Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. This was a key step in dictator Adolf Hitler’s plan to conquer all of Europe. Two days later, the United Kingdom and France declared war on Germany. Over the next six years, the Allies, led by the U.K. and France—and later the U.S. and Soviet Union—battled the Axis powers of Nazi Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II.
Early on, Germany seemed unstoppable. Nazi troops occupied France. Stealthy submarines blew up supply shipments from the U.S. Planes bombed London for eight months straight during the Blitz. But just 50 miles north of London, a top-secret project was underway. The country’s brightest minds gathered at an estate called Bletchley Park.
On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland. German dictator Adolf Hitler planned to take over all of Europe. Two days later, the United Kingdom and France declared war on Germany. This was the beginning of World War II, which lasted for the next six years. The U.K., France, the U.S., and the Soviet Union teamed up to form the Allies. They battled the Axis powers of Nazi Germany, Italy, and Japan.
Early on, Germany seemed unstoppable. Nazi troops occupied France. When the U.S. tried to ship supplies, German submarines blew them up. Planes bombed London for eight months straight. But everything was about to change.