1939 - 1945
Nazi Germany launches Operation Fall Weiss, invading Poland and triggering the start of World War II in Europe.
France signs an armistice with Germany after the successful German Blitzkrieg campaign through Western Europe.
Japan launches a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, bringing the United States into World War II.
The turning point of the war on the Eastern Front begins with the German assault on Stalingrad.
The Soviet Union achieves a decisive victory at Stalingrad, marking the beginning of Germany's retreat.
Allied forces launch Operation Overlord, opening the Western Front with the largest seaborne invasion in history.
Germany surrenders unconditionally, ending the war in Europe on VE Day.
Japan surrenders following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ending World War II.