World War II: D-Day through The Bomb And then some…

Reaction to Pearl Harbor Attack Dec. 7, 1941 ◦ US declares war on Japan ◦ Germany & Italy declare war on USA Paranoia on west coast of USA ◦ Fearful of Japanese espionage or another attack FDR issues executive order 9066 ◦ Authorized relocation of Japanese-American citizens ◦ Internment camps Japanese-Americans face further persecution

The Tide Turns German failures in Africa – 1943 Battle of Stalingrad ◦ Falls Feb. ‘43 ◦ Turning point on Eastern front Allied invasion of Italy – 1943 ◦ Rome & Mussolini fall 6/4/1944

D-Day Allied forces begin plans for a French mainland invasion ◦ Operation Neptune & Overlord Problem: How to deal with heavy Nazi fortifications Attack would be on Normandy Beach – 5 Beach heads ◦ Omaha, Sword, Juno, Utah, Gold 2-Wave attack ◦ Air assault/landing ◦ Amphibious landing

Good Normandy Hitler thought the main invasion would happen elsewhere ◦ Beaches left less defended Poor weather conditions ◦ Left Germans unsuspecting Attack commences June 6, ,000 Allied soldiers land ◦ Approximately 10,000 casualties ◦ 2500 dead

The Allied Advance Soviet forces advance from the East US/British forces slowly advance from the West ◦ Race to beat the Soviets to Berlin April 30, 1945: Hitler kills himself in private bunker in Berlin ◦ Had heard of Mussolini’s fate German forces in Berlin surrender May 02, 1945

The Pacific Theater By Nov US within bombing range of Japanese mainland Firebombing of Tokyo ◦ +100,000 deaths ◦ 1,000,000 wounded/homeless ◦ 50% of Tokyo destroyed by end of WWII Summer of ‘45 – Japanese still fighting despite no way of countering the Allies US demanded unconditional surrender!

Truman’s Decision FDR dies April 12, 1945 ◦ Truman new President Truman is informed of top secret project ◦ “Manhattan Project” Decision: Use the bomb or invade mainland Japan ◦ In hopes of ending the war Pros/Cons Truman uses the bomb!

The Atomic Bombs Only 2 bombs available ◦ Unsure of effectiveness/results Hiroshima ◦ Aug 6, 1945 ◦ “Little Boy” ◦ 140,000 deaths Nagasaki ◦ Aug 9, 1945 ◦ “Fat Man” ◦ 80,000 deaths Half die instantly Aug. 14 – Japan surrenders ◦ Allowed to retain emperor

Fat Man & Little Boy