1. World War II The Greatest Generation

2. Prelude to Global War “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”--Winston Churchill

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

4. Fascism and Nazism Italy and Fascism Italy and Fascism Benito Mussolini felt Italy was shortchanged in the Treaty of Versailles.Benito Mussolini felt Italy was shortchanged in the Treaty of Versailles. 1919 He and other war vets organized the Revolutionary Fascist Party1919 He and other war vets organized the Revolutionary Fascist Party Called himself Il Duce =the leaderCalled himself Il Duce =the leader Used Fascist thugs called “Blackshirts” to terrorize opponents.Used Fascist thugs called “Blackshirts” to terrorize opponents.

5. 1922 Threatened to march on Rome and the Kind made him prime minister.1922 Threatened to march on Rome and the Kind made him prime minister. As PM he:As PM he: Suspended elections Suspended elections Outlawed other political parties Outlawed other political parties Established a dictatorship Established a dictatorship Declared, “The Country is nothing without Conquest” Declared, “The Country is nothing without Conquest” Oct. 1935--Invaded Ethiopia Oct. 1935--Invaded Ethiopia

6. Germany and Nazism Germany and Nazism Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler Discontented Austrian Painter Discontented Austrian Painter 1919 Joined the National Socialist German Worker’s Party or the Nazi Party 1919 Joined the National Socialist German Worker’s Party or the Nazi Party 1923 Beer Hall Putsch--Tried to overthrow the Weimar Government 1923 Beer Hall Putsch--Tried to overthrow the Weimar Government Wrote Mein Kampf =“My Struggle” during 9 mo. Prison term. Wrote Mein Kampf =“My Struggle” during 9 mo. Prison 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 removing the Jews from GermanyCalled for purifying the “Aryan” race (blonde, blue eyed) by removing the Jews from Germany

7. ConditionsConditions Germany was in Economic and Social ruin Germany was in Economic and Social ruin High unemployment High unemployment Massive inflation Massive inflation Shortages Shortages Lawlessness Lawlessness Nazi PromiseNazi Promise Order Order Stabilization of the country Stabilization of the country economic recovery economic recovery Restoring the Empire--The Third Reich Restoring the Empire--The Third Reich

8. Nazi RiseNazi Rise Jan 1933 Nazis became the largest party in the Reichstag Jan 1933 Nazis became the largest party in the Reichstag Hitler was appointed Chancellor Hitler was appointed Chancellor After the Reichstag fire, Hitler was given emergency powers. After the Reichstag fire, Hitler was given emergency powers. After President Von Hindenberg’s death, Hitler consolidated his control over the country and the military. After President Von Hindenberg’s death, Hitler consolidated his control over the country and the military.

9. Europe Goes to War German Aggression German Aggression March 9, 1936 German troops reentered the Rhineland.March 9, 1936 German troops reentered the Rhineland. 1936 Germany and Italy signed an alliance and became the Axis Powers (later joined by Japan)1936 Germany and Italy signed an alliance and became the Axis Powers (later joined by Japan) March 1938 Anschluss--Hitler approved the “voluntary” annexation of Austria.March 1938 Anschluss--Hitler approved the “voluntary” annexation of Austria.

10. Sept. 1938 Munich ConferenceSept. 1938 Munich Conference Hitler had demanded the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia (GR pop) be given to Germany Hitler had demanded the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia (GR pop) be given to Germany Appeasement Appeasement Neville Chamberlain (UK) and Edouard Daladier (France) agreed to give the land to Hitler in exchange for his promise to not seek more territory.Neville Chamberlain (UK) and Edouard Daladier (France) agreed to give the land to Hitler in exchange for his promise to not seek more territory. “Britain and France had to choose between war and dishonor... They chose dishonor. They will have war.”--Churchill“Britain and France had to choose between war and dishonor... They chose dishonor. They will have war.”--Churchill

11. March 1939 Hitler annexed the rest of Czechoslovakia.March 1939 Hitler annexed the rest of Czechoslovakia. Soon after Hitler signed a treaty of non- aggression with RussiaSoon after Hitler signed a treaty of non- aggression with Russia

12. War!! War!! September 1, 1939 Germany invaded PolandSeptember 1, 1939 Germany invaded Poland Used blitzkrieg tactic Used blitzkrieg 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 their agreement. Mid September--Russians seized East Poland as per their agreement. April 9, 1940 GR attacked Denmark and NorwayApril 9, 1940 GR attacked Denmark and Norway May 10, 1940 GR attacked the Maginot Line and overwhelmed Belgium, the Netherlands and FR.May 10, 1940 GR attacked the Maginot Line and overwhelmed Belgium, the Netherlands and FR.

13. Evacuation at DunkirkEvacuation at Dunkirk As France fell, UK forces retreated to this coastal city As France fell, UK forces retreated to this coastal city 900 UK vessels (tug boats, yachts, and other private craft) evacuated 340K across the English channel to Britain. 900 UK vessels (tug boats, yachts, and other private craft) evacuated 340K across the English channel to Britain. Despite constant Luftwaffe attacks, the UK pulled off one of the greatest rescues in history. Despite constant Luftwaffe attacks, the UK pulled off one of the greatest rescues in history.

14. The Battle of BritainThe Battle of Britain After the fall of FR Hitler turned on Britain After the fall of FR Hitler turned on Britain 1,000 Luftwaffe Planes bombed Britain daily 1,000 Luftwaffe Planes bombed Britain daily Royal Air Force (RAF) outnumbered, flew 6- 7 missions per day Royal Air Force (RAF) outnumbered, flew 6- 7 missions per day Dec. 1940 “The Blitz”--The bombing of London started 1500 fires in the city. Dec. 1940 “The Blitz”--The bombing of London started 1500 fires in the city. June 1941 the bombing ended. Hitler’s effort to crush the UK had failed. June 1941 the bombing ended. Hitler’s effort to crush the UK had failed. 30K Londoners died 120K injured. 30K Londoners died 120K injured.

15. The Empire of Japan The Empire of Japan 1931 Japan seized the Manchuria region of China1931 Japan seized the Manchuria region of China By 1940 Japan controlled most of Eastern ChinaBy 1940 Japan controlled most of Eastern China Sept 1940 Signed the Tripartite pact w/ GR and Italy.Sept 1940 Signed the Tripartite pact w/ GR and Italy. April 1941 Signed a neutrality pact with Russia.April 1941 Signed a neutrality pact with Russia.

16. The American Response The American Response Most Americans favored neutrality and isolationism.Most Americans favored neutrality and isolationism. Early Neutrality ActsEarly Neutrality Acts US would w/hold weapons and loans from all nations at war. US would w/hold weapons and loans from all nations at war. Required that all non military goods be paid for w/ cash and transported by the purchaser-- “cash and carry” Required that all non military goods be paid for w/ cash and transported by the purchaser-- “cash and carry” Neutrality Act of 1939--permitted UK and FR to buy weapons on a cash and carry basisNeutrality Act of 1939--permitted UK and FR to buy weapons on a cash and carry basis

17. Increased InvolvementIncreased Involvement 1940 FDR proposed providing war supplies to the UK w/o payment: 1940 FDR proposed providing war supplies to the UK w/o payment: “If your neighbor’s house is on fire, you don’t sell him a hose. You lend it to him and take it back after the fire is out.”“If your neighbor’s house is on fire, you don’t sell him a hose. You lend it to him and take it back after the fire is out.” March 1941--congress passed the Lend- Lease Act which authorized the President to aid any nation whose defense was vital to US interests March 1941--congress passed the Lend- Lease Act which authorized the President to aid any nation whose defense was vital to US interests

18. Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941 “A date which shall live in infamy.” Mid 1941--Japan took French Indo- China Mid 1941--Japan took French Indo- China FDR responded by freezing Japanese assets in the US and cutting off trade with Japan FDR responded by freezing Japanese assets in the US and cutting off trade with Japan For weeks the US and Japan negotiated to avoid war. For weeks the US and Japan negotiated to avoid war. Japan’s leaders decided that they could not conquer Asia with the US Pacific fleet in Hawaii. Japan’s leaders decided that they could not conquer Asia with the US Pacific fleet in Hawaii.

19. Dec 7, 1941--Japanese attacked the US Naval base at Pearl Harbor. Dec 7, 1941--Japanese attacked the US Naval base at Pearl Harbor. <2 hrs. 2,400 Americans died and 1,200 wounded; 300 planes damaged or destroyed; 18 warships sunk <2 hrs. 2,400 Americans died and 1,200 wounded; 300 planes damaged or destroyed; 18 warships sunk Japan lost 29 planes Japan lost 29 planes Dec 8, 1941 FDR asked Congress to declare war. Dec 8, 1941 FDR asked Congress to declare war. Dec. 11 Germany and Italy declared war on the US. Dec. 11 Germany and Italy declared war on the US.

20. The Road to Victory in Europe

21. American Mobilization Thousands volunteered after Pearl Harbor Thousands volunteered after Pearl Harbor The draft began immediately The draft began immediately The Force The Force 16.1 Million Served16.1 Million Served Majority--white, male Americans Majority--white, male Americans 300K Mex-Amer 300K Mex-Amer 300 Navajos as Code Talkers 300 Navajos as Code Talkers 17K Japanese-Amer 17K Japanese-Amer 1 Million African Americans 1 Million African Americans 275K Women (volunteers) 275K Women (volunteers)

22. Atlantic War US ships had to travel in convoys US ships had to travel in convoys Germans used “Wolf Packs” (sub groups of 30) to systematically attack convoys Germans used “Wolf Packs” (sub groups of 30) to systematically attack convoys

23. North Africa Germans under the command of FM Erwin Rommel (Desert Fox) had been very successful. Germans under the command of FM Erwin Rommel (Desert Fox) had been very successful. 1942 Turning Point--UK Gen. Bernard Montgomery won a decisive victory at El Alamein Egypt 1942 Turning Point--UK Gen. Bernard Montgomery won a decisive victory at El Alamein Egypt May 1943 American Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and Gen. Montgomery trapped Rommel’s forces in Tunisia. May 1943 American Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and Gen. Montgomery trapped Rommel’s forces in Tunisia.

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

25. Italy July 1943 American General George s. Patton attacked Sicily. It fell in 38 days. July 1943 American General George s. Patton attacked Sicily. It fell in 38 days. Mussolini was overthrown and the New Italian gov’t surrendered. Mussolini was overthrown and the New Italian gov’t surrendered. German forces stiffly defended Italy. German forces stiffly defended Italy.

26. Turning Point--Anzio Turning Point--Anzio Jan 1944 American troops landed behind GR lines at Anzio (just S. of Rome)Jan 1944 American troops landed behind GR lines at Anzio (just S. of Rome) Fighting to advance was slow, but the Allies won in May 1944.Fighting to advance was slow, but the Allies won in May 1944. 72K American casualties72K American casualties The Allies quickly took Rome The Allies quickly took Rome April 1945 German forces in Italy surrendered. April 1945 German forces in Italy surrendered. 190K American casualties in the Italian Campaign 190K American casualties in the Italian Campaign

27. Germany and the Soviet Union June 1941--3.6 million German and Axis troops attacked the USSR June 1941--3.6 million German and Axis troops attacked the USSR The 3 millions Russians were overwhelmed and their air force quickly destroyed The 3 millions Russians were overwhelmed and their air force quickly destroyed The soviets burned everything as the retreated. The soviets burned everything as the retreated.

28. Turning Point--Stalingrad Turning 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 November the Red Army counterattacked and surrounded the Germans.The Russian winter wet in and in mid November the Red Army counterattacked and surrounded the Germans. Jan 31, 1943--A final assault resulted in the German force surrenderingJan 31, 1943--A final assault resulted in the German force surrendering 90K Germans had survived90K Germans had survived Fighting would continue Fighting would continue

29. Allied Invasion of Western Europe Air War Air War Allied bombers began to soften GR for the attackAllied bombers began to soften GR for the attack Methods such as carpet bombing were used daily.Methods such as carpet bombing were used daily. US bombed by day; the RAF by night (3K planes per day).US bombed by day; the RAF by night (3K planes per day).

30. Preparation Preparation Allies amassed troops, weapons and warships in UKAllies amassed troops, weapons and warships in UK Germans under Rommel strengthened the Atlantic WallGermans under Rommel strengthened the Atlantic Wall

31. D-Day June 6, 1944 D-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 night before.23K UK and US Airborne dropped behind lines the 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

32. By late July the Allies had 2 million troops in FRBy late July the Allies had 2 million troops in FR August 1944--Americans liberated ParisAugust 1944--Americans liberated Paris

33. Battle of the Bulge Battle of the Bulge Dec. 1944 GR launched a fierce counter attack.Dec. 1944 GR launched a fierce counter attack. Allied forces were thrown back and the line almost brokeAllied forces were thrown back and the line almost broke W/ reinforcement, the Americans held and stopped the GR advance.W/ reinforcement, the Americans held and stopped the GR advance. Casualties--80K US 100K GRCasualties--80K US 100K GR

34. End of the War in Europe The American Advance The American Advance March 1945March 1945 Allies continued to bomb GR Allies continued to bomb GR American forces crossed the Rhine River American forces crossed the Rhine River The Soviet Advance The Soviet Advance Heavy lossesHeavy losses 13.6 million soviet and 3 million GR had died in fighting 13.6 million soviet and 3 million GR had died in fighting Soviet civilian and military deaths totaled 27 million Soviet civilian and military deaths totaled 27 million

35. Soviets wanted to capture Berlin and the US allowed it.Soviets wanted to capture Berlin and the US allowed it. April 25, 1945--Soviet and US forces met at the Elbe RiverApril 25, 1945--Soviet and US forces met at the Elbe River

36. German Surrender German Surrender May 1, 1945--GR announced Hitler had committed suicideMay 1, 1945--GR announced Hitler had committed suicide VE DAY--May 8, 1945, Germany surrendered.VE DAY--May 8, 1945, Germany surrendered. Yalta Conference Yalta 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 they had liberated and to enter the war against Japan.Stalin promised to allow elections in the countries they had liberated and to enter the war against Japan.

37. The War in the Pacific

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

39. The Japanese Advance Philippines Philippines US and Filipino forces fought valiantly and managed to hold the Bataan Peninsula for 4 mos.US and Filipino forces fought valiantly and managed to hold the Bataan Peninsula for 4 mos. Gen. Douglas MacArthur was ordered to leave the islands and his troops behind. “I shall return.”Gen. Douglas MacArthur was ordered to leave the islands and his troops behind. “I shall return.” May 6, 1942--the last of the US and filipino forces surrendered.May 6, 1942--the last of the US and filipino forces surrendered.

40. Bataan Death MarchBataan Death March 76K US and Filipinos became POWs 76K US and Filipinos became POWs They were forcibly marched 60 miles to a railway and shipped to work camps They were forcibly marched 60 miles to a railway and shipped to work camps 10K died during the 12 day march. 10K died during the 12 day march.

41. The Sea War The Sea War The Japanese had been steadily advancing in the Pacific and hoped to take Australia.The Japanese had been steadily advancing in the Pacific and hoped to take Australia. Battle of the Coral SeaBattle of the Coral Sea May 1942 May 1942 1st Naval combat carried out entirely by aircraft. 1st Naval combat carried out entirely by aircraft. The ships never saw each other. The ships never saw each other. Militarily--a draw Strategically--stopped the Japanese advance on Australia. Militarily--a draw Strategically--stopped the Japanese advance on Australia.

42. Turning the Tide Battle of Midway Battle of Midway Midway Island was vital to the protection of HawaiiMidway Island was vital to the protection of Hawaii Japanese under Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto hoped to lure the US into battle and destroy the remainder of the Pacific fleet.Japanese under Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto hoped to lure the US into battle and destroy the remainder of the Pacific fleet. Admiral Chester Nimitz caught the Japanese at a vulnerable time (loading bombs) and attackedAdmiral Chester Nimitz caught the Japanese at a 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

43. Battle of Guadalcanal Battle 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 60K US 6K of 60K Japan 24K of 36K Japan 24K of 36K

44. Island-Hopping Strategy Island-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 the main Island of JapanGoal was to get close enough to attack the main Island of Japan Casualties were staggeringCasualties were staggering

45. Philippines Philippines Oct. 1944--160K US troops invaded the island of Leyte.Oct. 1944--160K US troops invaded the island of Leyte. MacArthur “People of the Philippines, I have returned.”MacArthur “People of the Philippines, I have returned.” Simultaneously--3 day naval Battle of Leyte GulfSimultaneously--3 day naval Battle of Leyte Gulf Greatest naval battle in history Greatest naval battle in history Japan threw all their ships into it. Japan threw all their ships into it. Japan used Kamikaze attacks Japan used Kamikaze attacks Japan was badly beaten and their navy destroyed Japan was badly beaten and their navy destroyed June 1945--The Philippines were completely liberated.June 1945--The Philippines were completely liberated.

46. Iwo Jima Nov. 1944 For 74 days US planes and warships poured 7K tons of bombs and 20K shells into the island For 74 days US planes and warships poured 7K tons of bombs and 20K shells into the island Feb 1945--Marines stormed the beaches and fought 3 days to gain 700 yds. Feb 1945--Marines stormed the beaches and fought 3 days to gain 700 yds. 110K US vs. 25K Japanese 110K US vs. 25K Japanese 25K US casualties; 216 Japanese surrendered. 25K US casualties; 216 Japanese surrendered.

47. Battle of Okinawa April - June 1945 100K Japanese defended the Island 100K Japanese defended the Island US--1300 warships; 180K combat troops US--1300 warships; 180K combat troops Japanese used Kamikaze attacks and Bonzai charges to inflict maximum casualties. Japanese used Kamikaze attacks and Bonzai charges to inflict maximum casualties. 7,200 Japanese surrendered 7,200 Japanese surrendered 50K US casualties 50K US casualties

48. The Manhattan Project 1939--Jewish physicist Albert Einstein wrote FDR suggesting the possibility of a new weapon---the Atomic Bomb 1939--Jewish physicist Albert Einstein wrote FDR suggesting the possibility of a new weapon---the Atomic Bomb Einstein knew the Germans were already working on it. Einstein knew the Germans were already working on it. FDR authorized the work. FDR authorized the work. July 16, 1945, US detonated the first atomic bomb in the New Mexico desert. July 16, 1945, US detonated the first atomic bomb in the New Mexico desert.

49. Dropping the Bomb April 1945--FDR died April 1945--FDR died Harry S. Truman had to make the decision. Harry S. Truman had to make the decision. Estimated 1 million US deaths to conquer main island Japan. Estimated 1 million US deaths to conquer main island Japan. August 6, 1945--1st bomb dropped on Hiroshima. August 6, 1945--1st bomb dropped on Hiroshima. 135K casualties135K casualties 90% of the infrastructure destroyed90% of the infrastructure destroyed

50. August 9--2nd bomb dropped on Nagasaki August 9--2nd bomb dropped on Nagasaki 64K casualties64K casualties

51. V-J Day On August 14, 1945, the Japanese surrendered. On August 14, 1945, the Japanese surrendered. WWII was over, but the US and the world would never be the same. WWII was over, but the US and the world would never be the same.