WORLD WAR II

“A war to end all wars” Overview of World War I:

1914-1918 Franz Ferdinand KILLED; future leader of Austria-

Hungary. Sparks war

2 sides: Central: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire Allies: France, Britain, Russia, U.S.

Trench Warfare

“A war to end all wars” U.S. = isolationism

U.S. trades supplies for profitGerman U-boats attack supply ships;

Lusitania

Zimmerman TelegramGer./Mex.

U.S. enters war June 1917

“A war to end all wars” War ends November 1918

Treaty of VersaillesGermany pays majority of reparations (war

damages)Army disassembled; weapons destroyed

After World War I, Germany plunges into deep economic depression. Germans starving, unemployed; no relief

coming.

“A war to end all wars” In 1933, a radical named Adolf Hitler,

gains popularity under new political party: National Socialist Party of Germany (Nazi)

Hitler gains power by winning elections…and killing/intimidating opponents.

Under Hitler’s leadership, Germany begins manufacturing weapons & building army.

“A war to end all wars” By 1939, Germany is a military power,

unknown to the world. Hitler not only dictator to control his country:

Mussolini – Italy Stalin – Russia Tojo – Japan

Hitler (Ger.) and Mussolini (Italy) reach agreement to be allies; create Axis Powers in 1936. Japan joins in 1940.

“A war to end all wars” Hitler forcefully takes two territories:

Sudetenland Rhineland (Austria)

Hitler claimed he was unifying native-speaking Germans with homeland.

Russia warned if Germany attacked Sudetenland, war would follow.

“A war to end all wars” Neville Chamberlain (Britain P.M.) meets w/

Hitler in Berlin; create Munich Agreement. Britain & France used a policy of

appeasement* to end tension. * - meeting demands of a country to avoid war.

Munich Agreement stated: Germany could keep land, but couldn’t seek

more. Britain & France wouldn’t attack Germany if they

stopped seeking land.

“A war to end all wars” Munich Agreement didn’t stop Germany

from seeking new lands to conquer.

Germany announced plans to invade Poland Britain & France warn that invasion would

mean war.

Russia (Stalin) & Germany (Hitler) agree to split Poland in half. Germany invades Poland Sept. 1, 1939. Britain & France declare war on Germany

(Sept. 3, 1939)

Homework #1 – 4/10/131. Who was assassinated to spark World War I?2. What type of warfare was used in World War I?3. What ship was sunk that helped persuade the U.S. to join

World War I?4. What country had to pay most of the war damages,

according to the Treaty of Versailles?5. To help Germany crawl out of their depression, what did

Hitler start to build?6. What three countries made up the Axis Powers?7. Why, according to Hitler, did Germany take the

Sudetenland & Rhineland?8. What two provisions did the Munich Agreement state?9. What happened following Germany’s invasion of Poland?

“A war to end all wars” Using a new method of warfare called

“blitzkrieg*”, Germany quickly advanced through Europe. * - Lightning war.

Using this warfare, Germany conquered: Poland in a month (Sept. 1939) Denmark, Norway, Belgium, & Netherlands by

April 1940

“A war to end all wars” France had prepared for war long before

Hitler came into power in Germany. Expecting a warfare like World War I

(trench), French military built the Maginot Line.

German forces move quickly around the Maginot Line; France falls into German control by mid-June 1940.

Britain is last nation between total German domination of Europe.

“A war to end all wars” Two sides begin to emerge in WWII:

Germany begin constantly bombing Britain; Britain pleads with U.S. to enter war.

U.S. (still in Great Depression) refuses to enter war; does provide Britain with war supplies.

Axis:• Germany• Italy• Japan

Allies:• Britain• Russia• U.S.

“A war to end all wars” Britain doesn’t surrender; Hitler grows

impatient with progress; turns attention to Russia.

Needing oil and grain to “feed his war machine”, Hitler attacks Russia.

Germany is successful early, but harsh winter in Dec. 1941 slows progress. “Gen. January & Gen. February”

“A war to end all wars” While the war began in Europe, Japan

began adding land in Pacific Rim, using force.

As Japan continued aggression, U.S. issued economic sanctions/trade ban against them. Bank accounts frozen; money unusable Resources cut off

With Japan needing money & resources from U.S., an attack against U.S. is planned.

“A war to end all wars” Japan wants:

Full control of Pacific Ocean Retaliation against U.S. for sanctions Launching point for U.S. attack/invasion

Japan decides to attack U.S. Pacific Fleet HQ*. * - Pearl Harbor, HI

2 weeks prior to attack, ENTIRE Japanese navy disappears from U.S. intelligence.

“A war to end all wars” Ships in Pearl Harbor are placed close

together to prevent sabotage. Easier to monitor boats if closer together.

U.S. Army placed radar on island; group of B-17 bombers expected to land in Hawaii that morning.

First wave of Japanese fighters/bombers leave carriers; bound for 2 airfields in Hawaii. Destroyer row is next target.

“A war to end all wars” First wave of Japanese fighters/bombers

leave carriers; bound for 2 airfields in Hawaii.

On Dec. 7, 1941at 7:15 a.m., Japanese planes attack: Hickam Air Field Ford Island Air strip

Most U.S. soldiers still asleep in barracks (Sunday morning).

“A war to end all wars” After airfields are destroyed, Battleship

Row is next target of attack.

U.S.S. Oklahoma is first destroyer hit with Japanese torpedo.

Rest of destroyers are bombed/torpedoed/strafed by Japanese planes.

“A war to end all wars” U.S.S. Arizona was:

Largest Destroyer Held most sailors, ammunition, oil “Pride of Pacific Fleet”

Japanese bomber drops a bomb that drops between first 2 turrets of ship. Bomb lands in ammunition room, 2 decks

above oil tanks.

Bomb explodes immediately killing 1,300 soldiers.

“A war to end all wars” A 2nd wave of Japanese planes arrive in Pearl

Harbor and continue attack. All destroyers are sunk or badly damaged;

U.S.S. Oklahoma capsizes. 3rd wave of Japanese attack is cancelled;

Japan begins trip back home. Upon leaving, Admiral Yamamoto (Japan)

utters famous quote: “I think we might have woke a sleeping giant”.

“A war to end all wars” Later on Dec. 7, 12 U.S. B-17 bombers

arrive in Hawaii; 7 shot down for fear of Japanese planes.

President Roosevelt addresses Congress next day (Dec. 8): Gets unanimous Declaration of War from

Congress. FDR labels Dec. 7 :

“…a date which will live in infamy…”

“A war to end all wars” Quick overview of Pearl Harbor Attack:

Lasts just over 2 hours. 2,400 civilians/soldiers dead Pacific Fleet destroyed (minus 3 aircraft

carriers)

To commemorate attack, U.S.S. Arizona is left in harbor as memorial.

“A war to end all wars” Following Pearl Harbor attacks, resentment

towards Asian-Americans grow.

Japanese-Americans (most Asian-Americans) on West Coast are forced: Out of their homes To leave jobs/business To take any personal items that can fit in 1

suitcase To move to an internment camp to live in for

duration of war with Japan

“A war to end all wars” Once the war had ended, Japanese-

Americans were freed from camps and sent back home. Internees paid money by U.S. gov’t upon

being freed (1948).

In 1988, 40 years after being freed from camps, Congress approved a law that provided: An official apology A payment of $20,000 to each surviving

internee

“A war to end all wars” Two quotes summarize the Japanese-

American internment camps:“I had a neighbor who said “You know, we’re American citizens, and we could really fight this thing.” I just had the feeling that this was something the whole community was going to go through because…we’re loyal and we’ll do whatever we need to do in order to help the war effort.”

- Sue Kunitomi-Embry (Internee)

“I don’t want any of them (people of Japanese descent) here. They are a dangerous element. There is no way to determine their loyalty…it makes no difference whether he is an American citizen, he is still a Japanese. American citizenship does not necessarily determine loyalty.”

- Gen. John DeWitt (Western Defense Command)

Homework #2 – 4/17/131.What type of warfare did Germany use to conquer

nations?2.What did the U.S. issue against Japan after their

aggressive expansion?3.Why did Japan attack the U.S. Pacific Fleet

Headquarters?4.When did the attack on Pearl Harbor happen?5.What ship was known as the “Pride of the Pacific Fleet”?

How many sailor were killed when that ship sunk?6.How many people were killed in the Pearl Harbor attack?7.Where were Japanese-Americans placed, following Pearl

Harbor?

“A war to end all wars” With U.S. fully involved in WW II, U.S.

troops & supplies begin to arrive in Britain.

Allied forces had a two part plan to free Europe from German control: Attack German forces in North Africa Invade France; free them from Germany

“A war to end all wars” Allied forces begin attacking German forces in

Northern Africa. Win quickly; set sights on Europe.

Allied forces use North Africa as launching point into Europe; start invading Italy. Mussolini (Italian dictator) is ousted; executed by

Italians.

As Allies break into Europe, Germany’s invasion into Russia ends; begin retreating back to Germany.

“A war to end all wars” Operation Overlord is created to break

into France & free it from German control.

Overlord called for: Allies to cross English Channel Take beaches controlled by German forces in

daylight

Days before attack, Gen. Eisenhower leaks misinformation to trick Germans. Allies would be landing in Calais, not

Normandy

“A war to end all wars” Due to bad weather, invasion is delayed until

the 4th day (D-Day).

Invasion is bloody, but successful; within 3 months, German forces are retreating from France. 10,000 Allied troop casualties (1,465 U.S. dead)

Allied forces begin push towards Germany; Battle of Bulge last major battle between Germany & Allies.

“A war to end all wars” By early 1945, Germany is in full retreat:

Retreating from U.S. & Britain in west. Retreating from Russia in east.

Russian forces reach Berlin by late April; Allied forces about 4 days behind.

As Russian forces took Berlin, Hitler committed suicide on April 30 to avoid capture by Russians/Allies.

“A war to end all wars” Russian/Allied forces capture Berlin on May 2,

1945.

Germany formally surrenders on May 7, 1945. May 8 labeled V-E day (Victory in Europe).

Before German surrender, Allied forces found remnants of a holocaust* on the way to Berlin. * - Extermination of a race of people (Darfur, Rwanda)

“A war to end all wars” During the Holocaust (1933-45), Jewish people

were: Subjected to legalized anti-Semitism (hatred of Jews). Arrested/kidnapped. Forced to live in camps with horrible conditions. Given enough water/food to survive. Forced to work in factories making German war supplies. Millions were executed for:

Disobedience Illness Injuries Unproductivity Hatred

“A war to end all wars” Concentration camps is where Jewish

prisoners were kept/murdered. Auschwitz was worst of concentration camps

(20 total): 1-2 million Jews killed in Auschwitz

Allied/Russian troops encountered “walking dead” survivors in concentration camps.

“A war to end all wars” The loss of life is staggering:

6 million Jews were murdered 5 million minorities/disabled were

exterminated

Surviving German officers are arrested & put on trial: Most claim they were following orders Some jailed; most executed for war crimes.

Homework #3 – 4/22/131.What were the two parts of the Allied plan to free Europe from German rule?

2.Where did Allies use for a launching point into Europe?

3.What was the name of the operation nicknamed D-Day?

4.What is a holocaust? Where else has been affected holocaust besides Germany?

5.What concentration camp was the worst? How many Jews were killed there?

6.How many Jews were killed in the Holocaust?

“A war to end all wars” With Germany surrendered, U.S. focuses

on defeating Japan.

War with Japan is different from war with Germany; was naval-based.

U.S. Navy, & newly, re-built Pacific fleet, becomes focus of World War II.

“A war to end all wars” Battle of Midway is largest naval battle in

World War II: Battle lasts 3 days at sea. Japan loses 1st battle & control of Pacific

Ocean

Following Midway, U.S. creates a plan for attacking Japan. Needed to reach island nation without risking

navy.

“A war to end all wars” Admiral Chester Nimitz develops a plan

giving U.S. ability to attack Japan without risking navy. Island-hopping

Using island hopping, U.S. would: Capture island Create base/HQ Attack/conquer nearest island Create new base/HQ

“A war to end all wars” Using new strategy, U.S. is closing in on

Japan; needed two more islands to begin air-raids: Iwo Jima Okinawa

Battle of Iwo Jima was fiercest fighting between Japan & U.S.: Battle lasts 36 days U.S. suffers 24,000+ casualties (6,500+ dead) Japan suffers 22,000 dead (212 taken prisoner)

“A war to end all wars” At conclusion of Iwo Jima, U.S. soldiers

raise U.S. flag on Mt. Suribachi to mark victory.

Iconic photo of flag-raising was taken: Photo used to raise more homeland support. Photo was 2nd time flag was raised

“A war to end all wars” U.S. takes island of Okinawa; now has ability to

bomb Japan without risking navy.

Sensing the war is being lost, Japan turns to kamikaze* pilots to try and sink U.S. naval ships. * - Pilots who purposely crashed their planes into boats.

Following victories, U.S. mourns loss of President Roosevelt, only 4-term President in U.S. history. Died of stroke on April 12, 1945.

“A war to end all wars” As war with Japan continued, U.S. begins

developing a weapon to end the war.

Manhattan Project (1942-45): Based out of Los Alamos, New Mexico Led by Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer Goal was to build nuclear bomb

“A war to end all wars” After years of work, the Trinity test was

detonated on May 7, 1945.

Two bombs are created: Fat Man Little Boy

“A war to end all wars” With nuclear bombs ready, new President

Harry Truman issues warning to Japan: “Surrender of face utter destruction” Japan refuses; sees warning as a bluff

To spare lives of U.S. soldiers, President Truman orders bombing of Hiroshima.

“A war to end all wars” On August 6, 1945:

Bomber Enola Gay leaves for Hiroshima Nuclear bomb wipes out city 75,000 Japanese are killed; many “vaporized”

Japan still refuses to surrender; President Truman orders bombing of Nagasaki: Bomb dropped on Aug. 9 40,000 Japanese killed

“A war to end all wars” Japan surrenders 5 days later on August 14,

1945. Sign surrender documents on U.S.S. Missouri (Sept. 2, 1945)

Japanese surrender marked the end of World War II and left staggering amount of casualties: 20 million soldiers died (both sides); millions more

wounded. U.S. – 400,000 dead; 600,000 wounded. Russia – 8 million dead; 5 million wounded.

Homework #4 – 4/23/131.How was the war with Japan different from the war

with Germany?2.Besides the loss of the battle, what else did Japan

lose in the Battle of Midway?3.What strategy did Admiral Chester Nimitz create?4.Near the end of the war, what did Japanese start

using in hopes of sinking U.S. naval ships?5.When did President Roosevelt die?6.What was the goal of the Manhattan Project?7.What were “Fat Man” & “Little Boy”?8.How many Japanese were killed at Hiroshima? How

many at Nagasaki?