World War II.

Participants in World War II In World War II, about 50 Allied nations joined forces against Germany, Japan, and the other Axis powers. Few countries remained totally neutral.

Military Casualties in World War II

The War in Europe and Africa: A Chronology

The North Africa Campaign (Operation Torch), 1942 The goal of Operation Torch was to force the Axis armies out of Africa, and also to relieve pressure on the Russian forces, which were reeling under a new German offensive.

The Italian Campaign, 1943-1944 On July 10, 1943, Allied toops landed on Sicily. During the fighting, Benito Mussolini fell from power in Italy. The Allies occupied all Sicily on August 17. The new Italian government signed an armistice with the Allies on September 3, and announced it five days later.

The War in Asia and the Pacific: A Chronology

The Surrender of Japan On August 10, 1945, the Japanese government asked the Allies if unconditional surrender meant that Emperor Hirohito would have to give up his throne. The Allies replied that the Japanese people would decide his fate. On August 14, the Allies received a message from Japan accepting the terms of the Potsdam Conference.

Dachau was the name of a Nazi concentration camp located about 10 miles northwest of Munich. Not only was it the first Nazi concentration camp to be opened, it was also the only one to remain in operation throughout the duration of Nazi Germany's existence. In addition, it served as the model by which every other Nazi camp was constructed and operated.