World War II was one of the deadliest conflicts in human history, with an estimated 70-85 million fatalities. The war lasted from 1939 to 1945 and involved many countries from around the world. However, who got killed first in World War II?
The Invasion of Poland
The first military action of World War II was the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany on September 1, 1939. The German forces quickly overwhelmed the Polish defenders, and the country was divided between Germany and the Soviet Union. The invasion resulted in the death of around 70,000 Polish soldiers and 6 million civilians, including Jews, who were targeted by the Nazis for extermination.
The Battle of the River Plate
The Battle of the River Plate was the first naval battle of World War II. It took place on December 13, 1939, off the coast of South America, and involved the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee and the British cruisers HMS Exeter, Ajax, and Achilles. The battle resulted in the sinking of the Admiral Graf Spee and the deaths of 36 German sailors.
The Winter War
The Winter War was a conflict between Finland and the Soviet Union that began on November 30, 1939. The Soviet Union invaded Finland with a much larger army, but the Finnish forces put up a tough resistance. The war lasted for 105 days, and the Soviet Union suffered heavy losses, with an estimated 126,000 soldiers killed or wounded. Finland lost around 25,000 soldiers and 26,000 civilians.
The Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain was a major air campaign fought between July and October 1940, during which Nazi Germany attempted to gain air superiority over the United Kingdom. The battle involved thousands of aircraft and resulted in heavy losses on both sides. The Royal Air Force emerged victorious, and the battle is considered a turning point in the war.
The Attack on Pearl Harbor
The Attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. The attack resulted in the deaths of 2,403 Americans, including 68 civilians, and the destruction of numerous ships and aircraft. The attack led to the United States' entry into World War II.
The Battle of Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad was a major battle fought between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union from August 1942 to February 1943. The battle was one of the deadliest in human history, with an estimated 1.7 million to 2 million casualties. The Soviet Union emerged victorious, and the battle is considered a turning point in the war.
The Normandy Landings
The Normandy Landings were the landing operations on June 6, 1944, by the Allied powers in Normandy, France, during World War II. The landings were the largest amphibious invasion in history and involved more than 156,000 troops. The operation resulted in heavy casualties, with an estimated 10,000 Allied soldiers killed or wounded on the first day alone.
The Battle of Okinawa
The Battle of Okinawa was a major battle fought between the United States and Japan on the island of Okinawa from April to June 1945. The battle was one of the bloodiest in the Pacific War, with an estimated 100,000 Japanese soldiers and 12,000 American soldiers killed. The battle resulted in the United States' capture of the island and is considered a turning point in the war.
The Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
The Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was the first and only use of nuclear weapons in warfare. The bombings took place on August 6 and 9, 1945, respectively, by the United States against Japan. The bombs resulted in the deaths of an estimated 200,000 people, most of whom were civilians. The bombings led to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.
Conclusion
In conclusion, many people lost their lives during World War II, and it is impossible to determine who got killed first. However, the events mentioned in this article are some of the earliest and most significant military actions of the war. It is important to remember the sacrifices made by those who fought and died during the war and to strive for peace and understanding in the world today.