World War 2

Discover the pivotal moments that shaped World War 2 (1939-1945), from major military battles and strategic operations to the human stories of resistance, survival, and sacrifice. This comprehensive collection explores the global conflict through detailed accounts of key events like Pearl Harbor, D-Day, and the Battle of Stalingrad, offering insights into the political decisions, technological advances, and social changes that transformed our world during history's deadliest war.

5 events in this collection

November 5, 1940

FDR's Third Term Victory

Franklin D. Roosevelt secured an unprecedented third presidential term victory in 1940, breaking George Washington's two-term tradition. He won with 54.7% of the popular vote and 449 electoral votes against Republican nominee Wendell Willkie during a critical period of World War II.

December 29, 1940

Arsenal of Democracy Speech

President Roosevelt's historic radio address pledging American industrial might to support Allied nations during World War II. This 37-minute fireside chat transformed U.S. foreign policy and mobilized unprecedented industrial support for the war effort.

December 8, 1941

Roosevelt's Day of Infamy Speech

President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his historic 'Day of Infamy' speech to Congress, responding to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This pivotal address led to America's formal entry into World War II and received near-unanimous congressional approval for the declaration of war against Japan.

April 13, 1943

Discovery of Katyn graves

On April 13, 1943, German radio announced the discovery of mass graves of Polish officers in the Katyn Forest. This event revealed the NKVD crimes against Polish prisoners of war and state officials who were murdered by decision of the highest Soviet authorities in 1940. The discovery led to the severance of diplomatic relations between the Polish government-in-exile and the USSR.

September 17, 1944

Operation Market Garden

Operation Market Garden was the largest Allied airborne operation of World War II, launched on September 17, 1944. The operation aimed to secure strategic bridges across the Netherlands to create a pathway into Nazi Germany's industrial Ruhr Valley.