Adolf Hitler started World War II in 1939 when he invaded Poland. Some historians say, however, that the war actually began in 1931 with Japan's seizure of Manchuria. Hitler made a huge mistake in the summer of 1941. He attacked the Soviet Union, thinking a quick victory was likely. The terrible Russian winter and the toughness of the Russian people proved him wrong. At Stalingrad, the Germans suffered a disastrous defeat from which they never recovered.
The year 1942 saw the war turn in favour of the Allies. In addition to Stanlingrad, the Germans were defeated in North Africa and the Japanese lost the important Battle of Midway in the Pacific.
By 1943, the allies had taken Sicily and Italy. Then, on June 6 1944 they came ashore at Normandy in France. This marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany. Slowly, the Allies advanced through France and into Germany itself. At Christmas, 1944, Hitler attempted one final offensive move. this was the famous battle of the Bulge. It failed, and the war in Europe ended a few months later. Hitler killed himself on April 30, 1945 and Germany surrendered on May 8. The Japanese continued to fight until August. They did not surrender until the atomic bombs were dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The year 1942 saw the war turn in favour of the Allies. In addition to Stanlingrad, the Germans were defeated in North Africa and the Japanese lost the important Battle of Midway in the Pacific.
By 1943, the allies had taken Sicily and Italy. Then, on June 6 1944 they came ashore at Normandy in France. This marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany. Slowly, the Allies advanced through France and into Germany itself. At Christmas, 1944, Hitler attempted one final offensive move. this was the famous battle of the Bulge. It failed, and the war in Europe ended a few months later. Hitler killed himself on April 30, 1945 and Germany surrendered on May 8. The Japanese continued to fight until August. They did not surrender until the atomic bombs were dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.