WWII Timeline

Result: This method rendered the more fortified Japanese islands useless and allowed US forces to penetrate closer and closer to the main islands of Japan.

Battle of Kursk – 4 July 1943 to 20 July 1943

What Happened: The Germans launched a large-scale offensive against the Soviets which became the largest and costliest battle in recorded history.

Result: The Soviets vanquished the Germans in a battle that is, along with the Battle of Stalingrad, credited with bringing the downfall of Germany.

Tehran Conference – 28 November 1943 & 1 December 1943

What Happened: D-Day was planned out and there was talk of the United Nations, among other things.

Result: The execution of an invasion in Western Europe was officially planned. The success in Tehran prompted the Allied leaders to meet again.

D-Day – 6 June 1944

What Happened: Allied forces deployed from Britain and landed at the Normandy Coast, France, by air and sea.

Result: Was the start of the Allied invasion of Western Europe and forced the Germans to fight a war on two fronts.

Fire Bombing of Japan – 1944 to 1945

What Happened: The US dropped incendiary bombs on sixty seven Japanese cities.

Results: Thousands of civilian Japanese were killed, millions more were left homeless and urban Japan was left in ruins.

Yalta Conference – 4 February 1945 to 13 February 1945

What Happened: The Allied leaders discussed what a post-war Europe would look like and how Germany would be divided up. Discussions also included talk of post-war spheres of influence.

Result: The Soviet Union was given influence over Eastern Europe and agreed to help the US in her fight against Japan after the war.

Liberation of the Netherlands – 5 May 1945

What Happened: Primarily Canadian forces liberated the country and then Canadian, General Charles Foulkes, signed Germany’s capitulation agreement.

Result: Huge tactical success for the Canadians that proved that the war in Europe was almost over.

German Surrender – 7 May 1945

What Happened: The German Armed Forces unconditionally surrendered to the Allies.

Result: The end of World War II in Europe.

Potsdam Conference – 17 July 1945 to 2 August 1945

What Happened: The terms of Germany’s surrender were ironed out and the map of Europe was redrawn, undoing most of Hitler’s changes. Germany was divided into zones which were allocated to the Allied powers.

Result: Most of borders decided at the Potsdam Conference remain to this day. The inclusion of Germany in reparation discussions prevented history from repeating itself. Tensions between the Western Powers and Stalin set the stage for the Cold War.

Dropping of the Atomic Bomb – 6 August 1945 and 9 August 1945

What Happened: The Americans dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Result: The deaths of over 200 000 Japanese civilians and spurred Japan to surrender.