Japan invades Manchuria, a region of northeastern China, marking the beginning of Japanese aggression in Asia.

Japan launches a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, drawing the United States into the war.

Japan captures Singapore from British forces, securing control over Southeast Asia.

The United States Navy defeats the Japanese Navy at Midway Island, halting Japanese advances in the Pacific.

The first major land battle fought between American and Japanese forces, resulting in an Allied victory.

The United States launches a bombing raid on Tokyo, led by Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle, in retaliation for the Pearl Harbor attack.

U.S. forces capture the island of Saipan from Japan, providing a crucial airbase for future operations.

The United States drops atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan's surrender.

Japan formally surrenders, marking the end of World War II.