How did World War II end and what were its effects? Notes #25

Allies invade Sicily (Operation Husky) (1943) With the help of the U.S., the Allies began to push back the Axis Powers, forcing Italy to surrender first. Benito Mussolini executed (1945) Allies invade Sicily (Operation Husky) (1943)

The large size and harsh winter climate of the Soviet Union allowed it to defend itself against Germany and led to Germany’s eventually retreat.

D-Day (June 6, 1944); over 6,600 American casualties On D-Day the Allies began invading France and freeing it from German control, . . . D-Day (June 6, 1944); over 6,600 American casualties

Hitler commits suicide . . . which forced Germany to fight a two-front war (East and West) and resulted in its eventual surrender. Hitler commits suicide (April 30, 1945) Battle of the Bulge (1944–45)

Despite the surrender of Germany and Italy, Japan continued to fight. Battle of Iwo Jima (1945); over 26,000 American casualties

In response, the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Japan at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Hiroshima bombed on August 6, 1945; Nagasaki bombed on August 9, 1945 U.S. President Harry Truman

This resulted in over 100,000 deaths (with the effects of radiation killing more years later) . . .

Japan surrenders (August 14, 1945) . . . and led to the surrender of Japan, which ended WWII. U.S. General Douglas MacArthur with Japanese Emperor Hirohito Japan surrenders (August 14, 1945)

During WWII, the Nazis orchestrated the Holocaust, which was the genocide (mass killing) of European Jews and other people.

Goering being prosecuted After WWII, Nazi officials were tried and sentenced to death or prison for their actions at the Nuremberg Trials. Nazi official Hermann Goering being prosecuted

After WWII, Germany was split into a communist East and a democratic West, . . . East Germany (1949–1990) West Germany (1949–1990)

U.S. President Harry Truman signs security treaty with Japan (1951) . . . and Japan was occupied by nations from the Allies (led by the U.S.). U.S. President Harry Truman signs security treaty with Japan (1951)

Before WWII, the League of Nations was created by the Treaty of Versailles to prevent future wars, but failed to do so because it was too weak.

After WWII, the United Nations (UN) was created to provide a means of solving international problems and had greater participation from the major powers. United Nations (1945)

WWII resulted in European domination of the world begin to weaken as nationalism in colonies increased. Africa pre-WWII Africa post-WWII 16

WWII also resulted in the expansion of communism in Eastern Europe.