World War IIWorld War II

The Greatest GenerationThe Greatest Generation

Prelude to Global WarPrelude to Global War

““We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”--Winston shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”--Winston ChurchillChurchill

OverviewOverview

By the 1930s, Italy had fallen to By the 1930s, Italy had fallen to fascism, Germany to Nazism, and fascism, Germany to Nazism, and Imperial Japan was looking to Imperial Japan was looking to expand. The ambitions of three expand. The ambitions of three leaders will bring the world to war.leaders will bring the world to war.

Fascism and NazismFascism and Nazism

Italy and FascismItaly and Fascism• Benito Mussolini felt Italy was Benito Mussolini felt Italy was

shortchanged in the Treaty of Versailles.shortchanged in the Treaty of Versailles.• 1919 He and other war vets organized 1919 He and other war vets organized

the Revolutionary Fascist Partythe Revolutionary Fascist Party• Called himself Called himself Il DuceIl Duce =the leader =the leader• Used Fascist thugs called “Blackshirts” Used Fascist thugs called “Blackshirts”

to terrorize opponents.to terrorize opponents.

• 1922 Threatened to march on Rome 1922 Threatened to march on Rome and the Kind made him prime minister.and the Kind made him prime minister.

• As PM he:As PM he: Suspended electionsSuspended elections Outlawed other political parties Outlawed other political parties Established a dictatorshipEstablished a dictatorship Declared, “The Country is nothing without Declared, “The Country is nothing without

Conquest”Conquest” Oct. 1935--Invaded EthiopiaOct. 1935--Invaded Ethiopia

Germany and NazismGermany and Nazism• Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler

Discontented Austrian PainterDiscontented Austrian Painter 1919 Joined the National Socialist German Worker’s Party 1919 Joined the National Socialist German Worker’s Party

or the Nazi Partyor the Nazi Party 1923 Beer Hall Putsch--Tried to overthrow the Weimar 1923 Beer Hall Putsch--Tried to overthrow the Weimar

GovernmentGovernment Wrote Wrote Mein KampfMein Kampf =“My Struggle” during 9 mo. Prison =“My Struggle” during 9 mo. Prison

term.term.• Blamed the Jews for Germany’s loss in WWIBlamed the Jews for Germany’s loss in WWI• Proposed strengthening the militaryProposed strengthening the military• Called for expanding territoryCalled for expanding territory• Called for purifying the “Aryan” race (blonde, blue eyed) by Called for purifying the “Aryan” race (blonde, blue eyed) by

removing the Jews from Germanyremoving the Jews from Germany

• ConditionsConditions Germany was in Economic and Social ruinGermany was in Economic and Social ruin High unemployment High unemployment Massive inflationMassive inflation ShortagesShortages LawlessnessLawlessness

• Nazi PromiseNazi Promise OrderOrder Stabilization of the countryStabilization of the country economic recoveryeconomic recovery Restoring the Empire--The Third ReichRestoring the Empire--The Third Reich

• Nazi RiseNazi Rise Jan 1933 Nazis became the largest party Jan 1933 Nazis became the largest party

in the Reichstagin the Reichstag Hitler was appointed ChancellorHitler was appointed Chancellor After the Reichstag fire, Hitler was given After the Reichstag fire, Hitler was given

emergency powers.emergency powers. After President Von Hindenberg’s death, After President Von Hindenberg’s death,

Hitler consolidated his control over the Hitler consolidated his control over the country and the military.country and the military.

Europe Goes to WarEurope Goes to War

German AggressionGerman Aggression• March 9, 1936 German troops reentered March 9, 1936 German troops reentered

the Rhineland.the Rhineland.• 1936 Germany and Italy signed an 1936 Germany and Italy signed an

alliance and became the Axis Powers alliance and became the Axis Powers (later joined by Japan)(later joined by Japan)

• March 1938 March 1938 Anschluss--Anschluss--Hitler approved Hitler approved the “voluntary” annexation of Austria.the “voluntary” annexation of Austria.

• Sept. 1938 Munich ConferenceSept. 1938 Munich Conference Hitler had demanded the Sudetenland Hitler had demanded the Sudetenland

region of Czechoslovakia (GR pop) be given region of Czechoslovakia (GR pop) be given to Germanyto Germany

AppeasementAppeasement• Neville Chamberlain (UK) and Edouard Daladier Neville Chamberlain (UK) and Edouard Daladier

(France) agreed to give the land to Hitler in (France) agreed to give the land to Hitler in exchange for his promise to not seek more exchange for his promise to not seek more territory.territory.

• ““Britain and France had to choose between war Britain and France had to choose between war and dishonor . . . They chose dishonor. They will and dishonor . . . They chose dishonor. They will have war.”--Churchillhave war.”--Churchill

• March 1939 Hitler annexed the rest of March 1939 Hitler annexed the rest of Czechoslovakia.Czechoslovakia.

• Soon after Hitler signed a treaty of non-Soon after Hitler signed a treaty of non-aggression with Russiaaggression with Russia

War!!War!!• September 1, 1939 Germany invaded PolandSeptember 1, 1939 Germany invaded Poland

Used Used blitzkriegblitzkrieg tactic tactic UK and FR declared war 2 days later.UK and FR declared war 2 days later. Mid September--Russians seized East Poland as per Mid September--Russians seized East Poland as per

their agreement.their agreement.

• April 9, 1940 GR attacked Denmark and April 9, 1940 GR attacked Denmark and NorwayNorway

• May 10, 1940 GR attacked the Maginot Line May 10, 1940 GR attacked the Maginot Line and overwhelmed Belgium, the Netherlands and overwhelmed Belgium, the Netherlands and FR.and FR.

• Evacuation at DunkirkEvacuation at Dunkirk As France fell, UK forces retreated to this As France fell, UK forces retreated to this

coastal citycoastal city 900 UK vessels (tug boats, yachts, and other 900 UK vessels (tug boats, yachts, and other

private craft) evacuated 340K across the private craft) evacuated 340K across the English channel to Britain.English channel to Britain.

Despite constant Luftwaffe attacks, the UK Despite constant Luftwaffe attacks, the UK pulled off one of the greatest rescues in pulled off one of the greatest rescues in history.history.

• The Battle of BritainThe Battle of Britain After the fall of FR Hitler turned on BritainAfter the fall of FR Hitler turned on Britain 1,000 Luftwaffe Planes bombed Britain daily1,000 Luftwaffe Planes bombed Britain daily Royal Air Force (RAF) outnumbered, flew 6-7 Royal Air Force (RAF) outnumbered, flew 6-7

missions per daymissions per day Dec. 1940 “The Blitz”--The bombing of Dec. 1940 “The Blitz”--The bombing of

London started 1500 fires in the city.London started 1500 fires in the city. June 1941 the bombing ended. Hitler’s June 1941 the bombing ended. Hitler’s

effort to crush the UK had failed.effort to crush the UK had failed. 30K Londoners died 120K injured.30K Londoners died 120K injured.

The Empire of JapanThe Empire of Japan• 1931 Japan seized the Manchuria 1931 Japan seized the Manchuria

region of Chinaregion of China• By 1940 Japan controlled most of By 1940 Japan controlled most of

Eastern ChinaEastern China• Sept 1940 Signed the Tripartite pact w/ Sept 1940 Signed the Tripartite pact w/

GR and Italy.GR and Italy.• April 1941 Signed a neutrality pact April 1941 Signed a neutrality pact

with Russia.with Russia.

The American ResponseThe American Response• Most Americans favored neutrality and Most Americans favored neutrality and

isolationism.isolationism.• Early Neutrality ActsEarly Neutrality Acts

US would w/hold weapons and loans from all US would w/hold weapons and loans from all nations at war.nations at war.

Required that all non military goods be paid for w/ Required that all non military goods be paid for w/ cash and transported by the purchaser-- “cash cash and transported by the purchaser-- “cash and carry”and carry”

• Neutrality Act of 1939--permitted UK and FR Neutrality Act of 1939--permitted UK and FR to buy weapons on a cash and carry basisto buy weapons on a cash and carry basis

• Increased InvolvementIncreased Involvement 1940 FDR proposed providing war supplies 1940 FDR proposed providing war supplies

to the UK w/o payment:to the UK w/o payment:• ““If your neighbor’s house is on fire, you don’t sell If your neighbor’s house is on fire, you don’t sell

him a hose. You lend it to him and take it back him a hose. You lend it to him and take it back after the fire is out.”after the fire is out.”

March 1941--congress passed the Lend-March 1941--congress passed the Lend-Lease Act which authorized the President to Lease Act which authorized the President to aid any nation whose defense was vital to aid any nation whose defense was vital to US interestsUS interests

Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941“A date which shall live in infamy.”“A date which shall live in infamy.”

Mid 1941--Japan took French Indo-ChinaMid 1941--Japan took French Indo-China FDR responded by freezing Japanese FDR responded by freezing Japanese

assets in the US and cutting off trade assets in the US and cutting off trade with Japanwith Japan

For weeks the US and Japan negotiated For weeks the US and Japan negotiated to avoid war.to avoid war.

Japan’s leaders decided that they could Japan’s leaders decided that they could not conquer Asia with the US Pacific not conquer Asia with the US Pacific fleet in Hawaii.fleet in Hawaii.

Dec 7, 1941--Japanese attacked the Dec 7, 1941--Japanese attacked the US Naval base at Pearl Harbor.US Naval base at Pearl Harbor.

<2 hrs. 2,400 Americans died and <2 hrs. 2,400 Americans died and 1,200 wounded; 300 planes 1,200 wounded; 300 planes damaged or destroyed; 18 warships damaged or destroyed; 18 warships sunksunk

Japan lost 29 planesJapan lost 29 planes Dec 8, 1941 FDR asked Congress to Dec 8, 1941 FDR asked Congress to

declare war.declare war. Dec. 11 Germany and Italy Dec. 11 Germany and Italy

declared war on the US. declared war on the US.

The Road to Victory in EuropeThe Road to Victory in Europe

American MobilizationAmerican Mobilization Thousands volunteered after Pearl Thousands volunteered after Pearl

HarborHarbor The draft began immediatelyThe draft began immediately The ForceThe Force

• 16.1 Million Served16.1 Million Served Majority--white, male AmericansMajority--white, male Americans 300K Mex-Amer300K Mex-Amer 300 Navajos as Code Talkers300 Navajos as Code Talkers 17K Japanese-Amer17K Japanese-Amer 1 Million African Americans1 Million African Americans 275K Women (volunteers)275K Women (volunteers)

Atlantic WarAtlantic War

US ships had to travel in convoysUS ships had to travel in convoys Germans used “Wolf Packs” (sub Germans used “Wolf Packs” (sub

groups of 30) to systematically groups of 30) to systematically attack convoysattack convoys

North AfricaNorth Africa Germans under the command of FM Germans under the command of FM

Erwin Rommel (Desert Fox) had been Erwin Rommel (Desert Fox) had been very successful.very successful.

1942 Turning Point--UK Gen. Bernard 1942 Turning Point--UK Gen. Bernard Montgomery won a decisive victory at El Montgomery won a decisive victory at El Alamein EgyptAlamein Egypt

May 1943 American Gen. Dwight D. May 1943 American Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and Gen. Montgomery Eisenhower and Gen. Montgomery trapped Rommel’s forces in Tunisia.trapped Rommel’s forces in Tunisia.

Rommel escaped to Europe and Rommel escaped to Europe and Africa was under Allied control.Africa was under Allied control.

ItalyItaly

July 1943 American General George July 1943 American General George s. Patton attacked Sicily. It fell in 38 s. Patton attacked Sicily. It fell in 38 days.days.

Mussolini was overthrown and the Mussolini was overthrown and the New Italian gov’t surrendered.New Italian gov’t surrendered.

German forces stiffly defended Italy.German forces stiffly defended Italy.

Turning Point--AnzioTurning Point--Anzio• Jan 1944 American troops landed Jan 1944 American troops landed

behind GR lines at Anzio (just S. of behind GR lines at Anzio (just S. of Rome)Rome)

• Fighting to advance was slow, but the Fighting to advance was slow, but the Allies won in May 1944.Allies won in May 1944.

• 72K American casualties72K American casualties The Allies quickly took RomeThe Allies quickly took Rome April 1945 German forces in Italy April 1945 German forces in Italy

surrendered.surrendered. 190K American casualties in the 190K American casualties in the

Italian CampaignItalian Campaign

Germany and the Soviet UnionGermany and the Soviet Union

June 1941--3.6 million German and June 1941--3.6 million German and Axis troops attacked the USSRAxis troops attacked the USSR

The 3 millions Russians were The 3 millions Russians were overwhelmed and their air force overwhelmed and their air force quickly destroyedquickly destroyed

The soviets burned everything as the The soviets burned everything as the retreated.retreated.

Turning Point--StalingradTurning Point--Stalingrad• The Red Army chose to take a standThe Red Army chose to take a stand• Fighting was house to houseFighting was house to house• The Russian winter wet in and in mid The Russian winter wet in and in mid

November the Red Army counterattacked and November the Red Army counterattacked and surrounded the Germans.surrounded the Germans.

• Jan 31, 1943--A final assault resulted in the Jan 31, 1943--A final assault resulted in the German force surrenderingGerman force surrendering

• 90K Germans had survived90K Germans had survived Fighting would continueFighting would continue

Allied Invasion of Western Allied Invasion of Western EuropeEurope

Air WarAir War• Allied bombers began to soften GR for Allied bombers began to soften GR for

the attackthe attack• Methods such as carpet bombing were Methods such as carpet bombing were

used daily.used daily.• US bombed by day; the RAF by night (3K US bombed by day; the RAF by night (3K

planes per day).planes per day).

PreparationPreparation• Allies amassed troops, weapons and Allies amassed troops, weapons and

warships in UKwarships in UK• Germans under Rommel strengthened Germans under Rommel strengthened

the Atlantic Wallthe Atlantic Wall

D-Day June 6, 1944D-Day June 6, 1944• Largest landing by sea in historyLargest landing by sea in history• 4,600 invasion craft and warships4,600 invasion craft and warships• 23K UK and US Airborne dropped behind lines the 23K UK and US Airborne dropped behind lines the

night before.night before.• Warships pounded the coastWarships pounded the coast• 2K planes (1K at a time) bombed the GR lines2K planes (1K at a time) bombed the GR lines• 150 K Allied troops landed on 60 mi. of coast150 K Allied troops landed on 60 mi. of coast• Hitler failed to order an immediate counterattack.Hitler failed to order an immediate counterattack.• GR resistance was fierce and casualties were highGR resistance was fierce and casualties were high

• By late July the Allies had 2 million By late July the Allies had 2 million troops in FRtroops in FR

• August 1944--Americans liberated ParisAugust 1944--Americans liberated Paris

Battle of the BulgeBattle of the Bulge• Dec. 1944 GR launched a fierce counter Dec. 1944 GR launched a fierce counter

attack.attack.• Allied forces were thrown back and the Allied forces were thrown back and the

line almost brokeline almost broke• W/ reinforcement, the Americans held W/ reinforcement, the Americans held

and stopped the GR advance.and stopped the GR advance.• Casualties--80K US 100K GRCasualties--80K US 100K GR

End of the War in EuropeEnd of the War in Europe

The American AdvanceThe American Advance• March 1945March 1945

Allies continued to bomb GRAllies continued to bomb GR American forces crossed the Rhine RiverAmerican forces crossed the Rhine River

The Soviet AdvanceThe Soviet Advance• Heavy lossesHeavy losses

13.6 million soviet and 3 million GR had died 13.6 million soviet and 3 million GR had died in fightingin fighting

Soviet civilian and military deaths totaled 27 Soviet civilian and military deaths totaled 27 millionmillion

• Soviets wanted to capture Berlin and the Soviets wanted to capture Berlin and the US allowed it.US allowed it.

• April 25, 1945--Soviet and US forces met April 25, 1945--Soviet and US forces met at the Elbe Riverat the Elbe River

German SurrenderGerman Surrender• May 1, 1945--GR announced Hitler had committed May 1, 1945--GR announced Hitler had committed

suicidesuicide• VE DAY--May 8, 1945, Germany surrendered.VE DAY--May 8, 1945, Germany surrendered.

Yalta ConferenceYalta Conference• The Big 3 met--FDR, Churchill, and StalinThe Big 3 met--FDR, Churchill, and Stalin• Agreed to split Germany into occupation zones.Agreed to split Germany into occupation zones.• Berlin (in the Soviet zone) would also be divided.Berlin (in the Soviet zone) would also be divided.• Stalin promised to allow elections in the countries Stalin promised to allow elections in the countries

they had liberated and to enter the war against they had liberated and to enter the war against Japan.Japan.

The War in the PacificThe War in the Pacific

OverviewOverview

When Japan attacked Pearl harbor, When Japan attacked Pearl harbor, they simultaneously attacked several they simultaneously attacked several other American bases in the Pacific. other American bases in the Pacific. The American Pacific outlook was The American Pacific outlook was grim.grim.

The Japanese AdvanceThe Japanese Advance

PhilippinesPhilippines• US and Filipino forces fought valiantly US and Filipino forces fought valiantly

and managed to hold the Bataan and managed to hold the Bataan Peninsula for 4 mos.Peninsula for 4 mos.

• Gen. Douglas MacArthur was ordered to Gen. Douglas MacArthur was ordered to leave the islands and his troops behind. leave the islands and his troops behind. “I shall return.”“I shall return.”

• May 6, 1942--the last of the US and May 6, 1942--the last of the US and filipino forces surrendered.filipino forces surrendered.

• Bataan Death MarchBataan Death March 76K US and Filipinos became POWs76K US and Filipinos became POWs They were forcibly marched 60 miles to a They were forcibly marched 60 miles to a

railway and shipped to work campsrailway and shipped to work camps 10K died during the 12 day march.10K died during the 12 day march.

The Sea WarThe Sea War• The Japanese had been steadily advancing The Japanese had been steadily advancing

in the Pacific and hoped to take Australia.in the Pacific and hoped to take Australia.• Battle of the Coral SeaBattle of the Coral Sea

May 1942May 1942 1st Naval combat carried out entirely by 1st Naval combat carried out entirely by

aircraft.aircraft. The ships never saw each other.The ships never saw each other. Militarily--a draw Strategically--stopped the Militarily--a draw Strategically--stopped the

Japanese advance on Australia.Japanese advance on Australia.

Turning the TideTurning the Tide Battle of MidwayBattle of Midway

• Midway Island was vital to the protection of Midway Island was vital to the protection of HawaiiHawaii

• Japanese under Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto Japanese under Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto hoped to lure the US into battle and destroy the hoped to lure the US into battle and destroy the remainder of the Pacific fleet.remainder of the Pacific fleet.

• Admiral Chester Nimitz caught the Japanese at Admiral Chester Nimitz caught the Japanese at a vulnerable time (loading bombs) and attackeda vulnerable time (loading bombs) and attacked

• Fought entirely from the air.Fought entirely from the air.• Destroyed all 4 Japanese carriersDestroyed all 4 Japanese carriers

Battle of GuadalcanalBattle of Guadalcanal• Located in the Solomon IslandsLocated in the Solomon Islands• Intense jungle warfareIntense jungle warfare• Captured by Feb 1943Captured by Feb 1943• CasualtiesCasualties

US 6K of 60KUS 6K of 60K Japan 24K of 36KJapan 24K of 36K

Island-Hopping StrategyIsland-Hopping Strategy• US began to attack islands strategicallyUS began to attack islands strategically• Some were bypassedSome were bypassed• Goal was to get close enough to attack Goal was to get close enough to attack

the main Island of Japanthe main Island of Japan• Casualties were staggeringCasualties were staggering

PhilippinesPhilippines• Oct. 1944--160K US troops invaded the island of Oct. 1944--160K US troops invaded the island of

Leyte.Leyte.• MacArthur “People of the Philippines, I have MacArthur “People of the Philippines, I have

returned.”returned.”• Simultaneously--3 day naval Battle of Leyte GulfSimultaneously--3 day naval Battle of Leyte Gulf

Greatest naval battle in historyGreatest naval battle in history Japan threw all their ships into it.Japan threw all their ships into it. Japan used Japan used KamikazeKamikaze attacks attacks Japan was badly beaten and their navy destroyedJapan was badly beaten and their navy destroyed

• June 1945--The Philippines were completely June 1945--The Philippines were completely liberated.liberated.

Iwo Jima Nov. 1944Iwo Jima Nov. 1944

For 74 days US planes and warships For 74 days US planes and warships poured 7K tons of bombs and 20K poured 7K tons of bombs and 20K shells into the islandshells into the island

Feb 1945--Marines stormed the Feb 1945--Marines stormed the beaches and fought 3 days to gain beaches and fought 3 days to gain 700 yds.700 yds.

110K US vs. 25K Japanese110K US vs. 25K Japanese 25K US casualties; 216 Japanese 25K US casualties; 216 Japanese

surrendered.surrendered.

Battle of OkinawaBattle of OkinawaApril - June 1945April - June 1945

100K Japanese defended the Island100K Japanese defended the Island US--1300 warships; 180K combat US--1300 warships; 180K combat

troopstroops Japanese used Japanese used KamikazeKamikaze attacks and attacks and

BonzaiBonzai charges to inflict maximum charges to inflict maximum casualties.casualties.

7,200 Japanese surrendered7,200 Japanese surrendered 50K US casualties50K US casualties

The Manhattan ProjectThe Manhattan Project

1939--Jewish physicist Albert Einstein 1939--Jewish physicist Albert Einstein wrote FDR suggesting the possibility wrote FDR suggesting the possibility of a new weapon---the Atomic Bombof a new weapon---the Atomic Bomb

Einstein knew the Germans were Einstein knew the Germans were already working on it.already working on it.

FDR authorized the work.FDR authorized the work. July 16, 1945, US detonated the first July 16, 1945, US detonated the first

atomic bomb in the New Mexico atomic bomb in the New Mexico desert.desert.

Dropping the BombDropping the Bomb April 1945--FDR diedApril 1945--FDR died Harry S. Truman had to make the Harry S. Truman had to make the

decision.decision. Estimated 1 million US deaths to Estimated 1 million US deaths to

conquer main island Japan.conquer main island Japan. August 6, 1945--1st bomb dropped on August 6, 1945--1st bomb dropped on

Hiroshima. Hiroshima. • 135K casualties135K casualties• 90% of the infrastructure destroyed90% of the infrastructure destroyed

August 9--2nd bomb dropped on August 9--2nd bomb dropped on NagasakiNagasaki• 64K casualties64K casualties

V-J DayV-J Day

On August 14, 1945, the Japanese On August 14, 1945, the Japanese surrendered.surrendered.

WWII was over, but the US and the WWII was over, but the US and the world would never be the same.world would never be the same.