Most of the information in this chronology is take from the book The World Almanac of World War II.
A look at pre-war events shows the motives behind Japan's imperialistic expansionism, the Allies appeasement of Germany, and the near isolationism of the US.
During Germany's occupation of Europe Poland fell within one month, France in a month and a half, and the Panzer juggernaut finally ground to a hault 10 miles West of Moscow. Soon afterward, steady loss of ground ensued until Germany's defeat six years after the war's onset.
After the War China fell to Communists, the Soviet Union filled the power vacuum of Eastern Europe, and the Cold War had begun.