Allied victories in Europe and Japan, 1944-45

D-Day (June 1944): One of the most significant military operations of World War II, Allied forces launched an amphibious attack on the beaches of Normandy in France, marking the beginning of the end for Hitler’s domination in Europe.
Battle of the Bulge (December 1944 - January 1945): The last major German offensive campaign on the Western Front. Despite initial successes, the Allies, predominantly the Americans, were able to repel the attack.
Liberation of Paris (August 1944): After the successful D-Day landings, the French Resistance sparked an uprising against the German occupation forces, leading to the full liberation of the Paris.

Battle of the Rhineland (February - March 1945): Allied forces crossed the Rhine river in Germany, overcoming the last natural barrier in the western part of the country.
Battle of Berlin (April - May 1945): Essentially the final major battle in the European theatre; the Soviet forces captured the Reichstag and other key areas, leading to the end of the Nazi regime.

Battle of Leyte Gulf (October 1944): The largest naval battle ever fought, and a significant victory for the Allied forces. It marked the start of the Philippines’ liberation from Japanese occupation.
Battle of Iwo Jima (February - March 1945): A critical battle where American forces managed to capture the island from the Japanese, providing a base for possible invasion of Japan.
Battle of Okinawa (April - June 1945): The last major battle of the Pacific War. Though costly for both sides, it resulted in a critical Allied victory and set the stage for a potential invasion of Japan. However, it was ultimately bypassed by the decision to drop atomic bombs.

Drop of Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki (August 1945): Marked a new era in warfare, these bombings caused massive destruction and led to the unconditional surrender of Japan on August 15, 1945, effectively ending World War II.

Key Concepts

D-Day: Also known as Operation Overlord, it involved a massive amphibious assault on the coast of Normandy, France.
Battle of the Bulge: A major German offensive campaign launched through the densely forested Ardennes region of Wallonia in Belgium.
Battle of Berlin: The final major offensive of the European theatre of World War II, leading to the fall of Berlin and the suicide of Adolf Hitler.
Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki: The dropping of these bombs led to Japan’s unconditional surrender, marking the end of World War II. It remains the only time atomic bombs have been used in warfare.