Second World War: A timeline

1939

Hitler invades Poland on 1st September. Britain and France declare war on Germany two days later.

1940

The UK introduces rationing.

The Germans overwhelm Belgium, Holland and France using Blitzkrieg tactics.

Churchill replaces Chamberlain as Prime Minister.

Evacuation of British army at Dunkirk.

British victory in Battle of Britain forces Hitler to postpone invasion plans.

1941

Hitler invades Russia.

The Blitz continues in England's major cities.

British victory at Tobruk.

Japan attacks Pearl Harbour and the USA enters the war.

1942

The Germans are beaten at El Alamein.

German advance in Russia is halted at Stalingrad.

The Death Camp at Autschwitz is opened by the Nazi's.

1943

Surrender at Stalingrad marks Germany's first major defeat.

Allied victory in North Africa enables invasion of Italy to be launched.

Italy surrenders but Germany takes over the battle.

1944

Allies land at Anzio and bomb monastery at Monte Cassino.

D Day: the Allied invasion of France. 

Paris is liberated.

Guam liberated by the US. Okinawa and Iwo Jima bombed.

1945

Auschwitz is freed by Soviet troops

Russians reach Berlin:  Germany surrenders on May 7th after Hitler commits suicide.

Truman becomes President on Roosevelt's death, and Attlee replaces Churchill.

Japan surrenders after the Americans drop two atomic bombs on Japanese cities.

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