World War II was one of the most significant conflicts... Show more
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Jessica Lindeman
11/25/2025
World/Global History
WWII Timeline
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Early War Events and Major Turning Points
The war kicked off when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, forcing the country to surrender in just four weeks. This aggressive move came after Hitler had already been expanding German territory through the Annexation of Austria in March 1938 and the Munich Conference in September 1938, where European powers essentially handed over Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland to Germany.
One of the war's most famous moments happened on December 7, 1941, when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Japan hoped this surprise attack would convince America to accept Japanese control of the Pacific, but instead it brought the United States fully into the war.
The Battle of Midway in 1942 became a game-changer in the Pacific theater. The U.S. destroyed four Japanese aircraft carriers, giving America naval superiority and setting the stage for the island hopping strategy from late 1942 to 1945, where American forces captured key islands while bypassing others to reach Japan.
Quick Tip: Remember that Pearl Harbor brought the U.S. into the war, while Midway gave America the upper hand in the Pacific!
Critical Battles and Allied Victory
The Battle of Britain in August 1940 showed the world that Germany could be stopped. When the German air force bombed British cities and military targets, Britain's Royal Air Force fought back fiercely, forcing Germany to postpone its invasion plans.
On the Eastern Front, the Battle of Stalingrad from November 1942 to February 1943 became one of the war's most brutal conflicts. Hitler's attempt to capture this Soviet city ultimately failed, marking a major turning point that began Germany's retreat from Soviet territory.
D-Day on June 6, 1944, opened the long-awaited second front in Europe when Allied forces launched a massive invasion of Nazi-occupied France. This operation, combined with victories like the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, squeezed Germany from both east and west.
The war ended dramatically when the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, killing around 200,000 people and forcing Japan's surrender. V-E Day (May 8, 1945) marked Germany's surrender, while V-J Day (August 1945) celebrated Japan's capitulation and the war's end.
Remember: The atomic bombs were controversial but ended the war quickly, preventing a costly invasion of Japan that could have killed millions more.
Strategic Alliances and Final Developments
Behind the scenes, political agreements shaped the war's direction. The Nazi-Soviet Non-aggression Pact of August 23, 1939, surprised the world when Hitler and Stalin agreed not to attack each other and secretly planned to divide Poland between them.
However, Hitler broke this agreement with the invasion of the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941. Initially successful with 2 million Russian soldiers captured by November, the invasion ultimately stalled when Russia counterattacked in December, creating the costly two-front war that would doom Germany.
As the war wound down, world leaders met at the Potsdam Conference in July 1945 to discuss post-war arrangements. The Formation of the United Nations on October 24, 1945, represented hopes for preventing future global conflicts through international cooperation.
These events show how quickly alliances could shift during wartime. Germany's early successes through blitzkrieg tactics and strategic partnerships ultimately backfired when Hitler overextended his forces and made too many enemies simultaneously.
Key Insight: Hitler's decision to break his pact with Stalin and fight on two fronts was one of his biggest strategic mistakes!
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Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
World War II Timeline: Key Events in History
World War II was one of the most significant conflicts in human history, involving countries across the globe from 1939 to 1945. Understanding the key battles, invasions, and turning points helps us see how the war unfolded and ultimately ended... Show more
Early War Events and Major Turning Points
The war kicked off when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, forcing the country to surrender in just four weeks. This aggressive move came after Hitler had already been expanding German territory through the Annexation of Austria in March 1938 and the Munich Conference in September 1938, where European powers essentially handed over Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland to Germany.
One of the war's most famous moments happened on December 7, 1941, when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Japan hoped this surprise attack would convince America to accept Japanese control of the Pacific, but instead it brought the United States fully into the war.
The Battle of Midway in 1942 became a game-changer in the Pacific theater. The U.S. destroyed four Japanese aircraft carriers, giving America naval superiority and setting the stage for the island hopping strategy from late 1942 to 1945, where American forces captured key islands while bypassing others to reach Japan.
Quick Tip: Remember that Pearl Harbor brought the U.S. into the war, while Midway gave America the upper hand in the Pacific!
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Critical Battles and Allied Victory
The Battle of Britain in August 1940 showed the world that Germany could be stopped. When the German air force bombed British cities and military targets, Britain's Royal Air Force fought back fiercely, forcing Germany to postpone its invasion plans.
On the Eastern Front, the Battle of Stalingrad from November 1942 to February 1943 became one of the war's most brutal conflicts. Hitler's attempt to capture this Soviet city ultimately failed, marking a major turning point that began Germany's retreat from Soviet territory.
D-Day on June 6, 1944, opened the long-awaited second front in Europe when Allied forces launched a massive invasion of Nazi-occupied France. This operation, combined with victories like the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, squeezed Germany from both east and west.
The war ended dramatically when the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, killing around 200,000 people and forcing Japan's surrender. V-E Day (May 8, 1945) marked Germany's surrender, while V-J Day (August 1945) celebrated Japan's capitulation and the war's end.
Remember: The atomic bombs were controversial but ended the war quickly, preventing a costly invasion of Japan that could have killed millions more.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Strategic Alliances and Final Developments
Behind the scenes, political agreements shaped the war's direction. The Nazi-Soviet Non-aggression Pact of August 23, 1939, surprised the world when Hitler and Stalin agreed not to attack each other and secretly planned to divide Poland between them.
However, Hitler broke this agreement with the invasion of the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941. Initially successful with 2 million Russian soldiers captured by November, the invasion ultimately stalled when Russia counterattacked in December, creating the costly two-front war that would doom Germany.
As the war wound down, world leaders met at the Potsdam Conference in July 1945 to discuss post-war arrangements. The Formation of the United Nations on October 24, 1945, represented hopes for preventing future global conflicts through international cooperation.
These events show how quickly alliances could shift during wartime. Germany's early successes through blitzkrieg tactics and strategic partnerships ultimately backfired when Hitler overextended his forces and made too many enemies simultaneously.
Key Insight: Hitler's decision to break his pact with Stalin and fight on two fronts was one of his biggest strategic mistakes!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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App Store
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Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user