Download World War II

World War II
The Rise of Dictators
• The effects of World War I, and the Great
Depression in the United States sent shockwaves
around the world.
• The weak global economies led to dictators, or
people who rule by force, to come to power.
• In Germany, Italy, Japan and the Soviet Union –
these dictators formed brutal and repressive
governments.
The Rise of Dictators
• In the Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin led a vicious
form of totalitarian communism.
• Stalin used terror to control the country and
suppress individual rights.
• Stalin combined small family farms into huge
collective farms owned and run by the state.
The Rise of Dictators
• Stalin removed those opposed to him through
starvation and labor camps – millions died.
• In Italy, strikes and riots had been going on
since the end of World War I.
• A veteran named Benito Mussolini emerged as
a leader of the new Fascist Party.
The Rise of Dictators
• Fascism emphasizes extreme nationalism and
a supreme ruler.
• Mussolini used force and intimidation to
become dictator of Italy.
• He claimed he could fix Italy’s economy
through conquest – invaded Ethiopia.
The Rise of Dictators
• The weak conditions of Germany led to the
emergence of another dictator.
• Adolph Hitler was wounded while serving in
World War I and was angry over the Versailles
Treaty.
• Hitler hated that Germany was blamed for the
war – blamed the Jewish for that.
The Rise of Dictators
• In 1919, Hitler joined the National Socialist
German Workers’ Party – or Nazi Party.
• The Nazis preached fascism – supreme
German culture and race.
• Hitler became leader of the party for his
tremendous ability to give speeches.
The Rise of Dictators
• In 1923 – Nazi’s tried overthrowing German
government.
• Plan failed and Hitler was arrested – he writes
Mein Kampf or “My Struggle” while in prison.
• The book outlines the philosophy of the Nazi
Party and their plans to fix Germany.
The Rise of Dictators
• The terrible German economy because of
WWI and the Great Depression caused people
to look for new leaders.
• The Nazis and Hitler became popular and
Hitler named Chancellor in 1933.
• Hitler removed freedom of speech and press
and brutalized his political enemies.
The Rise of Dictators
• Three weeks later, the Reichstag – or German
Parliament – burned down.
• Fire was suspicious – Hitler blamed
communists and other enemies of Nazis.
• Hitler was granted absolute power as a result
so he could do what was necessary to protect
Germany.
The Rise of Dictators
• Like Mussolini, Hitler saw conquest as the best
way to solidify Germany’s economy.
• Hitler rearmed Germany – reduced
unemployment by building weapons and
buildings.
• Signed a treaty with Mussolini – formed the
Axis Powers.
The Rise of Dictators
• Hitler began expanding German borders by
annexing lost lands from World War I.
• A war weary Europe appeased Hitler – or kept
the peace by giving into his demands.
• By appeasing Hitler – he only became stronger
and more aggressive.
YOUR TURN TO WRITE
• What two major historical events contributed
to the rise of fascism in Italy and Germany,
and totalitarianism in the Soviet Union?
• How did Mussolini and Hitler seek to solve
their countries economic problems?
• What is appeasement? In your opinion, is it a
good or bad policy for countries to practice?
Europe Goes To War
• Hitler wanted to keep expanding but feared
fighting a two-front war that cost Germans
victory in World War I.
• Hitler and Stalin signed a Non-Aggression Pact
which divided up the lands in Eastern Europe.
• On September 1, 1939 – Germany invaded
Poland and World War II began.
Europe Goes To War
• German fought a new form of war called
blitzkrieg or “lightning war”.
• Fast moving tanks and overwhelming fire
power led to Poland’s demise in a month.
• Hitler used blitzkrieg to conquer Denmark,
Norway, Finland, Belgium and Luxembourg.
Europe Goes To War
• Germany invaded France and split the British
and French troops in two.
• British forced to retreat back to England at
Dunkirk.
• France fell shortly after – German troops
entered Paris on June 14, 1940.
Europe Goes To War
• After France was secure, Hitler wanted to
conquer England.
• Hitler knew British Navy was powerful and
would halt invasion – so he attacked by air
instead.
• Hitler launched the greatest air-assault the
world had ever seen – over 1,000 planes
bombed Great Britain.
Europe Goes To War
• This action started the Battle of Britain – both
German and English planes fought in the air.
• Hitler ordered the bombing of London to
break civilian will power.
• Firebombs caused devastating damage and
started raging fires in the city.
Europe Goes To War
• Over a year’s time, 20,000 civilians died and
over 70,000 were injured.
• However, their will was never broken – and it
marked the first time Hitler was stopped.
• The Germans were never able to establish air
superiority over England and never attempted
a land invasion.
YOUR TURN TO WRITE
• Why did Hitler sign a Non-Aggression Pact
with Stalin and the Soviet Union?
• What was “blitzkrieg” and how did it help the
Germans have success in Europe?
• What was significant about the Battle of
Britain?
Japan Builds an Empire
• Just as in Europe, Japan was seriously affected
by the Great Depression.
• Strikes, layoffs, and widespread political
frustration led to government blame.
• Nationalism grew in popularity and demanded
a revolution to fix the problems.
Japan Builds an Empire
• Radicals took control of the government and
viewed conquest as a means to fix problems.
• Japan needed resources – oil, iron – and
invaded Chinese controlled Manchuria in
1931.
• Japan conquered most of China and used
brutal tactics on citizens.
Japan Builds an Empire
• United States criticized Japan for its actions
against the Chinese.
• Japan did not stop and signed an agreement
with Germany and Italy.
• Japan seizes Indochina and Roosevelt
responds be ceasing all trade with Japan.
Japan Builds an Empire
• The United States, although vocal, practiced
neutrality during the beginning of the war.
• However, the U.S. did support Great Britain
and France by providing war supplies.
• The Lend-Lease Program authorized the
President to aid any nation whose defense
was vital to American security.
Japan Builds an Empire
• While concerned about Europe – FDR was
aware of Japan’s aggression too.
• In 1940 FDR limited what Japan could buy
from the U.S.
• As Japan’s aggression continued, FDR froze
Japanese money in the U.S.
Japan Builds an Empire
• General Hideki Tojo became Prime Minister of
Japan in 1941 – he favored war against U.S.
• By cracking Japanese code, U.S. became aware
of a Japanese attack on U.S. somewhere in
Pacific Ocean.
• Japan’s goal was to knock the U.S. Navy out of
the Pacific with one blow.
Japan Builds an Empire
• December 7, 1941 – Japan attacks Pearl
Harbor, Hawaii – headquarters of the U.S.
Pacific fleet.
• Attack started at 7:55 a.m. on a Sunday
morning.
• 180 Japanese planes launched from aircraft
carriers armed with bombs and torpedoes.
Japan Builds an Empire
• Battle lasted just under two hours – 18 U.S.
battleships and destroyers were heavily
damaged or sunk.
• About 300 U.S. planes were destroyed.
• Japan only lost 29 planes.
Japan Builds an Empire
• Over 2,400 American lives were lost, and
1,200 Americans were wounded.
• However – none of the U.S. aircraft carriers
were damaged – Japan’s prime target.
• December 8, 1941 – FDR asked Congress to
declare war on Japan – “…a date which live in
infamy”.
YOUR TURN TO WRITE
• What was American policy during the early
years of World War II?
• What was Japan hoping to do when they
attacked Pearl Harbor?
• What events led to the Japanese attack on
Pearl Harbor?
Americans Mobilize For War
• Even before Pearl Harbor, the U.S. had been
preparing to enter the war.
• FDR gave his “Four Freedoms speech” called
for freedom of speech, worship, want and
fear.
• Selective Training and Service Act in 1940 was
first peacetime draft in nation’s history.
Americans Mobilize For War
• Nearly 16 million Americans served as
soldiers, sailors, and aviators in the war.
• Military was different backgrounds – 300,000
Mexican Americans, 25,000 Native Americans.
• Navajos developed into “code talkers” to help
fight the war.
Americans Mobilize For War
• Nearly a million African-Americans joined the
military – mostly supporting roles at first.
• 350,000 women volunteered for military
service – all areas except combat.
• U.S. entered the war at a crucial time for the
Allies because their supply was short.
Americans Mobilize For War
• To help support the war effort, industries
switched from producing consumer goods to
producing war goods.
• Instead of focusing on passenger cars,
factories made combat airplanes.
• A combination of extra government credit, as
well as patriotism led to the switch.
Americans Mobilize For War
• War production benefitted workers by ending
the massive unemployment rate of the
depression.
• Farmers also played an important role in the
war effort – growing food for supplies.
• The U.S. Government vowed to spend
whatever was necessary to win the war.
Americans Mobilize For War
• Taxes increased to help pay for the increased
war spending.
• U.S. also practiced deficit spending to fund
war – borrowing money from banks and
investors.
• War bonds were also sold to the public to help
fund the war – it was considered patriotic.
Americans Mobilize For War
• On the home front, wartime jobs gave people
extra cash for the first time since depression.
• Rationing occurred as Americans were forced
to conserve scarce items – food and gas.
• The government tried to keep morale high by
creating advertisements and posters to “play
your part”.
YOUR TURN TO WRITE
• What are some ways the U.S. Government
funded the war effort?
• What are some ways in which American
citizens helped fund the war effort?
Retaking Europe
• It was a critical time for the Allies when the
Americans joined the war.
• The Nazis controlled most of Europe and were
advancing in North Africa as well.
• German submarines were attacking ships
bringing supplies from U.S. to England.
Retaking Europe
• German General Erwin Rommel – nicknamed
the “Desert Fox” was having success in Africa.
• However, British and American forces
eventually defeated the Germans and forced a
retreat.
• Controlling North Africa allowed the Allies to
invade Italy.
Retaking Europe
• The Allies threatened to overtake Rome –
Mussolini was arrested by the Italian
government.
• The Germans came to his defense and fought
back against the Allies.
• Eventually Italy was defeated by the Allies and
Mussolini was shot by Italians.
Retaking Europe
• After losing the Battle of Britain, Hitler had
focused his attention on Soviet Union.
• He broke his pact with Stalin and invaded in
1941.
• Using blitzkrieg, the Germans took the Soviets
by surprise and advanced deep into enemy
territory.
Retaking Europe
• Stalin ordered everything to be destroyed
during a retreat – leave nothing for the Nazis.
• The harsh winter forced the Germans to halt –
as the Soviets made their stand at Stalingrad.
• Germans ran out of supplies, and brutal
conditions led to Soviet victory.
Retaking Europe
• 330,000 Germans died and an estimated 1.1
million Soviets – deadliest battle in human
history.
• Serves as the turning point in the war –
Germans stopped and began forcing them
back.
• Stalin urged the Allies to invade from the west
to force a two-front war.
Retaking Europe
• Allies prepared for an invasion by weakening
the Germans with bombing.
• Carpet bombing – or dropping hundreds of
bombs in one area – was used.
• Allies targeted German cities to destroy
factories and industrial centers.
Retaking Europe
• Meanwhile, the Allies were forming a plan to
invade Western Europe.
• The invasion would be launched from England
and target Northern France.
• It was called “Operation Overlord” and the
Allies began a massive build up of forces.
Retaking Europe
• The Germans had the French coastline heavily
defended with machine guns, barbed-wire
fences and water mines.
• The Germans knew an invasion was coming
but they did not know when or where.
• The invasion would end up being the largest
landing by sea in history.
YOUR TURN TO WRITE
• Why did the German invasion of the Soviet
Union succeed at first?
• What factors helped the Soviet army defeat
the Germans?
• What was the Allies goal of carpet bombing
Germany?
D-Day
• On June 6, 1944 thousands of invasion craft
and warships left southern England heading
towards France.
• Their target was Normandy – the northern
edge of France.
• The assault was nicknamed “D-Day” which has
stuck over time.
D-Day
• The Normandy coast line was divided up into
five beaches called Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno
and Sword.
• U.S., British and Canadian soldiers made up
the invasion force.
• Despite the heavy bombing, the Germans put
up a heavy resistance.
D-Day
• Americans suffered extremely heavy losses at
Omaha Beach.
• The Allies were successful and the beaches
were eventually secured.
• This opened a door into France for the Allies
to begin pushing the Germans back.
D-Day
• On August 25, 1944 the Allies liberated Paris,
France.
• The Germans held strong however in Belgium
– resulting in the Battle of the Bulge.
• The largest battle ever fought by the U.S.
Army – 80,000 Americans killed.
D-Day
• After achieving victory at the Battle of the
Bulge the Americans began closing in on
Berlin.
• The Germans knew their time was running out
and that the end of the war was near.
YOUR TURN TO WRITE
• Imagine that you were an American soldier
who participated in D-Day. Write a letter back
home to a loved one or friend describing your
experience. Talk about what happened and
why you feel the invasion was necessary.
End of Hitler
• As Allies closed on Berlin from the west,
Soviets closed in on Berlin from East.
• The key battle was the Siege of Stalingrad –
Nazis tried invading Soviet Union and were
stopped.
• Harsh winter contributed to Nazi defeat –
largest battle in history of the world.
End of Hitler
• It was the Soviets who first entered Berlin in
April 1945.
• Hitler did not flee – instead he committed
suicide and his army surrendered one week
later.
• This day is considered V-E Day – or Victory in
Europe Day.
End of Hitler
• In February 1945 months before the war
ended, Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin met at
Yalta to discuss final plans to defeat Germany.
• The leaders agreed to split Germany and
Berlin up into four zones – French, English,
American and Soviet.
• Stalin also agreed to allow free election in the
Eastern European countries he controlled.
End of Hitler
• Stalin did not keep his promise – he controlled
Eastern Europe through dictatorship.
• This will lead to further problems later on
between US and Soviets.
• Meanwhile Allies discovered Nazi
concentration camps where Jews were
persecuted.
End of Hitler
• During Hitler’s reign anti-Semitism increased
into genocide – or final solution to wipe out
Jews.
• Death camps were built in Germany to house
Jews and commit mass murder.
• This action was called the Holocaust.
End of Hitler
• Many captured Nazi leaders went on trial for
their actions against the Jews.
• These trials were called the Nuremberg Trials
– 12 of the 24 Nazi defendants were
sentenced to death.
• The tribunal rejected the Nazi’s excuse that
they were only following orders.
YOUR TURN TO WRITE
• What was significant about the Siege of
Stalingrad?
• How is Stalin becoming a problem for the
Americans?
• What were the Nuremberg Trials, and what
defense did many Nazis give?
War in the Pacific
• The day after Pearl Harbor – Japanese planes
bombed U.S. planes in Philippines.
• Japanese invasion of U.S. held islands began –
January 1942.
• Americans led by General Douglas MacArthur
were badly outnumbered.
War in the Pacific
• U.S. Marines held out for a long time – but
eventually were forced to surrender in April
1942.
• 15,000 prisoners were forced to march to
P.O.W. camps.
• Appalling conditions led to death of 10,000
U.S. men – The Bataan Death March.
War in the Pacific
• U.S. was looking for a break in the Pacific
theater – they got their break during the
Battle of Midway.
• Japan planned to attack Midway, and lure the
U.S. carriers out of Hawaii.
• The U.S. found out about the plan by
intercepting Japanese coded messages – they
broke their code.
War in the Pacific
• U.S. eventually won the naval battle.
• Both sides lost several ships – but most
importantly Japan lost all four carriers and 275
planes.
• United States now had the advantage in the
Pacific.
War in the Pacific
• The U.S. strategy for victory in the Pacific
theater was “island hopping”.
• Capture one chain of islands, and use it as a
springboard to fight the next chain.
• Goal was to get close of enough to Japan to
begin bombing and prepare invasion.
War in the Pacific
• Also meant many bloody island landings and
attacks.
• U.S. forces approached Iwo Jima and Okinawa
in 1945.
• Even closer to Japanese mainland – and
islands considered sacred ground.
War in the Pacific
• Islands were very tiny, but Japanese forces
fought fiercely from caves and tunnels.
• Americans faced suicide attacks from
Japanese – kamikazes and fighting to the
death – no surrender.
• We realized that invading Japan would cost
hundreds of thousands of lives.
YOUR TURN TO WRITE
• “Our attack pattern was: barrage a hill with
bombs and shells, move up the foot soldiers,
hold it against counterattacks. We would
attack during the day, dig in for the night and
not for sleep but for safety. At night they
would come a screaming banzai.” – Write a
paragraph describing how the GI’s felt during
long nights on Okinawa and Iwo Jima.
End of Japan and Social Impact
• Manhattan Project – before he died, FDR gave
permission for U.S. scientists to develop a new
weapon.
• Scientists built three atomic bombs – one was
tested at Alamogordo, New Mexico.
• Truman issued an ultimatum to Japan.
End of Japan and Social Impact
• Japan ignored Truman’s warning – Japan
wanted their Emperor to remain in power.
• August 6, 1945 – Enola Gay dropped first
atomic bomb on Japan – Hiroshima.
• Over 100,000 died instantly – shocking
destruction – Japan still defiant.
End of Japan and Social Impact
• August 9, 1945 – U.S. drops second atomic
bomb on Japan.
• Target was Nagasaki – 75,000 died.
• Japan surrenders the next day – August 10,
1945 – V.J. Day.
End of Japan and Social Impact
• Japanese-Americans suffered severe
discrimination during World War II in America.
• Most Americans – including the press – did
not trust Japanese-Americans.
• Early 1942 – FDR orders U.S. Army to round up
people of Japanese decent.
End of Japan and Social Impact
• Japanese Americans lost freedom and money.
• They had to sell homes/business in a couple of
days.
• Thousands of interned men volunteered and
served in U.S. Army.
End of Japan and Social Impact
• American women were also greatly affected
by the war.
• The war caused women to work as
steelworkers and welders during the war.
• However, they were expected to leave their
jobs and return home after the war.
End of Japan and Social Impact
• The war changed the attitudes of women.
• Women thought of themselves as capable,
adaptable and successful.
• They found new satisfaction in these jobs,
including earning their own money.
YOUR TURN TO WRITE
• Explain the reasons why President Truman
decided to drop the atomic bombs on Japan?
Do you agree or disagree with his decision?
• How did the war affect women in America?
• How did the war affect Japanese-Americans?