Bellringer Download today’s notes: Course of War Notes Answer the following question: Blitzkrieg literally means “lightening war.” Judging from the definition of the word, what do you think blitzkrieg might be?

Course of WWII The first years of WWII seemed to go in Hitler’s favor. With his blitzkrieg, he had gained control of much of western and central Europe. Victories over Britain and Russia remained elusive, however. When the U.S. entered the war, the Allies agreed to fight until the Axis powers surrendered unconditionally.

What was WWII? Largest war in human history. Involved countries, colonies, and territories around the entire world. By the end, over 60 million were dead. It lasted from 1939 until 1945.

W WI and the Treaty of Versailles Appeasement Rise of Totalitarianism Causes W WI and the Treaty of Versailles Appeasement Rise of Totalitarianism

Totalitarianism USSR: Communist Dictatorship Germany & Italy: Fascist Japan: Military

Adolf Hitler-Germany Hideki Tojo - Japan Benito Mussolini-Italy Josef Stalin-USSR

Who was on each side? Axis Powers Germany Italy Japan Allied Powers Great Britain Soviet Union United States France Surrendered to Germany in 1940 after 6 weeks

How did WWII start? Germany invaded Poland on Sept. 1, 1939. Allies declare war on Germany 2 days later. Poland surrendered within 4 weeks. Divided it with the Soviet Union on Sept. 28, 1939. Germans use “blitzkrieg” to overwhelm other armies. Blitzkrieg means “lightening war” in German. Surround with tanks and troops in trucks in airplanes. After a winter of waiting, Hitler resumed attack in April of 1940. Denmark & Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, France (“Maginot Line”). France surrendered on June 22, 1940. Britain remained undefeated and determined. United States (President Franklin D. Roosevelt) practices isolationism but supplied food, ships, and weapons to Britain.

How did WWII start? Hitler could not defeat Britain despite heaving bombing (Battle of Britain- targeted military, then civilian targets in 1940) British Air Force remained strong. Hitler then invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941. Thought Britain was staying in the war, holding out for Soviet help. Convinced that the Soviets had a pitiful army and could be defeated quickly. Won major victories early on and got within 25 miles of the capital. Early winter and Soviet resistance stopped Hitler. First time Hitler’s army had been stopped since the war started! Soviets counterattacked in December 1941.

What about the Pacific War? The US (mostly) fought the Japanese. December 7, 1941 Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in Hawaii to sink US ships there. Also attacked the Philippines same day. Two hours = most US navy destroyed and 2400 Americans killed Wanted to destroy the US fleet and force the U.S. to accept Japanese domination of the Pacific. America declared war on Japan. Hitler declared war on America 4 days after Pearl Harbor. Thought U.S. couldn’t fight in both Europe and the Pacific. By spring of 1942, much of the Western Pacific was under Japan’s control.

Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX4sTBJ0tvA

The Allies Advance Great Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union agreed to put political differences aside and fight until the Axis Powers surrendered unconditionally. British and American Allies regained control in North Africa by May 1943. The Soviets forced the Germans to surrender at Stalingrad, and forced them out of the Soviet Union by spring of 1943. American forces gained ground in the Pacific by “island hopping.” Japanese forces were fading by Nov. 1942.

Review! 1. What was the “spark” that started the war? 2. What is blitzkrieg? 3. What halted Hitler’s advance in the Soviet Union? 4. What drew the U.S. into the war? 5. What misjudgments did the Axis powers make about U.S. involvement in the war? 6. What was the U.S. strategy to gain ground in the Pacific?

Homework!! Read Lessons 1 & 2! Quiz THURSDAY over Ch. 17, Lessons 1 & 2! (Causes and Course of War Notes)