Villa Walsh Academy (Part One) US History II

Mr. Holland

04/18/23 America in World War II 1

The Allies trade space for timeFighting WWII very complex. Fought on a

truly global basis.American resources and ingenuity were

severely tested. America brought reluctantly to the zenith of

its power.

04/18/23 America in World War II 2

The Shock of WarThe attack on Pearl Harbor galvanized America. Admiral Yamamoto said of the attack: "I fear all

we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant.“Pacific Fleet aircraft carriers not at Pear Harbor. Discrimination minimal but not true for Japanese-

Americans held in labor campsKorematsu v. United States upheld decision by

Roosevelt Administration. Finally, compensation in the 1980’s.

04/18/23 America in World War II 3

Building the War MachineFactory war orders end the Great DepressionFactories produce enormous numbers of planes,

ships, tanks guns and other war material coordinated by the War Production Board

Production challenges included material shortages such as rubber, and increased labor costs as well as shortages of manpower. Women and minorities including African Americans and Latino –Americans as well as foreign nationals (Bracero Program) will find jobs.

04/18/23 America in World War II 4

Rosie the Riveter & Major Migrations

Millions of women took jobs outside the home.1.6 million African Americans left the South for

factory jobs in the North and West. Fair Employment Practices Commission forbade discrimination.

Braceros program in American SouthwestNative Americans served ably in military and

some became “code talkers”.Overall, Home Front suffered much less then

allies and foes.

04/18/23 America in World War II 5

The Rising Sun in the PacificJapanese launched simultaneous attacks on

Pearl Harbor, Guam, Wake and the Philippines.

American forces in the Philippines hold out for five months on Bataan and Corregidor. Surrendering soldiers taken on Bataan Death March

04/18/23 America in World War II 6

Japan’s High Tide at MidwayIn May 1942, crucial battle was fought in the

Coral Sea. Battle was a draw although it was the first battle ever fought between ships who had never seen each other. Japanese abandon invasion plans for Australia.

Over three days in June 1942, Americans led by Adm. Raymond Spruance, helped to destroy a total of four Japanese aircraft carriers in the Battle of Midway. Turning point in the war.

04/18/23 America in World War II 7

America leapfrogging toward Tokyo.In August 1942, Americans land on Guadalcanal,

looked to protect Australia and begin process of harassing Japanese.

By February 1943, Japanese evacuate Guadacanal after a series of fierce land and sea battles.

Leapfrogging meant attacking certain Japanese held islands and bypassing others. Ultimate goal was to bring Japanese Home Islands in bombing range. This was achieved by August 1944 with capture of Marianas Islands.

04/18/23 America in World War II 8

The Allied Halting of Hitler The Battle of the Atlantic lasted from 1939-1945.

Hitler entered war with large fleet of modern U-Boats.

Submarines would act alone or in concert as “wolf packs”. Their goal: Sink as many merchant ships as possible and make it impossible for the allies to maintain their chains of supply. Large surface ships such as the battleship Bismarck were also used as raiders but were generally less successful.

04/18/23 America in World War II 9