The Defeat of the Nazis and the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki The Road to Victory!!!! The Defeat of the Nazis and the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

War in the Pacific By May, 1942, the Japanese had gained control of the Philippines. Bataan Death March: Japanese soldiers forced American and Filipino soldiers to march 68 miles across the island without food and water. By June, 1942, the United States had severely damaged two Japanese fleets in the battle at Midway and Coral Sea

The Pacific (continued) General Macarthur, head of the US forces in the Pacific, came up with the offensive strategy of Island Hopping the idea being to take critical Japanese islands while bypassing others. One of the costliest battles of the war came from this strategy, Iwo Jima, demonstrated the determination of the Japanese. In Japan leading up to this, people were taught that surrender was the greatest dishonor. This resulted in soldiers fighting to the death at all costs and treating prisoners horrifically.

The Nazis Defeated With a strong foothold after freeing France, the Allies moved into Belgium in December, 1944 In response, Hitler launched a huge counter attack which resulted in the Battle of the Bulge Germany was unable to break through the Allied lines, but it did stall their advance. This would be Hitler’s last near victory of the war.

Battle of the Bulge

Germany Defeated The Allies began to bomb Germany nonstop preparing for the invasion Americans, British and French moved farther East as the Russians moved farther West. In April, 1945 they met at the Elbe River. The Allied Powers had taken Germany.

The Fall of the Dictators and VE Day! Italy and Mussolini Mussolini was captured and executed Hitler Knowing that the end was near, Hitler married his long time mistress, Eva Braun, and they both committed suicide in their bunker. May 7, 1945 Germany surrenders May 8, 1945 proclaimed VE Day! (Victory in Europe)

Manhattan Project Manhattan Project: Scientists offered another solution During the war, many German scientists had immigrated to the United States, including Albert Einstein. Einstein warned President Roosevelt that the Germans were preparing an atomic weapon. Roosevelt approved the Manhattan project, in which a team of scientists developed and tested the first atomic weapon in July 1945.

Invasion or The Bomb Knowing of the Japanese determination, American officials estimated that an invasion of Japan may cost 1 million or more casualties. Japan had begun kamikaze or suicide missions After hearing of the successful test, President Truman, who had taken office after FDR’s death in April, decided to use the bomb.

The Decision Truman warned Japan to surrender or face “utter and complete destruction” When the Japanese ignored the deadline, the US launched its new weapons

Hiroshima and Nagasaki August 6, 1945 the American plane The Enola Gay dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Instantly killed more than 70,000 people and many more in the months and years to follow due to radiation sickness. Emperor Hirohito did not respond. August 9, 1945, the United States drops another atomic bomb on the city of Nagasaki. Again, more than 40,000 people were killed instantly, and many more over the next few months and years. September 2, Japan surrenders unconditionally on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.