What were the major events influencing the fighting in Europe and North Africa?

1939 --- The war begins as Poland falls to Germany.

1940 --- France, Holland, Belgium, Norway, and Denmark fall to Germany. Italy enters the war on the Axis side, attacks Great Britain in North Africa, and invades Greece. German invasion of Great Britain is planned but never occurs.

1941 --- In North Africa, Great Britain pushes Italy back. Germany invades Russia and reinforces Italy in North Africa. Japan enters the war on the Axis side, and the US enters the war on the Allied side.

1942 --- War seesaws in North Africa. Italy reinforces Germany in Russia. Toward the end of the year the war in Russia and North Africa turn against the Axis, and the US invades North Africa.

1943 --- Germany and Italy are expelled from North Africa. Italy surrenders to Allies and is occupied by Germany as the Allies invade. The war continues in Russia as Germany is pushed back.

1944 --- Germany holds the Allies in Italy, but Russia continues to push Germany back. The US, Great Britain, and Canada invade France.

1945 --- Germany surrenders to the Allies.