9.5 Victory for the Allies Understand the reasons for the final defeat of the Nazis. Describe how the Allies began to push back the Japanese in the Pacific. Explain how the dropping of the atomic bombs ended the war. Describe the aftermath of World War II and the founding of the United Nations.

FIRST OBJECTIVE Understand the reasons for the final defeat of the Nazis.

End of the War in Europe By March 1945, Allies crossed the Rhine into western Germany.

Continued… Soviet troops closed in on Berlin. In late April, American and Soviet soldiers met and shook hands at the Elbe River. Axis armies began to surrender all over Europe.

Continued… In Italy, guerrillas captured and executed Mussolini. As Soviet troops fought their way into Berlin, Hitler committed suicide in his underground bunker. May 7 th, 1945 Germany surrendered. War ended in Europe on May 8 th, 1945 (V-E Day).

Reasons for Victory in Europe Axis powers had to fight on multiple fronts. Hitler made major military decisions himself (disastrous, i.e. Invasion of Soviet Union). Productivity of USA was another factor of victory. Luftwaffe was grounded by shortages of oil by D- Day.

Continued… With victory in Europe achieved the Allies could focus all of their attention on the Japanese.

OBJECTIVE REVIEW Why were the Allies able to defeat the Nazis?

NEW OBJECTIVE Describe how the Allies began to push back the Japanese in the Pacific.

Battles in the Pacific Bataan Death March – Hours after Pearl Harbor attack, Japanese bombed Philippines (Under U.S. control since 1898). – By May 1942, Japanese took over the island. – Forced prisoners of war to march more than 60 miles in incredible heat with no water or food. – Resulted in the death of about 10,000 prisoners.