The War in Europe (1939-1945)

Outbreak of War

• September 1939: Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, invades Poland using blitzkrieg tactics.
  • Poland quickly overtaken, shocking the world.
• Response: Britain and France declare war on Germany, initiating what is known as the Phony War, as little action is initially taken.

German Offensives and Early Battles

• 1940: Germany rapidly conquers Denmark, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.
  • The British Army retreats and is evacuated from Dunkirk.

Battle of Britain and the Blitz

• Germany attacks Britain in the Battle of Britain.
• The Luftwaffe is unable to defeat the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Expansion of the War

• June 1941: Hitler invades Russia under Operation Barbarossa.
• December 1941: Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, prompting the USA to enter the war.
• Alliances Formed:
  • Axis Powers: Germany, Italy, Japan.
  • Allied Powers: Britain, Russia, USA.

Turning Points (1942-1943)

• 1942: Nazis implement the Final Solution, aiming to exterminate Jewish people.
• Critical Battles:
  • Midway (June 1942): Turning point in the Pacific Theatre.
  • El Alamein (November 1942): Key battle in Egypt.
  • Stalingrad (January 1943): Critical Soviet victory.

D-Day and the End of the War

• June 6, 1944 (D-Day): Operation Overlord sees the Allies invade Normandy, France.
• The Red Army advances from the East, reaching Berlin first.
• May 1945: Germany surrenders shortly after Adolf Hitler commits suicide.

The War in the Pacific

• August 6, 1945: The USA drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
• August 15, 1945 (V-J Day): Japan surrenders, marking the end of World War II.

Summary

• World War II lasted from 1939 to 1945.
• It remains the most geographically widespread military conflict in history.

Additional Resources

• For more historical insights, subscribe for more history videos.
• Explore the book "Simple History: World War II" for further study.