The War in Europe

September 1939 Germany violates the Munich Agreement (deal signed between European powers and Germany, to appease and ease tension, by allowing them to take a small section of Czechoslovakia) and attacks Poland “Blitzkrieg“- lightning warfare, heavy concentration all at once, aims to disorganize the enemy France & Britain declare war on Germany

May 1940 Winston Churchill replaces Neville Chamberlain as Prime Minister of Great Britain Chamberlain resigned, Churchill was selected by George VI as he had been an important part of Chamberlain’s war cabinet Germany invades Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands

June 1940 After an unsuccessful attack by Mussolini and the Italians Germany captures Paris; France surrenders The country was divided and occupied by Germany and Italy until the summer of 1944

July 1940 Battle of Britain begins -Three month battle by air over Britain -Hitler’s first defeat -British Royal Airforce v. Germany Luftwaffe “Dogfights”- aerial battle between planes

March 1941 President Roosevelt signs the Lend-Lease Act Allows the U.S. to send/lend war materials to all countries the President deems vital

August 1941 Churchill & Roosevelt unveil the Atlantic Charter Outlines goals for the destruction of “Nazi tyranny” Support “the right of all peoples to choose their form of government”

December 1941 Following an attack on the U.S. Roosevelt asks Congress to declare war on Japan Three days later Germany & Italy declare war on the U.S.

January 1942 First US troops arrive in Europe 50,000 per month in the beginning 250,000 per month by 1944 By the end, over 16 million Americans served in WWII

August 1942 Germany attacks Russian city, Stalingrad Battle lasts 6 months Hundreds of thousands die on both sides Red Army finally defeats Nazis *Turning point! Pushes Hitler back! Fun fact: Russia utilized female soldiers Over 800,000 served, many in combat/sniper positions… 25% were decorated by the end of the war, and nearly 100 received the Soviet Union’s highest honor

May 1943 US Troops led by Generals Dwight Eisenhower and George Patton help British defeat German troops in North Africa Eisenhower appointed commander of all U.S. forces

July-September 1943 Allies capture Sicily &Southern Italy Benito Mussolini overthrown and imprisoned Hitler sends German troops- forces/resources are spread then- leads to a series of costly battles

November 1943 The “Big Three” meet in Teheran, Iran to discuss Italy Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill *Eisenhower becomes commander of Allied Expeditionary Force (he is now in command of all Allied troops!)

February 1944 US begins bombing Nazi production centers 600 US bombers raid Berlin

June 5 1944 “Operation Overlord” Known most often as D-Day Paratroopers dropped into enemy territory 160,000 troops and 30,000 vehicles landed on beaches in Normandy Leads to Allied liberation of France (after four years!)

December 1944 Battle of the Bulge Hitler’s last offensive attack 250,000 Nazi soldiers are held back in the cold winter weather

March-May 1945 US forces cross the Rhine River, Germans retreat into Germany Soviet forces enter Berlin, Hitler marries his mistress, poisons her then shoots himself Mussolini attempts escape- later killed; beaten and hung Eisenhower accepts Germany’s unconditional surrender May 8, 1945 - known as V-E Day (Victory in Europe)