
Starting in the Spring of 1940, who controlled most of Western Europe?
When the Allies began their assault against the Axis powers, where did they first attack?
Dieppe Raid disaster : failed invasion of Nazi-occupied Western Europe in August 1942
D-Day = Decision Day • in military lingo used to refer to any decisive military action • now refers specifically to June 6, 1944
Famous Kiss in Times Square photoupon the announcement of victory in EuropeV-E Day
The End of the War • We will spend approximately 15 minutes reviewing the end of WWII in the Pacific. • The rest of the period will be spent working on the project (due tomorrow). • Later in the period you will receive a progress report. Return it tomorrow signed. • Exam study aids – available online • Optional project – description online • Request to Drop a Quiz – description online
The WWII ended in Europe when Germany surrendered on May 7, 1944. (Hitler had been found dead on May 2nd – suicide.) • But the war was still going strong on the Pacific Front.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki • Manhattan Project • Harry S. Truman • V-J Day – August 15, 1945
Nuremberg Trials • held in Germany • 1945-49 • 200+ Nazis on trial for war crimes • several dozen sentenced to death by hanging • many claimed they were “under orders” • “Hitler’s willing executioners” ??? • influence on int’l law: served as a model for later war crimes tribunals and the ICC
Why learn about WWII? What is its historical significance? • marked the end of imperialism • shifted superpower status from Britain to the US • set the stage for the Cold War • created first WMDs – nuclear weapons • legitimized the need for a United Nations – human rights • continued march towards women’s liberation
Why learn about WWII? What is its historical significance? • created first WMDs – nuclear weapons • legitimized the need for a United • Nations – human rights • continued march towards women’s liberation