From Churchill to Victory

The 20th century1901 to 1945

Winston Churchill became Prime Minister in 1940, taking over as the war leader Britain needed at a difficult moment in the war, and led the country through the years that followed.

The following year, in 1941, Germany invaded the Soviet Union, opening a vast new front. That same year, the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour brought the United States into the war alongside Britain.

Allied strength kept building, and in 1944 Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy in what became known as D-Day, opening the campaign that finally pushed back toward Germany. The following year, in 1945, the Allies won a full victory over Germany, ending the war in Europe, and later that same year the war against Japan also came to an end.

What to remember

Key dates
Winston Churchill becoming Prime Minister1940

He took over as the army was being evacuated from Dunkirk.

The German invasion of the Soviet Union1941

The invasion opened a huge new front that ultimately weakened German forces.

The Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour1941

It brought the United States into the war.

The D-Day landings in Normandy1944

Allied forces landed in Normandy and began the advance that ended the war in Europe.

The Allied victory over Germany1945

The war in Europe ended with Germany's comprehensive defeat.

The end of the war against Japan1945

The war ended after atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Who did what
Became Prime Minister in 1940Winston Churchill

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