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World War II
1939-1945
I. After World War I
World War I laid the foundation for World War II. Many events
set the stage for a dictator or dictators to rise and war to start.
(A) The United States followed a policy of isolationism. This was
a desire to stay out of world affairs. The United States simply did
not want to get involved in the problems of other nations.
(B) Many countries prior to World War II adopted a policy of
disarmament. Disarmament was a policy that nations adopted
reducing and limiting their weapons in hopes of preventing future
wars. For example, the Kellog-Briand Pact: was an agreement
signed by 62 countries that stated war was outlawed. The pact
stated that war was only allowable if attacked and a nation was
acting in self-defense. This policy was initiated by the United
States and France.
(C) War debts damaged economies and aggressive leaders took
advantage of the situation, i.e. Hitler, Mussolini. The Great
Depression spread worldwide and made it very difficult for many
nations to repay their war debts. Arguments of debtor nations
basically stated that the United States should cancel all war debts
from World War I because the USA did not suffer like many other
nations. The United States did not lose as many causalities and the
war was not fought on US soil. However, countries were forced to
repay their debt. The Dawes Plan set a repayment schedule for
German reparations.
(D) Rise of Militarism/GOVERNMENT INSTABILITY
1. Benito Mussolini became the dictator of Italy during the
1930’s. Mussolini limited free speech and imprisoned political
opponents. He started the Fascist Party which created a
government dominated by the military. He also had an army of
Blackshirts which were his police/thugs to crush opposition and
carry out his orders.
2. Joseph Stalin came to power in Russia after Lenin’s death.
Stalin continued communism in Russia/ Soviet Union. He made
Russia/USSR a totalitarian state which is a country where the
WW II, pg 2
government has complete control over every aspect of a citizen’s
life.
3. Adolph Hitler came to power in Germany during the1930’s.
He promised recovery from the Great Depression. Hitler ended
all opposition parties & free press was outlawed. He abolished
any laws that contradicted the Nazi Party’s goals and stripped the
Reichstag (German Parliament) of all power naming himself the
dictator of Germany. His Nazi Party used terror to rule and
maintain order. The Brownshirts were Nazi storm troopers who
carried out Hitler’s orders. Before he became the German dictator,
he wrote Mein Kampf a book that outlined his plan to restore
Germany and exterminate the Jewish race. Mein Kampf means
“my struggle.” The Third Reich was the title given to Germany
under Hitler’s control—it means “new empire.” Hitler is blamed
for starting WWII because he violated the Versailles Treaty
(ended WWI) on numerous occasions. He rearmed Germany,
instituted anti- semitism and invaded territories. Some examples
of how he violated the Versailles Treaty were: invading the
Rhineland in 1936, Austria in 1939 and Czechoslovakia.
Hitler also violated the Versailles Treaty when he acted upon his
hated the Jews. Kristallnacht “night of the broken glass”
when Nazi Brownshirts destroyed Jewish property. This was the
beginning of the end for the Jews. The Nazis destroyed
synagogues, homes, businesses and made the Jews pay for the
damages.
4. Japan adopted militarism and invaded the following areas:
Manchuria in 1931 and China in 1937. Japan started a rapid
military build-up in 1934. Japan was under the control of
aggressive “war lords” headed by General Tojo.
II. Summary of the causes of World War II
A. Violations of the Treaty of Versailles ---problems unresolved after
World War I, new treaties created political and economic problems
B. Forceful leaders took advantage and seized power causing
government instability. Examples are:
Hitler—Germany
Italy—Mussolini
Japan—General Tojo
USSR----Stalin
C. Economic problems—German inflation and lack of
resources. Italy and Japan also lacked many resources.
WW II, pg 3
III. Steps taken moving the World toward War
A. EXAMPLES OF AGRESSION PRIOR TO DEC. 7,
1941 ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR
1931----------Japan invaded Manchuria
1935----------Italy invaded Ethiopia
1936----------Hitler’s military occupied the Rhineland (demilitarized by Treaty of
Versailles—WWI)
1937----------The Panay Incident (Japan paid $2 million indemnity and
issued a formal, public apology)
1938----------Neville Chamberlain (GB Prime Minister) met with Hitler and
Mussolini and offered a compromise—take no more of
Czechoslovakia. This became known as the Policy of
Appeasement—Hitler violated this policy and invaded the rest
of Czechoslovakia. This was the Munich Conference.
1939----------The Nazi-Soviet Pact was signed between Germany and the
Soviet Union promising that they would never attack each
other. This created a problem when Germany invaded Poland,
the USSR’s neighbor.
1940----------Hitler launched a “blitzkrieg” (lightening war) attack against
Western Europe.
German troops occupied Denmark & Norway
German troops rushed through the Netherlands,
Belgium, and Luxembourg.
June 14, 1940 German troops took Paris
III. Steps taken moving the World toward War
B. US Foreign Policy during the 1930’s:
1. Respect for ourselves and the rights of others
2. Attempt to stay out of affairs of other nations--isolationism
C. Franklin D. Roosevelt urged neutrality but wondered could the
USA maintain that position. He urged a “quarantine” of aggressor
nations. FDR had to deal with pacifists, non-interventionist and
isolationist in the United States. The United States Congress passed
the following acts:
1. Neutrality Act of 1935 & 1936—prevented Americans from
sending arms to nations at war.
WW II, pg 4
2. Neutrality Act of 1937—permitted trade with belligerent nations
only on a “cash and carry” basis. Munitions were embargoed.
This policy became known as the Cash & Carry Policy.
3. Neutrality Act of 1939: this act provided that European
democracies might buy US war materials, but again on “cash &
carry” basis.
4. Many Americans pushed for a constitutional amendment that
would require a popular vote referendum before Congress could
declare war. This amendment was only discussed, never
proposed.
5. During the 1930’s FDR created the Good Neighbor Policy which
tried to improve relations with Mexico and Latin America. This
policy expanded Latin American trade to help them fight the
Great Depression and united the nations to help fight fascism.
The USA withdrew troops from Haiti and cancelled the Platt
Amendment.
6. The USA started following a doctrine called collective
security—what was needed to defend common interest against
enemy attacks.
IV. World War II Breaks Out
A. The Axis Powers in 1936 were Japan, Germany and Italy. All
three relied on foreign countries for natural resources. They
were all aggressive nations that wanted to expand their territories.
They were all led by dictators and were suffering from the
worldwide depression.
B. The Munich Conference: was a meeting held between Germany,
France and Great Britain. At this conference, Hitler was given
part of Czechoslovakia in appeasement in return that he would
promise not to take any other lands in the future.
1. Policy of Appeasement—when Great Britain and France
gave into Hitler’s demands to take Czech to avoid any
future conflicts.
C. The Non-Aggression Pact: was between Russia (Stalin) and
Germany (Hitler). They agreed not to fight each other and to
invade Poland and split the land.
WW II, pg 5
D. Germany invades Poland—World War II begins!
1. September 1, 1939---Germany & USSR invade Poland.
2. September 3, 1939—Great Britain and France declare war
On Germany (WWII starts).
3. Blitzkrieg—German “lightening war”; Germany used tanks
and planes together This strategy was dependent on:
air power, use of mechanized mobile vehicles and speed
and mobility in battle.
4. “Phony War” –lull in fighting after war is declared.
1. Maginot Line—line of concrete bunkers along the
border with Germany. Guns were pointed at
Germany as France waited in bunkers for Germany
to attack.
2. In April 1940 Phony war ends. Germany attacks
Denmark, Norway and then crossed Belgium to
invade France. The Maginot Line was useless. By
June 1940, France had fallen under German control.
Great Britain was left alone to fight Germany.
5. The Battle of Britain—after the fall of France in 1940,
Britain stood alone against Germany. During the summer
and fall of 1940, intense bombing of British cities took
place. Hitler hoped to force a quick surrender before the
United States entered the war aiding Britain. Three factors
that helped the British win the Battle of Britain were: (1)
breaking the German code—use of the Ultra, (2) the
invention and use of the radar, and (3) the bravery and
success of the Royal Air Force (RAF). As a result of the
victory, Hitler decided to postpone Operation Sea Lion
which would have been a German invasion of Britain.
6. The United States enters the scene in 1941. By Feb. 1941,
The USA extended its “zone of defense” outside of the
Atlantic Ocean. By April of 1941, the USA occupied
Greenland. By May 1941, the USA seized 92 ships
belonging to the Axis powers. By June of 1941, the USA
froze German and Italian property with the United States.
WW II, pg 6
7. Hitler on the move
a. What was his goal? To unite all the people of German
blood (in Austria, Czechoslovakia & Poland under one
government.
b. Timeline of Hitler’s actions
March 1938
Germany invaded & annexed
Austria—next move
Czechoslovakia
September 1938 Munich Pact signed
March 1939
Czechoslovakia seized
August 1939
Non-Aggression Pact signed
Sept. 1, 1939
Poland invaded
Sept. 3, 1939
Great Britain & France declare
War on Germany
Sept. 17, 1939
USSR invades Poland
Sept. 29, 1939
Poland divided among USSR &
Germany
June 22, 1941
Russia invaded by Germany
Oct. 1941
USA destroyers Greer &
Kearney were attacked by
German submarines. The US
Reuben James was sunk.
V. From Isolationism to War
A. Neutrality Acts 1935-1939 attempted to keep the USA out
of the war.
1. US citizens could not travel on ships that belonged to countries
at war.
2. US could not sell weapons to countries at war.
3. US could not loan money to countries at war.
4. US could sell materials for war, mainly oil, on a cash-n-carry
basis. (Britain received old destroyer for the right to build
military bases in the British Isles.)
B. The Selective Training & Service Act –Summer of 1940
1. First peacetime draft in United States history.
WW II, pg 7
2. men ages 21-35 had to register—later the age was raised from 18
to 45. In one year over 1.2 million men were drafted.
C. Arsenal for Democracy was a term used by FDR USA would
supply the Allies with the weapons they needed to defend
democracy (Dec. 1940).
D. Four Freedoms—was a speech by FDR used to support. The
Lend-Lease Program. The Four Freedoms were: freedom of
speech, worship, and from want and fear. (Jan. 1941)
E. Lend-Lease Act—the United States decided to give weapons &
materials to Great Britain and later USSR and let them pay later.
“If your neighbors house is on fire, you help them put it out”—
FDR quote (March 1941).
F. Winston Churchill became the new Prime Minister of Great
Britain. Neville Chamberlain resigned because he was so
embarrassed about the failure of the Munich Pact.
G. Atlantic Charter—FDR & Churchill met secretly on a ship in the
Atlantic Ocean. They agreed on: (1) they did not want additional
land from the war, and (2) all people should have the right to
chose their leaders. This was a slap in the face of Germany and
the Soviet Union. The peace objectives basically stated:
(1) self-determination for all people, (2) free trade, and (3) no
territorial expansion as a result of the war.
H. Japan Attacks French Indochina, July 1941
1. Japanese resumed war on China in 1937. The United States
and Japan had strong differences over China. Japan demanded
that the USA cut off all aid to the forces of General Chiang
Kai-Shek in China. The United States refused to do this and
further demanded that the Japanese withdraw all troops in China.
Japan was faced with two alternatives: (1) withdraw from China
or (2) go to war with the United States. The militaristic
government of Japan headed by General Tojo chose to go to war
with the United States. The United States knew that the
Japanese were planning an attack somewhere. The possible
targets: (1) Australia (2) Thailand (3) the Malaysian peninsula
(4) Indonesia (5) the Philippines. Japan froze out other business
interest and closed spheres of influence---violating the Open
WW II, pg 8
Door Policy. Japan declared the Open Door Policy obsolete.
FDR started lending money to China and ask American
manufacturers not to sell planes to Japan. Congress instituted a
licensing system on exports which and placed items such as fuel,
etc. on the list. This allowed tracking of exports. The U. S.
froze all Japanese assets in the United States and refused to sell
them oil, gasoline, steel, iron and machine tools. Japan was
angered and in return froze all the USA assets in Japan, ending
trade between the two nations. Japan signed an alliance with
Germany and Italy in 1940. William Friedman, American
Cryptanalyst said war eminent in SE Asia, Hawaii or
Philippines. A Colonel dismissed Hawaii as a possibility. Japan
bombs Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941. Almost
20 warships and 200 planes were destroyed. 2,400 Americans
were killed including 1,103 sailors entombed on the USS
Arizona. During a fireside chat, FDR said, “this is a day that
will live in infamy.”
2. On November 26, 1941, a Japanese aircraft carrier force left
Japan headed for Hawaii. On December 7, 1941 just before 8:00
a.m. the Japanese surprise attacked the US Pacific fleet anchored
at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. It was the worst military disaster in US
history. The Japanese attacked in two waves 191 planes in the
first wave, 170 planes in the second wave—1 hour later. US
loses at Pearl Harbor were: 8 battleships, 3 cruisers, and over
2300 servicemen. Because of this on December 8, 1941, the
USA declared war on Japan and entered WWII. On December
11, 1941, Italy and Germany declared war on United States.
I. Mobilization for the USA
1. War ended the Great Depression. Unemployment decreased
from 2.5 million to less than 700,000. People were earning
a paycheck.
2. There were large population shifts—people moved to find
work in factories.
3. Congress granted emergency powers to the US President and
avoided asking a lot of questions. The President started turning
the American economy into a war production economy. The
nation’s fate and the world’s fate depended on the USA’s
WW II, pg 9
production of military weapons. FDR passed taxes to pay for
the war. He wanted to avoid borrowing so he: rationed raw
materials and consumer goods and regulated prices and wages.
He inspired farmers and industrialist to economically expand.
In 1939 the GNP was $91.3 billion and in 1945 it was $166.6
billion. The war ended the Great Depression. Manufacturing
doubled and agriculture grew over 22%. In 1939 over 6000
planes per year were being produced. In 1944 over 96,000 per
year were produced. In 1939 around 237,000 tons of vessels
were produced and in 1943 over 10 million tons of vessels
were produced. The south and southwest grew tremendously
with several defense plants being built. FDR followed
Keynesian economics which stated that government spending
would spark economic growth. In 1940 unemployment was
around 8%, after Pearl Harbor unemployment disappeared.
4. Major Organizations in the War economy:
A. The War Production Board and Office of War
Mobilization supervised the conversion of factories to
war-time production, supervised the building of new
factories; and coordinated the distribution of goods.
Nylon was used for parachutes (factory in Columbia, MS)
men’s pants did not have cuffs, women’s skirts did not
have pleats—material was saved. The War Production
Board was created to manage war industries. The Office
of War Mobilization set production priorities and
managed raw materials.
B. The National War Labor Board was created to arbitrate
disputes and stabilize wage rates. This agency would stop
a strike from happening in order to avoid placing the USA
at risk. The War Labor Disputes Act gave the president
the power to take over any was plant that threatened the
USA by a strike. The Smith-Connally Anti-Strike Act
of 1943 granted the government this power.
5. The US paid for the war by making more Americans pay
income taxes and selling war bonds. Government spending
from 1941-1945 doubled, an all time high. The government
WW II, pg 10
controlled inflation by selling war bonds, rationing, and
wages and price controls. Some items rationed were gas,
fuel, tires, coffee, sugar, meat, butter and canned goods.
Victory Gardens were planted to help supply goods for the
war effort and actually did make more food available for the
troops.
J. The Homefront was changed.
1. Window banners—blue stars represented a family member in the
service, and a gold star represented someone who had died in
combat.
2. Rosie the Riveter—was a symbol of patriotic women defense
workers. This encouraged women to do their part in the war effort.
Many women took jobs outside the home for the first time. War
work gave women a new sense of pride, self-worth, and selfesteem. However, they still experienced discrimination in the
workplace. In 1944 5.6 million women were working industrial
jobs. There were over 10,000 women in the armed forces in:
 WACS –Women’s Army Corp
 WAVES—Women Accepted for Emergency
Services
 WAFS---Women’s Auxiliary Ferry Squadron
3. African-Americans planned a march on Washington, DC in
1941 because they wanted to protest discrimination against their
race. They fought in segregated units and were usually restricted
to menial work such as cooks, etc. The march was organized by
A. Phillip Randolph. FDR granted an Executive Order (has
force of law) forbidding racial discrimination in defense plants and
government offices. This temporary appeased marchers and the
march was cancelled. WWII promoted the Civil Rights movement.
African Americans could use Hitler’s treatment of the Jews to
illustrate how hatred and discrimination hurt individuals and a
nation. Many black leaders said WWII was fighting to stop
aggressive dictator and “fighting for democracy” for black
Americans. During World War II, the Army had its first black
general. There were over 600 black pilots in WWII. However,
blacks had lived in segregated units with Hispanics until FDR’s
executive order. There were a large number of black civilians who
supported the work effort through employment at home. Double
WW II, pg 11
V Campaign was the African-American Campaign for victory in
Europe and victory over racism in America.
4. Zoot-Suit Riots—many Mexicans came north to work in the SW
during the war. There was prejudice and resentment. Several US
Sailors attacked Mexican Americans in Los Angeles. The
Mexicans-Americans were named for a clothing fad—Zoot Suits.
5. Japanese Americans living on the west coast were forced to move
to relocation camps established in the mid-section of the United
States. These locations were called interment camps. This
action was taken because of war hysteria and prejudice. “Yellow
Peril” was a name given to the racism practiced against the
Japanese Americans. Over 110,000 Japanese Americans were
placed in interment camps. The Japanese Americans said, “We
are Americans first and then Japanese.” In Korematsu V. United
States (1944) the Supreme Court ruled that the Japanese
Americans could not be held. Japanese Americans were called
Nisei.
VI.
Fighting in Africa and Europe
A. Africa
1. El Alamein fought in North Africa—helped the USA gain a
foothold in North Africa. This battle was significant
because it broke the momentum of the Axis powers.
2. Operation Torch was an invasion of North Africa.
General Dwight Eisenhower led the Allied forces. This
helped the Allies gain control of much of the
Mediterranean. Erwin Rommel ,“The Desert Fox” , led forces
that Eisenhower encountered. The Allies fought the Germans
and Italians in N. Africa. Churchill and the Allies focused their
attacks on the Axis in the Mediterranean region to relieve
pressure on the USSR in 1942.
B. Europe
1. Battle of Stalingrad--- Soviets attacked the Germans and the
Germans lost 2/3rds of the 300,000 forces. This battles was
also significant because it broke the momentum of the Axis
powers. This was a turning point during the war. The Soviets
drew the Germans into deep Russian territory knowing that
WW II, pg 12
2.
3.
4.
5.
winter was approaching. The Germans were in summer
uniforms and did not have anti-freeze in their tanks. The tanks
froze, as did many troops. The Soviets also burned stored items
that could benefit the Germans—scorched earth policy.
Soviets say “General Winter” won this battle for the soviets.
90,000 German troops surrendered.
Battle of the Atlantic—Sonar equipment allowed the USA to
win. It allowed USA to detect underwater ships. We also
figured out how to neutralize our ships so that the Germans
could not detect them with their “underwater mines.” The
goal was to protect Allied ships from being sunk by German
subs. The United States started using convoy systems to protect
the main ship. The Germans retaliated with wolf packs.
Operation Overlord—goal was to liberate France from the
Germans. This is also called D-Day (June 6, 1944). General
Eisenhower led the invasion and it took place on June 6, 1944.
We attacked in the worst possible place—tides, no harbor,
underwater mines. We led a series of diversionary raids along
parts of the French Coast. This was the largest landing by sea in
history. 4600 invasion crafts and war ships and 1000 RAF
bombers hit the coast of Normandy. The Germans expected an
invasion so they placed mines in the water and barbed wire on
the beaches. 150,000 Allied troops landed and there were
around 2000 causalities. This was originally planned for June 5,
1944 but the seas were to rough so it was carried out on June 6.
Holocaust—systematic slaughter of European Jews—Hitler
killed more than 12 million Jews, gypsies, Poles, homosexuals,
etc.
A. Genocide—deliberate annihilation of an entire race
B. 2/3rds of 66% of European Jews were killed in the
Holocaust.
C. Gypsies, mentally disabled, Poles, religious
dissidents, and homosexuals were also killed.
Battle of the Bulge—The Germans launched their last attack
on the Allies. They concentrated much of their force in one
area which allowed them to form a dangerous bulge in the
Allied line---many Americans were caught behind enemy lines.
The Allies eventually pushed the Germans back and won. The
WW II, pg 13
US forces were led by General Patton—“ole Blood & Guts”.
600,000 GI’s were in battle and 80,00 were killed. The goal
was to liberate Paris.
6. Invasion of Italy—Allied forces under Eisenhower invaded
Italy on July 10, 1943. They fought for 39 days and the
Germans retreated. On July 25, 1943 Mussolini and his
government fell from power. He was imprisoned, shot and
hung.
VII. Island Hopping Campaigns
A. Island Hopping Campaign—the USA would try to attack and
seize strategic islands in the Pacific Ocean. (not all islands) The
islands seized provided airstrips which American bombers could
use to launch attacks against Japan.
B. The Philippines—MacArthur led the invasion to recapture the
Philippines. The Battle of Leyte Gulf was the last, largest and
most destructive naval battle. It was a disaster for Japan.
C. The Battle of Okinawa was the bloodiest battle in the Pacific. The
USA lost 49,000 soldiers. Kamikazes were used against the USA.
Kamikazes are suicide pilots who flew their planes into US ships
in hope of killing our sailors. The Japanese soldiers also
committed seppuku. Seppuku was committing suicide by cutting
out their abdomen—horrible death.
D. Battle of the Coral Sea—Japanese forces were spread in the
Pacific Ocean while American forces fought to stop them.
Northwest of Australia, the 2 forces were drawn into conflict.
This was the first naval battle carried out entirely by air.
E. Battle of Midway--- June 4, 1942 Japan v. USA . This battle
was also fought entirely by air. The Japanese were loading their
bombs and the USA attacked. The USA demolished 3 of 4
Japanese carriers causing the bombs on deck to explode. The 4th
carrier was destroyed trying to escape. The sinking of the carriers
plus the loss of 250 planes was a devastating blow to the Japanese.
F. Bataan Death March-over 11,000 USA soldiers were captured by
the Japanese in mid 1942. The soldiers were split into groups of
500 to 1000 members and were marched 60 miles to the nearest
railroad. These men were shipped to prison camps and held for
WW II, pg 14
the rest of the war. They did not have adequate food or medicine
and over 10,000 men died. The men were treated brutally and
tortured. After the war 6 Japanese generals were executed for war
crimes.
G. Battle of Guadacanal—August 1942—over 11,000 marines
landed on this island and some 2200 Japanese fled to the jungle.
The 2 armies fought for months and gave the US Marines their
first experience with jungle warfare/guerilla warfare. US marines
were easy targets for Japanese snipers. By February 1943,
Japanese forces fled the island.
H. Battle of Iwo Jima--- November 1944—American troops began
to pound Iwo Jima from the air. For 74 days, American planes and
warships pounded over 7000 tons of bombs and more than 20,000
shells on the Japanese. Mid-February (1945) US Marines stormed
the beach and after 3 days of fighting they had only advanced
about 700 yards. Over 11,000 American troops were involved in
this battle against 25,000 Japanese soldiers defending the island.
216 Japanese were taken prisoner. US had approximately 25,000
causalities from this battle. There were 27 Medals of Honor given
for this battle. Famous American photo of the men raising the flag
on the island of Iwo Jima.
I. Battle of Okinawa---June 1945—this was one of the last obstacles
of the Allied invasion. American and British forces amassed
Japanese forces who had vowed to fight until death. Some 1300
warships and 180,000 troops were gathered to drive the Japanese
off the island. Japanese pilots flew over 2000 kamikaze attacks
(suicide runs) on the US fleet. After 3 months of fighting, 7200
Japanese surrendered and the American forces had over 50,000
causalities. This opened the door to invade Japan.
J. After Iwo Jima and Okinawa, the USA planned an invasion of
Japan. In 1939, FDR and Albert Einstein started conversing
about the making of a new type of bomb. FDR organized the
Manhatten Project to develop the bomb. On July 16, 1945,
the top-secret mission was completed and ready for testing.
Testing took place in a desert in New Mexico. J. Robert
Oppenheimer headed the project of building the A-bomb. The
WW II, pg 15
Manhattan Project—this secret project was created to
develop the A-bomb. The bomb was dropped on August 6 & 9,
1945; against Japan.
VIII. Politics & Leadership
A. WARTIME CONFERENCES
1. Casablanca Conference was held in January 1943. The Big
agreed to invade Italy and demand an unconditional
surrender.
2. Tehran Conference Big 3 meet in November 1943 and
Decided to liberate France in 1944 (D-Day) and join forces
to fight Japan.
3. Yalta Conference—the Big Three (FDR, Churchill and
Stalin) met to decide plans for post war peace. They decide to
divide Germany among the Allies when the war was over.
They made plans for the creation of the United Nations after
World War II. (Feb. 1945)
4. Potsdamn Conference—July 1945—only Stalin left of the
Big 3—FDR died and Harry Truman took over and Clement
Attlee was new Prime Minister in Great Britain. The
members agreed to: (1) only accept an unconditional surrender
of Japan, and (2) hold war-crime trails for members of the
Nazi party.
B. Presidential Election of 1944—FDR wins his 4th term as United
States President. He selected Harry Truman to be his VP.
On April 12, 1945—FDR died and Harry S. Truman
became the President of the United States after only
serving as the VP for less than 3 months.
C. April 30, 1945—Hitler committed suicide.
D. May 8, 1945—Germany formally surrenders to
Eisenhower. This day is called VE Day or Victory
in Europe Day.
E. Truman was the President, the one, who had to make
the decision of whether or not to drop the atomic bomb
on Japan. On August 6, 1945 a bomb was dropped on
WW II, pg 16
Hiroshima, Japan. On August 9, 1945, a bomb was
dropped on Nagasaki, Japan. Over 240,000 Japanese
were killed by the blast and radiation. Japan formally
surrendered on September 2, 1945 which is called
VJ Day or Victory over Japan Day.
F. The United States became one of the world’s strongest
nations after World War II because we had not been
weakened by the war like other countries—the war had
not been fought on our land. The other superpower was
the USSR. Upon the close of WWII, the Cold War
started between the USA and USSR.
G. George C. Marshall was the Army Chief of Staff during World
War II. He pushed FDR to prepare for war. After the war he
resigned as the Army Chief of Staff and became the Secretary of
State under Harry S. Truman. He developed the Marshall Plan
which called for economic aid to countries in threat of a
communist takeover. His policy helped to fight communism
during the Cold War.
VIII. Interesting Facts about World War II
A. More people were killed and more property destroyed than in any
other war.
B. Led to the rise of the Soviet Union and the development of the
Atomic bomb.
C. The exact number of deaths will never be known.
D. Military deaths total over 17 million.
E. Civilian deaths were greater because of starvation, bombing raids,
massacres, epidemics, and other war related causes.
F. The battlegrounds were in almost every part of the world (Africa,
Pacific Ocean, frozen fields of Soviet Union, below Atlantic
Ocean, and many European cities.
WWII, pg 17
G. Weapons used during the war:
 B-17 bomber plane—carried 13 machine guns
 Spitfire—British plane—very fast!
 Tank
 Aircraft carriers—floating airfield—backbone of Navy
 A-bomb
 Radar
H. Over 24,000 Native Americans served in the war
I. 2 atomic bombs killed over 20 million people
J. Diversity in the Military:
 300,000 Mexicans
 25,000 Native Americans (Navajo Code Talkers)
 17,000 Japanese Americans
 1 million African Americans
 275,000 women served in various positions (WACS,
WAFS, WAVES, etc)
K. The War Refugee Board was created by FDR in 1944 to
help people threatened by the Nazi Party to come to
America. Over 200,000 Jews came to America.
L. Ships that carried goods to soldiers were called Liberty
Ships.
M. Over $156 billion dollars worth of War bonds were sold
to finance the war.
N. Victory Gardens were planted to provide food for
soldiers.
O. Why was the bombs dropped on Hiroshima? It was a
large army base Nagasaki was a large industrial area
WW II, pg 18
P. Consequences:
 400,000 USA deaths
 350,000 British deaths
 7.5 million USSR deaths
 3.5 million German deaths
 2.2 million Chinese deaths
 1.25 Japanese Deaths
 Bombings destroyed cities
 12 million people displaced because of the war
(orphans, POWS, survivors of concentration camps)
 New power struggle between USA & USSR—Cold War
 Spread of communism
 Nuclear age was born
 United Nations was born
 Germany was divided into 4 areas
 Nazi party was outlawed
 Surgical methods improved
 Transportation improved
 Cost the USA over $320 billion dollars
 USA was $250 billion in debt
 October 24, 1945 the United Nations came into existence