World War II

.

Germany and Italy began taking over many territories in Europe and in Africa. Japan expanded its empire in the Pacific. After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, the U.S. joined the Allies in the war. The war in Europe took place on land and in the air. The war in the Pacific took place in the sea and in the air. America was affected in many ways. All men between 18-45 years of age could be drafted. Nearly 12.5 million men served in the U.S. armed forces. The U.S. made airplanes, guns, tanks and ships to supply the war. After the surrender of Germany, part of that country became democratic. In Japan, General MacArthur was in charge of disarming that country and establishing peace.

Events Leading to War

Europe-1922-Mussolini became the dictator of Italy. He took away their freedom.

1933-Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany when Hitler's Nazi party took over the parliament. Hitler appointed himself the ruler of everyday life and demanded the Germans support his party. He also started a campaign of persecution and harassment of the German Jews.

1939-Italy invaded Albania and Hitler sent his army to invade Czechoslovakia and Poland. England and France declare war in Germany.

Pacific-1931-Japan invaded and conquered the Chinese. The United States and the League of Nations condemned Japan's actions.

Dec. 7, 1941-Japan attacked the U.S. navy base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The U.S. declared war on Japan.

Highlights of the War in Europe

Battle of Stalingrad -1942-1943. The German army and the Russians were fighting this long battle. The Russians defeated the Nazis and began to drive the German army away.

D-Day -June 6, 1944-General Eisenhower directed this invasion, of Europe at the beaches of Normandy,France. It was the largest land-sea battle in history.

Battle of Midway -June, 1942-Japanese tried to take Midway Island in their second attempt to invade Hawaii. Japan was defeated. Hawaii was saved.

Philippines -The Battle of Leyte Gulf-October, 1944-was the greatest naval-air battle in history. Japanese sea power was broken when they were defeated by American planes and ships.

Atomic Bombing -August 6, 1945-The U.S. dropped the first atomic bomb on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These bombings brought death and injury to nearly 130,000 people. The war was over.

Surrender of Germany

May 8, 1945 V-E Day (Victory-in-Europe) Germany surrendered to the Allies.

Surrender of Japan

September 2, 1945 V-J Day (Victory- over- Japan). Japan surrendered to the Allied commanders.

MazeImages