1939 — 1945
Every major moment of World War II, mapped chronologically. Hover over events to discover the stories behind the dates.
The Wehrmacht crosses the Polish border, launching the largest military conflict in human history. Britain and France declare war two days later.
Over 338,000 Allied soldiers are evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk in Operation Dynamo, one of the most remarkable rescues in military history.
The Royal Air Force defends the United Kingdom against massive aerial attacks by the German Luftwaffe, marking the first major defeat for Hitler's military forces.
Germany launches the largest military invasion in history with over 3.8 million troops crossing into the Soviet Union, opening the devastating Eastern Front.
Japan launches a devastating surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The next day, the United States declares war on Japan.
A decisive naval battle in the Pacific. The U.S. Navy sinks four Japanese aircraft carriers, shifting the balance of power in the Pacific Theater.
The bloodiest battle in human history. Nearly two million casualties over five months as the Soviet Union halts Germany's advance on the Eastern Front.
Operation Husky marks the first major Allied assault on Axis-held Europe, paving the way for the invasion of mainland Italy and Mussolini's fall.
Over 156,000 Allied soldiers storm the beaches of Normandy in the largest amphibious invasion in history, beginning the liberation of Western Europe.
Germany's last major offensive on the Western Front. A desperate gamble through the Ardennes forest that ultimately failed, sealing the fate of the Third Reich.
Soviet soldiers liberate the Auschwitz concentration camp, revealing to the world the full horror of the Holocaust and Nazi genocide.
Germany surrenders unconditionally. After nearly six years of brutal conflict, the war in Europe is finally over. Celebrations erupt across the globe.
The United States drops atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ushering in the nuclear age and bringing the war to its final end.
Japan formally surrenders aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. World War II, the deadliest conflict in human history, is officially over.
