Axis Powers
People, such as Erwin Rommel and Erich Raeder, were involved in the fight for Nazi dominance during World War II. Their biographies and the biographies of other people associated with the Axis are presented in this section.
British Leaders
Sir Alan Brooke and others helped lead Great Britain in the fight against the Axis Powers during World War II. Information about him and other notable British figures involved in World War II can be found here.
U.S. Leaders
People, such as Harry Hopkins and Frank Knox, helped lead the fight for the United States against the Nazi Party. You can check out information about them and other notable United States figures in this section.
Other Allied Leaders
Some of the other people that were invovled in World War II include Leopold III and Anthony Eden.
Overview & Background
The outbreak of World War II pitted the Axis Powers against the allied nations of Europe. Learn about the events surrounding the outbreak of World War II.
- A Historical Introduction to WWII
World War II was the most widespread and deadly war in history. It was a total war, raining as much destruction on civilians as on armed forces. - Buildup to World War II: January - August 1939 This World War II timeline highlights important dates during January 1931 to August 1939. This time period saw Japan and Italy break away from the League of Nations and the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany. Follow the events of World War II.
- Start of World War II: September 1939 - March 1940 This World War II timeline highlights important dates from September 1939 to April 1940. This time period saw the official start to World War II on September 1, 1939 when Germany invaded Poland. Follow the events of World War II and the German invasion.
- Outbreak of War In the early hours of Friday, September 1, 1939, the German armies stormed across the Polish frontier—without a declaration of war.
- Japan Bombs Pearl Harbor Japan's bombing of Pearl Harbor was the major event that caused the United States to enter World War II. On December 7, 1941, Japan bombed the harbor, which damaged 300 planes, eight battleships, and killed over 2,000 people. Learn more about the attack.
- World War II Timeline World War II was a horrific period in history during which 50 million people perished from death camps, atomic bombs, and years of battle. Often called the Janus event of the 20th century, WWII is truly unforgettable.
- Economic and Social Aspects of World War II Learn more about the ways WWII impacted the world through the eyes of the economy and society.
- Results of World War II As the war drew to a close, the nations of the world were eager to find a means of attaining permanent peace.
- Overview of WWII (Video) From the Archives of Discovery: More than 50 million perished during World War II, and the effects of the war are sill visible today. Learn more about World War II in this video.
Major Fronts & Campaigns
There were many major fronts and campaigns during World War II. Learn about the different campaigns from World War II.
- Nazi Germany Conquers France: April 1940-December 1940
- World War II Fronts and Campaigns - 1940-1941
- The United States Enters World War II - 1941
- The Axis Conquers the Philippines: January 1942-July 1942
- Russian Army Repels Hitler's Forces: August 1942-January 1943
- Italy Falls to the Allies: February 1943 - June 1943
- Allies Bomb Northern Nazi Germany: June 1943-December 1943
- The D-Day Invasion: January 1944-July 1944
- The Normandy Invasion - 1944
- The Battle of the Bulge: July 1944-January 1945
- Final Campaigns in the Pacific - 1944-1945
- Air Warfare Against Germany: 1942-1945
- Breakthrough in France During World War II
- Final Western Campaigns
- The Fall of France and the Battle of Britain
Terms
This glossary contains terms that are related to World War II. In this section, you can learn the meaning to some of the most important terms that are associated with the Second World War.
Conferences & Agreements
The Atlantic Charter was just one of many different conferences and agreements that took place during World War II. Information about these conferences and agreements can be found here.
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Resistance & Holocaust
Civilian casualties from the holocaust and resistance movements were high during World War II. Learn about civilian deaths from World War II.
War with Japan
The war with Japan played a crucial role in the outcome of World War II. Learn about the war with Japan.
Surrender & Results
The death of Hitler and the atomic defeated the Axis Powers during World War II. Learn how World War II ended.
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