I. The Third Reich Collapses After suffering many casualties in the Battle of the Bulge, the Germans had little left to prevent the Allies from entering Germany While American and British forces fought to liberate France, the Soviet Union began an attack on German troops in Russia. By the first week of March 1945, American troops had fought their way to the Rhine River, Germany’s last major line of defense in the west. On May 7, 1945, Germany surrendered unconditionally, and the next day was proclaimed VE Day for Victory in Europe.

VE- Day!

II. Japan is Defeated So that the B-29 Superfortress bombers would have enough fuel for bombing Japan, the starting point for the bombers needed to be the island of Iwo Jima. In the battle to take this island, more than 6,800 marines were killed.

Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima

Video Clip Newsreel of Battle at Iwo Jima Produced as a way to inform Americans about the battle after it was over. (very patriotic).

II. Japan is Defeated C. The Tokyo Firebombing killed over 80,000 people and destroyed more that 250,000 buildings. To be able to invade Japan, America needed the island of Okinawa.

Video Clip: Dropping the Atomic Bomb on Japan

II. Japan is Defeated The American program to build the atomic bomb was code-named the Manhattan Project. When the Japanese did not reply to the Allies’ threat of “prompt and utter destruction,” the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Faced with massive destruction and the shock of the Soviets joining the war, the Japanese emperor ordered his government to surrender in August 15, 1945 (V-J Day).

V-J Day!!!

III. Building a New World President Roosevelt believed that a new international political organization could prevent another world war, and he was instrumental in the creation of the United Nations. At the Nuremburg Trials in Germany, the International Military Tribunal (IMT) tried German leaders suspected of committing war crimes. The Allies did not indict the Japanese emperor because they were afraid it would lead to an uprising by the Japanese people.

Journal Response 5/19 The Atomic Bomb Using your knowledge of civilian warfare and historical facts presented in lecture and video clips, defend your position of the following question: Was the potential cost of American life (due to the invasion of mainland Japan) enough of a reason to drop the atomic bombs on Japan?

Notebook Check Info Notebooks due Wednesday 5/14 Journals Holocaust video clip response CNN Student News Responses 5/9 Atomic Bomb Response 5/11 Activities Ch 11 xword Mein Kampf Illustrated Timeline Roosevelt & Isolationists War work for women * Enrichment 12: Japanese Internment Video Guides CAT: Homefront Home Front Sacrifices & shortages Internment Video Notes* CAT: Civilians at War Notes 11.1/11.2 SG 11.2 Timeline* 11.3/Loss of Rights 11.4 12.1 SG 12.3 SG 9066 Lecture Guide 12.2 SG 12.4/12.5 SG ** OWN PAPER