Go through the largest conflict in human history, moment to moment.
World War II was fought by 70 nations with conflicts that spanned continents, oceans, and two decades. Starting with the invasion of China by the Japanese, the war truly became a global fight in 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. The next six years was a brutal, unprecedented period of warfare, the outcome of which would shape the world we live in today.
See the biggest moments of World War II through the lens of history.
1
Invasion of China
In 1937, Japan launched a full-scale invasion of China. This marked the beginning of the first major conflict of what became World War II.
2
Invasion of Poland
Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, triggering Britain and France to declare war and officially beginning World War II.
3
Fall of France
By June 22, 1940, Germany had defeated France, leading to the occupation of Paris.
4
Battle of Britain
From July to October 1940, the Royal Air Force held off the German Luftwaffe in an air campaign, preventing an invasion of Britain and marking Hitler’s first major defeat.
5
Operation Barbarossa
On June 22, 1941, Hitler launched the largest land invasion in history against the Soviet Union, opening the Eastern Front.
6
Pearl Harbor Attack
Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, leading the United States to enter World War II the next day.
7
Battle of Midway
The naval battle ended in the destruction of four Japanese aircraft carriers at Midway, turning the tide of the Pacific War.
8
Battle of Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad began on August 23, 1942, starting a months-long siege that would end in a Soviet victory and a major turning point on the Eastern Front.
9
El Alamein Victory
In November 1942, British forces under General Montgomery defeated Rommel’s Afrika Korps in Egypt, beginning the Axis retreat from North Africa.
10
Operation Torch
On November 8, 1942, Allied forces landed in French North Africa, launching their first major offensive against Axis forces in the European theater.
11
Invasion of Italy
Allied troops invaded mainland Italy on September 3, 1943, toppling Mussolini’s regime and bringing Italy into the war on the Allied side.
12
D-Day Invasions
On June 6, 1944, Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in the largest amphibious invasion in history.
13
Liberation of Paris
After four years of occupation, Allied and French resistance forces liberated Paris on August 25, 1944, a symbolic and strategic victory in the march toward Germany.
14
Battle of the Bulge
Hitler launched his final major offensive on the Western Front on December 16, 1944, but the Allies repelled the attack by late January 1945, depleting German resources.
15
Fall of Berlin
In April 1945, Soviet forces closed in on Berlin and Germany surrendered soon after on May 7, 1945.
16
V-E Day
On May 8th, 1945, Germany surrendered to Allies marking the end of the war in Europe.
17
Dropping of the Atomic
Bombs The U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and Nagasaki on August 9; Japan surrendered on August 15, officially ending World War II.
18
V-J Day
On August 14th, 1945, the Empire of Japan surrendered to the Allies, marking the end of World War II as a whole.
