic Bomb Development

The U.S., Great Britain, and Canada were working on developing the atomic bomb during World War II.

Technological Advancements

Germany developed the first operational jet fighter aircraft and the first functional long-range ballistic missile to be used operationally, the V2 rocket.