World War II started when Nazi Germany expanded into Europe. This led to a massive war effort. Adolf Hitler, who became Chancellor of Germany in 1933, then Führer in 1934, led this invasion. When Germany attacked Poland on September 1, 1939, Britain and France joined the war, starting six years of global fighting.

The war caused huge losses, brought new technologies and changed borders. Over 50 million people died, and cities were destroyed, changing how countries work together.

Events like the use of atomic bombs and the start of the United Nations came from this time. These events changed history forever.

Prelude to World War II: The Aftermath of World War I

The Versailles Treaty in 1919 ended World War I but set the stage for a worse conflict. Over 2 million German soldiers died in World War I. This led to economic instability that helped radical groups grow.

This period saw the rise of Hitler and the NSDAP. Hitler wrote „Mein Kampf” which talked about an 'Aryan’ empire and taking more land.

The treaty was hard on Germany, causing anger and economic problems. Hitler used this to get more support. The Nazis secretly built up their military, breaking the Versailles Treaty rules. They made deals with Italy and Japan too.

They took over Austria and Czechoslovakia, showing their aggressive plans. The Allies didn’t stop them, making World War II more likely.

This time is key to understanding World War II’s start. Events like Mussolini’s March on Rome and Hitler’s Beer Hall Putsch were important. Japan’s invasion of Manchuria also played a part.

History shows that not solving problems can lead to bigger conflicts.

The Outbreak of World War II

Did you know that at precisely 11:15 AM on September 3, 1939, Britain declared war on Germany? This was after the invasion of Poland by Nazi forces. This event started a global conflict known as World War II.

The German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact was signed before the invasion. It gave Germany an advantage by avoiding a war on two fronts. It also allowed Germany and the Soviet Union to divide Poland between them.

This action made France and Britain declare war, starting a long and scary conflict. The world was shocked by this sudden start to the war.

In Western Europe, German forces moved quickly, using the blitzkrieg tactic. They took over countries like Norway, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. This period was marked by fast attacks and air raids.

The Battle of Britain was a key event in 1940. The Royal Air Force fought hard against the German Luftwaffe, losing 792 planes and over 500 pilots. But they won, showing Britain’s strong spirit. This victory was a turning point in fighting off the Axis powers in Europe.

The invasion of Poland and the war that followed were the start of a very bloody and global conflict. It’s estimated that 40 to 50 million people died in World War II. This war involved almost every part of the world, making its start a shocking moment in history.

World War II in Europe: The Blitzkrieg and the Fall of France

Did you know 338,226 British and Allied troops were saved in England by 4 June 1940? This shows how big and intense the early years of World War II were in Europe. The German blitzkrieg strategy was fast and strong. It broke through the Maginot Line, leading to big wins for the Axis Powers.

The German invasion started on 9 April 1940 with Denmark and Norway. Then, it moved to the Netherlands, which gave up by 15 May. Soon, Dutch, French, Belgian, and British forces were trapped in northern France and Belgium by early June. This led to the Dunkirk evacuation, known as the 'miracle’ of Operation Dynamo.

On 10 May 1940, Winston Churchill became Prime Minister as German forces attacked through the Low Countries and France. This battle, lasting six weeks, ended with France falling on 25 June 1940. The Maginot Line was bypassed, and France was split into occupied and Vichy areas.

The Pact of Steel made Germany and Italy work together better. Italy joined the war, hoping to gain from Germany’s early wins. Despite the Blitz, which tried to weaken British defences, the RAF defended well. This was a key moment in changing European borders and alliances in World War II.

The Axis Powers: Germany, Italy, and Japan

Did you know the Axis powers didn’t have formal ways to work together? Yet, Germany, Italy, and Japan still made big moves. They were united by the Tripartite Pact signed on September 27, 1940.

The Axis started forming in 1936 with the Anti-Comintern Pact between Germany and Japan. They were against the Communist International. Then, Germany and Italy got closer with the Pact of Steel in 1939.

Japan then made big moves in Manchuria. This led to the attack on Pearl Harbor, pulling the United States into World War II.

Germany launched Operation Barbarossa in 1941, attacking the Soviet Union. This showed the Nazis’ true goals, including the Holocaust. Italy and Japan also made big moves, like Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia and Japan’s moves in East Asia.

The Tripartite Pact brought together Germany, Italy, and Japan. Later, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Bulgaria joined. Yugoslavia joined but faced opposition at home. Croatia and Finland also became part of the Axis, showing its varied and fragile nature.

The Axis powers changed the world, occupying parts of Europe, North Africa, and East Asia. But, they didn’t work well together and had disagreements. This led to their defeat in 1945, showing how short-lived the Axis powers were in World War II.

The Pacific Theatre: The Path to Pearl Harbor

Did you know that on December 7, 1941, Japan launched a massive attack on Pearl Harbor? This attack involved 414 planes from six aircraft carriers. It was a turning point in World War II for the United States.

The Pacific Theatre saw Japan’s aggressive moves in Asia. They wanted to grow their empire. This led to the US joining World War II.

In 1940, Japan wanted to create an Asian bloc free from Western influence. But this plan made things worse with the US. The 1937 Rape of Nanking showed the world Japan’s cruelty. This act made people around the world condemn Japan more.

The Pearl Harbor attack was a big win for Japan at first. But it turned out to be a big mistake. It made the US join World War II strongly.

The US then built up its military quickly. This was key in the Battle of Midway in June 1942. Japan lost four of its six carriers there.

Then, the US started an island-hopping campaign. This campaign weakened Japan a lot. By 1944, US submarines had hit Japan hard, weakening their Navy. This led to Japan giving up. The story of Pearl Harbor shows how Japan’s aggressive moves changed the course of World War II.

The End of World War II: Allied Victory and Global Impact

The end of World War II was marked by both joy and sadness. On May 8, 1945, the Allies celebrated V-E Day, showing the end of Nazi Germany’s rule. This was after long and hard battles, especially the Soviet capture of Berlin.

The war then moved to the Pacific, still full of fighting. The US bombed Japanese islands to end the war faster. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 were a turning point. These bombings caused huge loss of life and many more deaths from radiation later.

Japan soon surrendered, and the war officially ended on September 2, 1945, with the signing of documents on the USS Missouri. This was V-J Day.

The end of the war led to a new world order, starting with the Potsdam Conference. Leaders planned for post-war Germany and the world. But, it also started the Cold War. The world was changed by the huge loss of life and the horrors seen.

Now, the National WWII Museum remembers these key moments. It’s supported by The Nierenberg Family and Bank of America. The museum offers webinars to keep the war’s events and lessons alive.