Major Events and Turning Points of WWII Notes US History II

There was a gradual change in American policy from neutrality to involvement in the war. Isolationism (Great Depression, legacy of WWI) Neutrality Act Lend Lease Act Economic aid to Allies Direct involvement in the war US gets involved in WWII officially after Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor (December, 1941) By then, the war had been going on in Europe for over 2 years

Let’s recap real fast… Allied Powers Axis Powers Great Britain Russia United States Axis Powers Germany Japan Italy Fascism is a political philosophy that advocates giving total power to a dictator and denying individual freedom

Major Events and Turning Points Germany invaded Poland in September 1939. This set off war in Europe, WWII had begun. The Soviet Union also invaded Poland and the Baltic Nations. June 22, 1940, France signs an armistice with Germany, the Germans occupy the northern half of the country and the entire Atlantic coastline.

Major Events and Turning Points August 1940, Germany bombed London and the Battle of Britain began. The US gave Britain war supplies and old naval warships in return for military bases in Bermuda and the Caribbean.

Major Events and Turning Points Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Germany declared war on the United States. December 8, 1941, the US declared war on Japan. “This is a day that will live in infamy.” December 11, 1941, the US declares war on Germany.

Major Events of WWII BEFORE the US Gets Involved Germany invaded Poland in September 1939. This set off war in Europe, WWII had begun. The Soviet Union also invaded Poland and the Baltic Nations June 22, 1940, France signs an armistice with Germany, the Germans occupy the northern half of the country and the entire Atlantic coastline August 1940, Germany bombed London and the Battle of Britain began. The US gave Britain war supplies and old naval warships in return for military bases in Bermuda and the Caribbean. Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Germany declared war on the United States. December 8, 1941, the US declared war on Japan. “This is a day that will live in infamy.” December 11, 1941, the US declares war on Germany.

Major Events and Turning Points USS Yorktown, damaged in fighting The US was victorious over Japan in the Battle of Midway in June 1942. This victory was the turning point of the war in the Pacific Ocean, because it ended the threat of a Japanese invasion of Hawaii. This was the first battle that was fought entirely by airplanes that had taken off from aircraft carriers. Germany invaded the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union defeated Germany at Stalingrad in February 1943, marking the turning point of the war in Europe.

Major Events and Turning Points These look familiar? Trenches used during Battle of the Bulge in France Major Events and Turning Points The Allies landed in Normandy, France on D-Day, June 6, 1944, to begin the liberation of Western Europe. Dwight D. Eisenhower commanded the Allied forces in Normandy. The Battle of the Bulge, December 16, 1944, was the last offensive attack by Hitler. Allied forces were able to advance through Belgium and Luxemburg into Germany and defeat Hitler.

The War Ends May 7, 1945, Germany surrenders to the western Allied forces. On May 9, 1945 Germany surrenders to the Soviets August 6th and 9th, 1945, The United States dropped two atomic bombs on Japan (Hiroshima and Nagasaki) in 1945, forcing Japan to surrender and ending WWII.

Major Events and Turning Points May 7, 1945, Germany surrenders to the western Allied forces. On May 9, 1945 Germany surrenders to the Soviets August 6th and 9th, 1945, The United States dropped two atomic bombs on Japan (Hiroshima and Nagasaki) in 1945, forcing Japan to surrender and ending WWII.

Major Events AFTER the US Gets Involved The US was victorious over Japan in the Battle of Midway in June 1942. This victory was the turning point of the war in the Pacific Ocean, because it ended the threat of a Japanese invasion of Hawaii. This was the first battle that was fought entirely by airplanes that had taken off from aircraft carriers. Germany invaded the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union defeated Germany at Stalingrad in February 1943, marking the turning point of the war in Europe. The Allies landed in Normandy, France on D-Day, June 6, 1944, to begin the liberation of Western Europe. Dwight D. Eisenhower commanded the Allied forces in Normandy. The Battle of the Bulge, December 16, 1944, was the last offensive attack by Hitler. Allied forces were able to advance through Belgium and Luxemburg into Germany and defeat Hitler.