The Second World War
Before World War II, Germany had made treaties and sided with several world powers, including Japan, the USSR, Poland and Italy. However, Germany attacked Poland in 1939. This was part of Adolf Hitler's plan to take over Europe, and as a result, the United Kingdom and France declared war on Germany. Germany continued to overwhelm other countries in Europe, such as Holland and Denmark, during what was called the Blitzkrieg, meaning Lightning War. Japan then attacked the United States on December 7 , 1941 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Since the short attack was devestating, the United States declared war on Japan the next day, then Germany soon after.
Meanwhile in Europe, Germany had attacked its former ally, the USSR, and pushed forward to Moscow. Germany also expanded its areas of military interests in North Africa. As Germany reached Moscow, winter settled in, causing many German casualties. The Germans were not prepared for the cold weather, and Moscow was well-defended. The Germans retreated soon after. Meanwhile, the United States was at war in the Pacific, and was also fighting Germany, mostly through strategic bombing runs which targeted places such as factories or airbases (Fliegerhorst in German) using U.S. planes based in countries like England.
Meanwhile in Europe, Germany had attacked its former ally, the USSR, and pushed forward to Moscow. Germany also expanded its areas of military interests in North Africa. As Germany reached Moscow, winter settled in, causing many German casualties. The Germans were not prepared for the cold weather, and Moscow was well-defended. The Germans retreated soon after. Meanwhile, the United States was at war in the Pacific, and was also fighting Germany, mostly through strategic bombing runs which targeted places such as factories or airbases (Fliegerhorst in German) using U.S. planes based in countries like England.