Fighting World War II Chapter 36

Focus Question: What strategies did the United States and its Allies use to defeat the Axis powers in World War II?

Introduction The US fought a war on two fronts or theatres: the Pacific and European The Atlantic was patrolled by Nazi “wolf packs” Many of the Pacific islands were controlled by the Japanese There were many firsts and technological advancements German U-Boats patrolled the waters of the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, routinely sinking American ships

Preparing for War in Europe Churchill and FDR decided on a “Europe First” strategy The US would fight a largely defensive war in the Pacific The Germans had launched Operation Barbarossa, and already controlled much of Western Europe The German invasion was largely to obtain natural resources. Hitler also sent troops to North Africa under Erwin Rommel (Nickname: Desert Fox) Afrika Korps; looking to control oil – joined the Italians These were all blitzkrieg type tactics