World War II 1932-1941

Standard SS5H6 The student will explain the reasons for America’s involvement in World War II. a. Describe Germany’s aggression in Europe and Japan’s aggression in Asia. b. Describe major events in the war in both Europe and the Pacific; include Pearl Harbor, Iwo Jima, D-Day, VE and VJ Days, and the Holocaust. c. Discuss President Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. d. Identify Roosevelt, Stalin, Churchill, Hirohito, Truman, Mussolini, and Hitler. e. Describe the effects of rationing and the changing role of women and African- Americans; include “Rosie the Riveter” and the Tuskegee Airmen. f. Explain the U.S. role in the formation of the United Nations.

Start of the War After World War I, people hoped for peaceful times. But nations around the world had serious economic problems in the 1930s. The Great Depression ruined countries economies. As things continued to get worse, thousands of people turned to powerful leaders to solve their problems.

Adolf Hitler German leader, Adolf Hitler, said that he could solve his country’s problems. He led a political party called the Nazis. Nazis believed in fascism. Fascism- the government controls the economy, culture, and all parts of people’s lives. In 1933, the Nazis took power in Germany. Hitler ruled as a dictator. He wanted to build powerful military and make Germany a strong nation. Dictator- a ruler who has total control of a country and its people.

Adolf Hitler The Holocaust Hitler blamed the Jewish people for German’s problems and sent many to prison or internment camps.

Struggle for Power and Land Fascism and other similar movements gained strength in other countries. Germany- Adolf Hitler Italy- Benito Mussolini Japan- nationalist leaders took over These countries formed an alliance and began invading other countries. Axis Powers Germany had a secret alliance with the Soviet Union as well. Joseph Stalin was The Soviet Union’s leader.

Events of the War Great Britain and France formed an alliance The Allied Powers They tried to stop Germany by signing an agreement with Hitler. This agreement said if Germany does not invade anyone else, they can keep the land they already took over (Czechoslovakia and Hungary) . Hitler broke his promise. Germany attacked Poland. The Allies then declared war on Germany. Because of their alliance, Italy and Japan declared war on the Allies.

Events of the War The Allies could not stop the German army. By 1941, Germany had control of most of Europe. But, Britain had not fallen. Winston Churchill, British prime minister, inspired people to keep fighting: “We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight over the seas and oceans… we shall never surrender.”

Events of the War Even though most Americans believed in isolationism because of how terrible World War I was, we could not sit back and watch Europe get destroyed. Franklin D. Roosevelt wanted to help the British. He sent military equipment and supplies to Britain.

Pearl Harbor Japanese Prime Minister Hideki Tojo knew that only the US could stop Japan from conquering China and other parts of Asia. He planned to destroy the US Navy in a surprise attack. December 7, 1941 Japanese airplanes bombed Pearl Harbor, a naval base in Hawaii.

Pearl Harbor Thousands of US sailors and soldiers died. Americans were stunned by the attack. They thought we did not have a choice but to fight back. Roosevelt called for war against Japan. The day after Pearl Harbor Congress declared war on Japan. Three days later, Germany and Italy declared war on the US.

WHY did the US enter World War II? Use a sequence chart… WHY did the US enter World War II? 1 2 3 4

Vocabulary Vocabulary Adolf Hitler was this type of leader: The idea that one race of people is better than all others: When government controls the economy, culture, and people’s lives: The German, Italian and Japanese alliance during World War II:

The Home Front

Truman’s Decision to Drop the Atomic Bombs Harry Truman believed that many Japanese would die in an invasion of the country. So instead of invading, he chose to drop an atomic bomb hoping it would end the war. On August 6th, 1945 he chose to drop the bomb on the city of Hiroshima, Japan. Three days later, he dropped another bomb on Nagasaki, another Japanese city. The emperor of Japan, Hirohito soon surrendered. August 14, 1945 became known as Victory in Japan day or V-J Day.

The Holocaust As the fighting ended, Allied soldiers discovered one of the worst horrors of the war. In Europe, the Nazis had killed millions of people in concentration camps. Many killed were Jews, the people Hitler blamed for Germany’s problems. German soldiers arrested and killed Jews in the countries that Germany invaded. About 12 million people, 6 were Jews, died or were killed in concentration camps. This mass murder is known as the Holocaust.

Vocabulary Vocabulary To get ready for war: A place where prisoners are held during wartime: A place where large numbers of people are held prisoner and forced to work. Many men, women, and children were beaten, starved, and killed here: A powerful bomb that can destroy an entire city.

Major Events of WWII Pearl Harbor Iwo Jima D-Day VE Day VJ Day Holocaust