Key Events of World War II: Turning Points and Strategies

Pearl Harbor

Japanese attack on US naval base, December 7, 1941.

US Entry into War

US declares war on Japan following Pearl Harbor attack.

Pearl Harbor

Japanese attack on US naval base, December 7, 1941.

US Entry into War

US declares war on Japan following Pearl Harbor attack.

Tripartite Pact

Alliance between Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Battle of Stalingrad

Turning point in Eastern Front, February 1943.

Operation Overlord

Allied invasion of Normandy, June 6, 1944.

Battle of Midway

Major US victory in Pacific, June 1942.

Lend-Lease Act

US provided military aid to Allies, 1939.

Atlantic Charter

Secret agreement between US and Britain, 1939.

Battle of Kursk

Largest tank battle, Soviet victory, July 1943.

D-Day

Allied invasion of Europe, significant military operation.

Free France

Exiled French government led by Charles de Gaulle.

Vichy France

French government collaborating with Nazi Germany.

Saturation Bombing

Bombing strategy to cause widespread destruction.

North African Theater

Fighting in North Africa, German and Allied forces.

Fall of France

Germany's rapid conquest of France, June 1940.

Axis Powers

Alliance of Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Allied Powers

Coalition against Axis, including US, UK, USSR.

German Submarines

Attacked Allied supply ships in the Atlantic.

Resistance Movements

Underground efforts against Axis occupation.

Mussolini's Ouster

Italian leader removed from power, 1943.

Soviet Offensive

Soviet counterattacks against German forces in 1943.

Japanese Expansion

Japan's territorial gains in Asia during the war.

Economic Depression

1930s crisis that fueled Japanese militarism.

Manchuria Seizure

Japan's invasion of northeastern China, 1931.

Unconditional Surrender

Allies' policy for Axis powers' defeat.