World War II

When did World War II take place?

1939–1945

What event started WWII in Europe?

Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939

Who were the Axis Powers?

Germany, Italy, and Japan (with other minor allies)

Who were the main Allied Powers?

The United States, United Kingdom, Soviet Union, France, and China

What was the Holocaust?

The systematic genocide of approximately 6 million Jews and millions of others by Nazi Germany

What was D-Day?

June 6, 1944 — the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, the largest amphibious military operation in history

What was the Battle of Stalingrad?

A brutal battle (1942–1943) where Soviet forces defeated Germany, marking a major turning point on the Eastern Front

What was the Battle of Midway?

A June 1942 naval battle where the US defeated Japan, turning the tide of war in the Pacific

What was the Blitz?

The sustained German bombing campaign against Britain from September 1940 to May 1941

What was the significance of Pearl Harbor?

Japan's surprise attack on December 7, 1941 brought the United States into World War II