The eastern front

• Hitler strengthened his position in the Balkans. On his way to attack Russia, Hitler sent German forces into Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.
• German troops also occupied Yugoslavia and Greece in 1941.
• Then in May1941, the German forces fully controlled the Balkan region.
• In June 1941, Hitler suddenly launched an attack on Russia.
• After the failure of the Battle of Britain, Hitler decided on the invasion of the Soviet Union.
• When the invasions started the following countries fought on the side of Nazi Germany.
• These were Fascist Italy and Militarist Japan, then formed the Rome, Tokyo, and Berlin Axis.
• The Japanese attack on the USA naval base at Pearl Harbour in Dec, 1941, on the Pacific created discontent among the US
• Then, America declared war on the Axis member of Japan.
• As a result, the event forced USA to enter in WWII in 1941 on the side of the Allied.
• In November 1942, the Soviets launched a major counter-attack against the Germans in Stalingrad.
• Finally, at the Battle of Stalingrad, German forces were met strong resistance and defeated in 1942.
• In May 1943, Britain, France, and the USA pushed out Italy and Germany forces from North Africa.
• Then, Italy was surrendered unconditionally in 1943.
• Mussolini was removed from power and then killed.
• In 1945, Allied forces defeated the German forces.
• Then Germany surrendered on May 30, 1945.
• Japan continued the battle until atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945 respectively by the USA.
• Finally, the Axis powers were defeated.