Timelines of WWII
Timeline of WWII in 1939
Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939 brought many countries into the war. This event, and the declaration of war by France and Britain two days later, marked the beginning of World War 2. After the declaration of war, Western Europe saw minimal land and air warfare, leading to this time period being termed the "Phoney War". At sea, this time period saw the opening stages of the Battle of the Atlantic.
In eastern Europe, however, the agreement between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany signed on 23 August opened the way in September for the Soviet Union's invasion of eastern Poland, which was divided between the two countries before the end of the month. The Soviet Union began a new military offensive by invading Finland at the end of November. France and Britain provided minimal physical support to Poland during the invasion.
The war in East Asia among the Republic of China and the Empire of Japan reached a stalemate, while increasing clashes between Japan and the Soviet Union ended when the two parties agreed in September on a ceasefire.
Timeline of WWII in 1940
In 1940, World War II shifted from the "Phoney War" to intense conflict, marked by Germany's rapid Blitzkrieg conquest of Western Europe, the fall of France, and the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk. Britain stood alone against the Axis, surviving the Battle of Britain and the start of the Blitz, while Italy joined the war and Mussolini invaded Greece.
Timeline of WWII in 1941
In 1941, World War II expanded into a truly global conflict. Key events included Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union (Operation Barbarossa) in June, the implementation of Lend-Lease by the U.S. in March, and the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, which immediately brought the United States into the war.
Throughout 1941, the Battle of the Atlantic continued, with German U-boats causing heavy Allied shipping losses, while the Nazi regime began implementing more systematic extermination of Jews, including the first experimental use of gas chambers at Auschwitz in September.
Timeline of WWII in 1942
In 1942, the tide of WWII began to turn against the Axis powers. Key events included major U.S. naval victories at Coral Sea and Midway, the start of the Allied offensive at Guadalcanal, the beginning of the turning point at Stalingrad, and Operation Torch in North Africa. The war also saw the height of the Holocaust with mass deportations to extermination camps.
Timeline of WWII in 1943
1943 was a pivotal turning point in World War II, marked by major Allied victories that shifted momentum away from the Axis powers. Key events included the Soviet victory at Stalingrad (Feb), the end of the North African campaign (May), the invasion of Italy (Sept), and the massive tank battle at Kursk (July-Aug).
Timeline of WWII in 1944
1944 was a pivotal year in World War II, marked by the Allied liberation of Western Europe and significant Pacific advances. Key events included the June 6th D-Day invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Paris in August, and the devastating Battle of Leyte Gulf in October, which crippled the Japanese navy. The year concluded with the German Battle of the Bulge counteroffensive in December.
Timeline of WWII in 1945
In 1945, World War II concluded with the Allied victory in Europe (V-E Day, May 8) and the Pacific (V-J Day, Sept. 2), driven by the fall of Berlin, Hitler's suicide, and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Key events included the Yalta Conference, the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and the start of the Potsdam Conference.