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

2. Allied invasion of 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)
Allied invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky) (1943)

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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)

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

7. 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

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

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

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

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

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

13. 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)

14. 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.

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

16. WWII resulted in the European domination of the world weakening, as nationalism and independence movements in colonies increased.
Africa pre-WWII
Africa post-WWII

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