WW2

Blitzkrieg

A new form of warfare emphasizing quick, decisive strikes, combining air raids, artillery, and ground forces.

Invasion of Poland (1939)

Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, using Blitzkrieg tactics, which started WWII.

Phoney War/Sitzkrieg

A period of minimal military operations on the Western Front after the initial invasion of Poland.

Fall of France

Germany's swift conquest of France in May-June 1940 using Blitzkrieg tactics.

Battle of Britain

The German air campaign against Britain aiming to destroy the Royal Air Force, ultimately resulting in a British victory.

Operation Barbarossa

Hitler’s massive invasion of the Soviet Union that broke the non-aggression pact in June 1941.

Lend-Lease Act (1941)

Allowed the US to send military aid to Allies, marking a shift from neutrality.

Pearl Harbor (1941)

A surprise attack by Japan on the US naval base in Hawaii on December 7, 1941.

D-Day (1944)

The Allied invasion of Normandy in France, marking the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany.

Victory in Europe (VE Day - May 8, 1945)

Germany's unconditional surrender following the death of Hitler and the fall of Berlin.

Island Hopping

US strategy of bypassing heavily fortified islands and capturing strategically important ones to approach Japan.

Atomic Bomb

The bombs dropped by the US on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan’s surrender.

Rosie the Riveter

Symbol of women's contribution to the workforce during WWII.

GI Bill of Rights (1944)

Provided returning soldiers with benefits for education, housing, and business loans.

Korematsu v. United States

Supreme Court case that upheld the internment of Japanese Americans as a wartime necessity.

Operation Torch

The Allied campaign in North Africa, leading to Axis surrender in May 1943.

Battle of Stalingrad

Decisive Soviet victory that marked the turning of the tide for the Soviets in WWII.

Battle of Midway

Turning point where the US Navy decisively defeated Japan, sinking four aircraft carriers.

War Production Board

Implemented to ensure adequate goods were available for the war effort.

Double V Campaign

A campaign that aimed to fight racism at home and fascism abroad during WWII.

Navajo Code Talkers

Native American soldiers who used their language to create an unbreakable code for secure US communications.