The World at War

A look at the measures taken by Adolf Hitler to become dictator of Germany and begin his domination of Europe. Hitler offers hope to economically troubled Germany.

Germany invades Eastern Europe, forcing unprepared Britain to face the possibility of war with approaching Nazis.

The Germans skirt the French's heavily fortified Maginot line and defeat them in six weeks with newer techniques and equipment.

British morale plunges as 350,000 allied troops are barely rescued at Dunkirk and the RAF battles the Luftwaffe over London skies.

Germany turns against Russia, but fatal German delays hold the advance a few kilometers outside Moscow in the mud and cold.

Japan strikes at Pearl Harbor and sweeps forward to capture Hong Kong, Burma, Malaya, Singapore, the Dutch East Indies and the Philippines.