World War II

World War IIEurope After World War IEurope faced several challenges after World War I1) No one was really happy with the terms of the Treaty of Versailles2) Germans were outraged and humiliated and their economy was in shambles. Inflation hit Germany 1 dollar = 9 trillion German marks3) Germany experienced political turmoil under a weak government known as the Weimar Republic

Totalitarian Leaders AriseBecause of the problems in Europe, several leaders were able to take total control of the governments in their nationsThey promised a return to greatness and convinced people to give up their freedoms in return for future gloryIn Italy a leader named Benito Mussolini founded the National Fascist Party.Fascism a system of government that stressed the glory of the state. Everything in the State, nothing outside the State, nothing against the StateIn 1922 Mussolini became the leader of the government and established a dictatorship.

Totalitarian Leaders AriseAdolf Hitler served in the German army during WWI. He soon became involved with the National Socialist Party, or Nazi PartyHitler discovered his talent for public speaking and became a key figure in the Nazi PartyHitler SpeechIn October 1923 Hitler led a failed attempt to overthrow the Weimar Republic.While in prison Hitler wrote a book called Mein Kampf (My Struggle) that described Hitlers ideas, including nationalism and his belief in the racial superiority of the German people, whom he called Aryans

Totalitarian Leaders AriseHitler is able to gain power thanks in part to the further collapse of the German economy.Hitler promised to rebuild the military and create a new German empireBy 1933 he had gained enough support to be chosen as chancellorOnce in power Hitler crushed his oppositionHe bullied the German legislature into giving him dictatorial powersHe referred to himself as Der Fuhrer (The Leader)

Totalitarian Leaders AriseAfter Vladimir Lenin died in 1924 Joseph Stalin became the new Soviet leader.Stalin desired to combine the government control of communism with the overall control of totalitarianismStalins forces executed thousands and sent others to exile in Siberia where they were forced to work in Gulags labor campsTotalitarian leaders took control of Japan and Spain as well.

Military ForceOne of the major causes of WWII was the increased military action of the dictatorial governments of Europe1) In 1931 Japan invades the Chinese province of Manchuria2) In 1935 Italy invades Ethiopia3) Francisco Franco leads the Nationalists to victory in the Spanish Civil War and became the Fascist leader of Spain4) Hitler breaks the Treaty of Versailles by sending troops into the Rhineland5) Hitler forces the Austrian government to agree to an anschluss union with GermanyHitler and Germany After the anschluss with Austria Hitler set his eyes on the SudetenlandIn an attempt to end the crisis and deal with Hitler, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain agrees to allow Hitler to take the Sudetenland.Chamberlain boasted of achieving peace for our timeAppeasement giving into demands in hopes of maintaining peaceBritish politician Winston Churchill disagreed with the policy of appeasement and felt it was likely to lead to war.

Hitler and GermanyIn March 1939 Hitler sent troops into CzechoslovakiaIn August he announced a nonaggression pact with the Soviet Union Hitler promised not to attack the Soviets, and the Soviets promised not to stop Hitlers quest for more landThis news disturbed the French and English who had hoped the Soviets would join them if Hitler attackedOn September 1, 1939 WWII officially began when the Germans invaded Poland. The Germans used a military tactic known as blitzkrieg lightning war. Within a month Poland had been conquered.

Germany Turns to the WestAfter the invasion of Poland, Britain and France declared war on GermanyGermany then swept through Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium before their May 10, 1940 attack on France.The Germans quickly overtook the French, marching into Paris, and on June 22 France surrendered to GermanyGermany controlled France by setting up a part of France called the Vichy to be controlled by French people who cooperated with Hitler. Other French leaders, led by Charles de Gaulle, escaped to England.

Germany Turns to the WestGreat Britain now stood alone against the Germans in Europe.The new Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, promised, We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender.Battle of Britain between August and October 1940, Germany sent thousands of aircraft (known as the Luftwaffe) to attack the British Royal Air ForceFor the first time Hitler was unsuccessful because of the British use of a technology: radarHitler continued to bomb British cities, including London, until finally calling off attacks in 1941.

Tension in East AsiaIn 1940 Japan formed an alliance with Germany and Italy. The three nations became known as the Axis Powers.In early 1941 Japan took control of French Indochina, which threatened the British and American interests in the area.The Japanese minister of war, General Hideki Tojo pushed the Japanese not to compromise with the U.S. or Britain, and in October 1941 Tojo took control of the Japanese government.

I thought this was a US History classAfter being involved in WWI many Americans wanted to stay out of the affairs of Europe.Many Americans considered themselves pacifists people who do not believe in military force, or isolationists desired to avoid involvement in foreign warsFDR was more involved in domestic issues (the Great Depression) but he was not an isolationistHowever, in 1935 Congress passed the Neutrality Act meant to prevent the U.S. from being drawn into war.In the late 1930s the U.S. declared neutrality not for one side or the other

Lead up to WarIn 1937 when Japan invaded China, President Roosevelt spoke out against the Japanese and encouraged nations of the world to quarantine aggressive nations to stop the spread of war this speech became known as his Quarantine SpeechHowever, many in Congress still believed in isolationismAfter the invasion of Poland FDR got Congress to change its neutrality laws and established a new policyCash and carry countries at war were allowed to purchase American goods as long as they paid cash and picked up their goods in American ports

Election of 1940FDR became the first President to seek a third term in office. He felt that given the world situation his experience would be helpful in the White HouseHis opponent was Wendell Willkie, a business man who was destroyed by FDR in the electionSoon after FDRs election Congress passed the Lend-Lease Act allowed the US to send weapons to Great Britain, even if they could not pay for themIn August 1941 FDR and Churchill secretly met off the coast of Canada and agreed to the Atlantic Charter stated the goals of the two nations in opposing Hitler and his alliesMany isolationists, including pilot Charles Lindbergh opposed these meetings and felt it would lead to war

Japan Attacks Pearl HarborBy late 1941 many Americans felt that war with Japan was inevitableAmerican officials though continued to negotiate with the Japanese and were determined not to shoot firstHowever, during negotiations the Japanese were already planning their surprise attack at the American naval base at Pearl Harbor on the island of OahuDue to confusion among the leaders at Pearl Harbor the Japanese were able approach Pearl Harbor unnoticed

Japan Attacks Pearl HarborOn December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor early Sunday morningThe raid was a complete surprise to the Americans and most fighter planes never got off the groundThe attack lasted less than two hours, but by the time it was over the Pacific Fleet was a mass of smoking metalAll eight battleships were damaged, four were sunk200 aircraft destroyed2400 Americans diedJapan Attacks Pearl HarborAmericans obviously reacted with shock and angerRumors spread that the Japanese would next attack the West Coast of the United StatesWhile FDR had expected a Japanese attack, he too was surprised by the sneak attack and no formal declaration of warThe next day FDR addressed CongressFDR's Speech to CongressAmerica was now at war with Japan. Three days later Germany and Italy declared war on the U.S.The U.S. officially entered the war on the side of the AlliesPearl HarborDays that Shook the World: Pearl HarborMobilizing the Armed ForcesStarting in 1940 the government had already increased military spending, which led to more jobs making goods for the military, which helped end the Great DepressionThe leader of the mobilization effort was General George MarshallIn order to get more soldiers the government expanded the draft and millions volunteeredMore army bases were needed to house and train the many soldiers who joined the military

Women and the Armed ForcesAlthough women were not permitted to take part in combat, women played a vital role in the war effortWorked in the military in clerical jobsServed in the Women Airforce Service Pilot program, or WASPs tested and delivered aircraftWomens Army Corps repaired military equipment, worked as electricians, and performed many other jobs

Mobilizing Industry and ScienceAt the outbreak of war the US government spent tens of billions of dollars on weapons, supplies, and equipment60,000 new planes in 1942 alone120,000 new tanks, thanks to the efforts of industrialists like Henry FordThe supplies then had to be shipped overseas requiring new cargo shipsWomen played a vital role in filling in the employment gaps caused by an increase in industry and a decrease in the number of available male workersWorking women of the war became symbolized by the fictional character Rosie the Riveter

Mobilizing Military and ScienceMany new workers joined unions, which worried the federal governmentAfter the bombing at Pearl Harbor FDR established the National War Labor Board to help settle labor disputesIn 1943 Congress passed the Smith-Connally Act which gave the president power to take over vital industries in the event of strikes

Mobilizing Industry and ScienceManhattan Project a series of laboratories in Los Alamos, New Mexico where many brilliant scientists worked on secret projects, including the atomic bomb.They were led by J. Robert Oppenheimer

Fighting for Freedom at HomeAfrican-AmericansHundreds of thousands served in the militaryThe first African-American marines and naval officers served during WWIIHowever, many still suffered discrimination and forced to serve in segregated unitsNo African-Americans won the Medal of Honor during WWIIMany worked industrial jobs, but were often forced to take the lowest paying jobs regardless of skill or experienceIn 1941 President Roosevelt outlawed discrimination in government and defense jobsChallenges for Hispanic AmericansBracero Program in 1942 allowed Mexican workers the chance to temporarily work in the U.S., mostly in agricultureThe arrival of so many Hispanics led to tension in California.In June 1943 the zoot suit riots happened when a group of white sailors fought with groups of Mexican American youth.Like many other minority groups many Hispanic Americans served in the military and were committed to US victory

The Battle of the AtlanticControlling the Atlantic Ocean was essential to an Allied victoryThe Germans used u-boats (submarines) to attack American cargo ships even before WWII officially started and greatly increased during the warAmericans began using a convoy system to protect their boats from German u-boatsAnother factor in the Allied success in the Atlantic was the cracking of Germanys code system allowed the Allies to know the location of the German u-boats

The War in the Soviet UnionIn the summer of 1941 Hitler broke his nonaggression pact with the Soviets and invadedThe Germans were very successful at first using the same blitzkreig tactics, untilGerman soldiers met Russias great weapon: winterGerman troops froze to death and equipment could not operate in the bitter coldHowever, the Germans did conquer huge amounts of territory and took the city of Leningrad, where over 200,000 Soviets died of starvation and diseaseThe War in the Soviet UnionIn Spring 1942 the Germans restarted their attack on the SovietsIn August the Germans attacked the city of Stalingrad.Battle of Stalingrad one of the bloodiest battles in history in which the Soviets stopped Hitler giving Germany its first crushing defeat in WWIIThe turning point of WWII for the Soviets. After BOS the Soviets pushed German forces back toward GermanyGermany lost 2 million soldiers while the Soviets lost 12 millionThe War in Africa and ItalyThe British and Italian forces began a battle for control of North AfricaGreat Britain wanted N. Africa so they could protect trade routes through the Suez Canal which supplied oil to the British war effort.The Germans were forced to send troops to help the Italians and they were led by General Erwin Rommel, the Desert Fox.

The War in Africa and ItalyBattle of El Alamein British forces defeated the Afrika Korps the German and Italian soldiers in AfricaStalin wanted the Americans to invade Europe to divide Hitlers attentions, but the other Allied leaders did not want to invade Europe until they were preparedThe first official American action in WWII took place in November 1942 when American General Dwight Eisenhower led troops into North Africa.By May 1943 the Axis powers surrendered in North Africa. The War in Africa and ItalyIn July 1943 the Allies began their invasion of Italy by attacking the Italian island of SicilyBy the end of the month the Italian people turned against Mussolini and forced him from powerHowever, Hitler would not easily give up Italy to the Allies and sent German troops to battle the AlliesThe Allies made progress against the German and included a group of soldiers known as the Tuskegee Airmen a segregated unit of African Americans, the first to receive training as pilots in the US militaryThe fighting in Italy continued for over a year

D-Day: The Invasion of FranceThe planned invasion of France was given the code name Operation OverlordTo end the war as quickly as possibly the Allies planned a large scale invasion of FranceThe Allies spent months planning before settling on Normandy as their point of entryDwight Eisenhower commanded the mission and chose General Omar Bradley to lead the American troopsThe Allies knew that speed was important because the Germans were developing a V1 flying bomb and the V2 rocketD-Day: The Invasion of FranceOn June 6, 1944, 150,000 Allied troops landed at Normandy.The plan had several phases1) Parachute troops land behind enemy lines2) Ships offshore shelled the coastline to destroy German defenses3) Aircraft used to provide cover and protection for the wave of troops4) Boats delivering equipment and soldiers to the beaches5) Thousands of troops bravely running through obstacles, gunfire, and barbed wireCasualties were high but in the end D-Day was a success

The Battle of the BulgeAfter D-Day the Allies began the march into France and appeared well on their way to victory over GermanyHowever, the Germans launched one final offensiveBattle of the Bulge German troops pushed back the Allied lines, threatening to take back territory. At Bastogne in Belgium the Allies, thanks to the backup provided by General George S. Patton and his troops, stopped the German advances and allowed the Allies to move the lines back toward Germany

The HolocaustReading and American ResponsesWar in the PacificThe attack at Pearl Harbor was an enormous success for Japan and forced the Americans to rebuild before striking back.After taking Hong Kong, Singapore, and other Pacific islands, the Japanese set their sights on American-held Philippines.Bataan Death March Japanese forced 70,000 prisoners to march to a prison camp. 10,000 Filipinos and 600 Americans were killed.

War in the PacificBattle of Coral Sea marked the first time that the Japanese navy had been stoppedBattle of Midway Americans, led by Chester Nimitz, used code breakers to determine when the Japanese were going to attack. This helped the Allies to victory, giving Japan their first loss in the Pacific theatre.The Allies began a strategy called island hopping capturing weaker targets to use as bases while skipping over Japanese strongholdsBattle of Guadalcanal a series of battles that ended with the Japanese leaving the island in February 1943Battle of Leyte October 1944, the largest naval batlle ever. Also the first use of the Japanese kamikaze attack Japanese pilots would deliberately crash into Allied ships.While kamikazes did destroy Allied ships, it did not change the outcome of the battles and the Allies had essentially destroyed the Japanese navy.

War in the PacificDuring the war, many members of the Navajo Native American group served as code talkersTribute to Navajo Code TalkersIn February 1945 Allied troops landed on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima.During the month long battle 7000 American soldiers died trying to capture the tiny island. The Japanese started with 20,000 men but ended with only 1000, demonstrating that the Japanese were willing to fight to the death instead of surrendering.

War in the PacificBattle of Okinawa lasted for 3 months, killed 12,000 Americans, but the Japanese lost the island and nearly all of the 100,000 defenders.The next step was to take Japan itself, but after Iwo Jima and Okinawa, Allied leaders dreaded the idea because they believed that over 1 million Allied soldiers may be lost.

The HomefrontSAS ActivityThe HomefrontEven Americans not fighting in WWII were involved in the war effortMany Americans were forced to make sacrificesRationingGrowing victory gardensScrap metal drivesWar bondsIn June 1942 the Office of War Information was created to help spread propaganda about the war and encourage Americans to be a part of the war.

Daffy DuckJapanese InternmentInstructions you will now get a Graphic Organizer and a timeline of the Japanese internment. You will be doing this activity in stagesRound 1: use this video clip to complete the first part of the activity: Government Newsreel VideoRound 2: Read Documents B and C and answer the questions for Round 2 (be sure to only use evidence from Round 2 and not from the first round)Round 3: Read Documents D and E and answer the questions for Round 3Finally, using all the evidence collected, answer the question Why were Japanese Americans interned during the Second World War?

Winning the War in EuropeIn January 1945 FDR started his 4th term as PresidentShortly after his inauguration FDR met with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin to make plans for the end of the war and how to make peaceYalta Conference the Big Three met to plan what to do with Germany once they were defeated. They agreed to divide Germany into 4 zones that would be occupied by the Big Three and FranceStalin agreed to allow free elections in Poland and other controlled areas in Eastern EuropeStalin committed to declaring war on Japan and helping the Allies once Germany was defeated

Winning the War in EuropeAs the Big Three were meeting in Yalta the Allies were preparing to cross the Rhine River, a key barrier for the GermansIn order to slow down the Allies the Germans destroyed bridges over the RhineHowever, the American forces were able to capture one bridge at Remagen and keep it from German attackThe next question was what to do about Berlin: many Allied leaders wanted to get there before the Soviets, showing the distrust among the Allies

Winning the War In EuropeOnce it became inevitable that the Allies would defeat the Germans, the question arose about how to finish the invasion of BerlinMany Americans feared the Soviets would take Berlin and refuse to give it upGeneral Eisenhower decided not to move toward BerlinIt would be a very bloody battleThe Allies had already agreed how to divide up BerlinEisenhower knew the U.S. still had a war to finish with JapanDuring the American sweep through Germany, on April 12, 1945 President Franklin Roosevelt died, which was a blow to the American troopsWinning the War in EuropeDuring April 1945 the Soviets attacked BerlinOn April 30 Hitler, recognizing that there was no hope for victory, committed suicide.Once news of Hitlers death began to spread fighting came to a halt.On May 7 the Germans surrendered, a day celebrated in the U.S. as V.E. Day victory in Europe

Winning the War in the PacificAmerican generals feared the cost of lives in the invasion of mainland Japan, but fighting did continueIn March 1945, General Curtis LeMay led a firestorm bombing of Tokyo that killed nearly 84,000 and destroyed 270,000 buildings.Meanwhile, new President Harry Truman learned about a new weapon the U.S. had been working on in secret: the atomic bombAfter much debate and discussion the decision was made to drop an atomic bomb on a Japanese city.

Winning the War in the PacificOn August 6, 1945 an American B-29 named the Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima80,000 people were immediately killed and fires raged for days afterwardDespite the horrific attack the Japanese leaders took no action to end the war and debated their next steps.On August 9 the U.S. dropped a second atomic bomb on the city of Nagasaki.Japanese emperor Hirohito favored surrender, but amazingly, many in the military wanted to continue the war. However, on August 15, 1945 the Japanese surrendered, a day known as VJ Day

Results of VictoryIn June 1945 representatives from 50 countries, including the U.S. met in San Francisco, CA to create a new international organization the United Nations (UN)The purpose of the UN was to encourage cooperation among nations and prevent future world warsIn July 1945 the Allied leaders met in the German city of PotsdamAt the Potsdam Conference President Truman tried to convince Stalin to live up to his promises from the Yalta Conference, but Stalin refused and the conference was unsuccessfulResults of VictoryAfter the war the U.S. faced the difficult task of helping to rebuild Japan and EuropeGeneral Douglas MacArthur led the rebuilding efforts in Japan where he was successful in helping Japan create a new democratic government and begin the process of rebuilding the economyIn both Japan and Germany, military and government leaders were put on trial and in many cases executed for their war crimesThe rebuilding of Europe was a very complicated matter and will be discussed in our next section.Atomic Bomb ActivityToday we will be looking at the question: How should we remember the dropping of the atomic bomb? You will also be choosing 1 image that best commemorates the dropping of the atomic bomb.Historical Narrative sheets: read and answer the questionsNarrative a story, not a textbook accountDivide into 2 groups: Japanese Experience Experts and American Experience ExpertsIn pairs within your group you will read through the documents and find evidence to support your side.Tomorrow you will be presenting your groups main points to the other group and completing this activity.