>The successful invasion of Normandy in June 1944 marked a major turning point in the war. The Allies established a foothold in France and launched a series of campaigns that eventually led to the liberation of Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and most of France by September 1944.
2. The defeat of Nazi Germany:
>The Allies' combined military efforts, economic strength, and strategic planning led to the defeat of Nazi Germany in May 1945. The capture of Berlin by Soviet forces and the subsequent surrender of German forces marked the end of the war in Europe.
3. The Pacific Theater victories:
>The United States and its Allies achieved significant victories in the Pacific Theater, including the Battle of Midway in June 1942, which turned the tide of the war in the Pacific in favor of the Allies. The island-hopping campaigns, culminating in the battles for Iwo Jima and Okinawa, brought the Allies closer to the Japanese home islands.
4. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki:
>The United States' decision to drop atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 ultimately led to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.
5. The establishment of the United Nations:
>The war led to the creation of the United Nations in October 1945, with the aim of preventing future wars and promoting international cooperation.