In three sentences: World War 2 began in 1939 when Germany invaded Poland, leading Britain and France to declare war on Germany. Key events in the following years included Germany conquering France in 1940, the US entering the war in 1941 after Pearl Harbor, and the Allied invasion of German-occupied France on June 6, 1944 known as D-Day, which involved over 160,000 troops crossing the English Channel to storm Normandy's beaches and fight German forces. D-Day marked a major turning point in the war, as it launched the Allied forces' successful campaign to liberate Western Europe from Nazi control.

1. By: Lindsay HartWorld War II and D-Day: American Experience

2. Timeline: Year 1939In August, Hitler and Stalin agreed to sign a aggression pact which states that they will not invade each others boarders, but in secret plan to divide parts of Europe especially Poland between them selves. In September, Germany invades Poland and Poland is unprepared for the attack. When withdraw efforts fail, Britain and France declare war on Germany, later becoming known as WW2.

3. Timeline: Year 1940In May, Germany marches into Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.In June, Germany captures part of Paris, France surrenders, Hitler forces French officials to sign surrender papers.In July, Battle of Britain starts and a three month battle is fought but by October, Britain defeats Hitler.

4. Timeline: 1941In March, Roosevelt gets congress to pass the lend-lease act that allows the U.S. to sell/lend war materials to any country whom the President believes is a vital aspect to the U.S.In August, Churchill and Roosevelt show the Atlantic Charter which outlines goals concerning the destruction of the Nazis.In December, U.S. enters the war after Pearl Harbor.

5. Hitler and the Nazis

6. Timeline: 1942In January, American troops arrive in Europe. An average of 50,000 men are shipped.In August, Germany declares war on Russia. The Russians win, and this is the turning point of the war.

7. Timeline: 1943In January, Roosevelt and Churchill have a meeting, and affirm their goal of securing the Axis powers unconditional surrender.In May, U.S. troops join British troops.In June, Eisenhower is made U.S. Troop CommanderIn July-September, Allied forces capture key spots in Italy and Mussolini is overthrown. Hitler sends troops to fight allied forces.In November, Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin (the three powers) talk about invasion of Italy.In December, Eisenhower is made the supreme commander of the Allied forces in Europe.

8. The Three PowersFrom the Left: Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin

9. Timeline: 1944In February, U.S. Army bombs German aircraft production sights, but Germany prevails. In May, allied invasion of France starts, troops move across the channel in Operation Overload effort.In June, The allies capture Rome, Italy. Overlord operation is set into motion, and Allie troops are dropped into enemy territory.On June 6, D-Day occurs and over 160,000 troops and 30,000 vehicles land on Normandy beach in France and fight the German troops.In July, Allies take over control of Cherbourg, France, the port city.In August, Allies liberate Paris.In December, The Battle of the Bulge begins.

10. Operation OverloadOperation Overload was the code name for D-Day invasions. It began with an air assault on June 6, 1944. Over 160,000 Allied troops cross the English channel.

11. D-Day

12. D-DayCommon Weapons used during D-Day: Bazooka, Garand rifle, Springfield rifle, Browning Automatic Rifle, and Bren GunCommon Food Eaten: tea, coffee, tobacco, and sugar were rationed, chocolate and fruit rare, rationing booklets were given to each family.

13. Timeline: Year 1945In January, Battle of the Bulge ends and over 76,000 men are killed, captured, or wounded. In February, Roosevelt and Churchill agree to allow Stalin to control Eastern Europe’s government at the war’s end, setting the stage for the Cold War.In March, U.S. forced cross Rhine river and Germans retreat.On April 30, Soviet forces push into Germany and Hitler kills himself and his mistress.On May 7, Eisenhower accepts Germany’s unconditional surrender and Germany also surrenders to Russia.

14. Allied Map Routes

15. The End