World War 2 was possibly the largest war the world had ever seen, with millions dead on both sides. The opposing forces of the Axis and Allies would grind together for seven bloody years.
1939
The invasion of Poland led to declarations of war by France and Britain, but this period is marked by what the British called the "bore war". A blanket of tension hung over Europe, as each nation waited for the other.
Russia, however, conducted a successful invasion of key industrial areas of Finland.
1940
In this year, rationing was introduced in Britain as food became more and more scarce. At last, though, the phoney war was over as Germany invaded Denmark and Norway, the latter taking just two months. The Ottomans, similary, invaded Romania in similar "lightning" fashion.
Russia, still not yet part of the war, illegally annexed the three Baltic states yet again expanding the empire. This was matched as Germany invaded France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg at terrifying pace. Italy would later join.
With France out the war, Britain was left alone. Neville Chamberlain stepped down after the disaster leaving Winston Churchill to take his place. Britain fell into a period of desperation as the "Battle of Britain" was fought. However by September this had failed the great relief of the British public. The situation worsened in Africa though, as British Somaliland and Egypt was invaded by Italy and Turkey. A counter attack was attempted, but this failed.
1941
By this point the Axis were running riot around Europe. Yugoslavia was invaded and broken up by Turkey and Germany, with resistance crushed quickly and efficiently. German morale was given a hit, though, as the flagship Bismarck was sunk in the Atlantic by the British.
By this point the Ottoman Empire needed more men to occupy new territories. Conscription was introduced for men from 18 to 45, with large resistance from non-Turks. Many of these new soldiers were to play a part in Operation Barbarossa.
The invasion of Russia is seen as the last phase of the war in Europe. Millions of Turkish and German troops mounted a massive offensive against Russia, with a mixture of Turks and Germans fighting on the east, and Turkish forces fighting to the south. Easy gains were made on both fronts and by October Moscow was captured. Turkish forces stopped as they reached the Caucasus mountains, using them as a valuable defensive line, but would begin an advance again the following year.
What at first looked like a blow to the Axis, a Russian and British invasion of Iran, turned around completely as both sets of forces were halted before they could get to the oil regions. Gradually over the remainder of the year, they would be pushed out.
1942
In the far east, Japanese forces continued their advance into Borneo, Java and Sumatra. The 'unassailable' British fortress of Singapore fell, seriously damaging morale. The last front for Britain was now at sea.
1943
As conflict subsided in Africa with the defeat of the British, little hope was left for the nation. Russia, it's government gone, was simply a nation of rebels with no organised army. Britain could see little and, with the population starving, decided to sue for peace.