World War II PDF

Beginning of World War II ​ Japan's militaristic expansion begins with the occupation of Korea in 1910 and the invasion of Manchuria in 1931. ​ ​ The Second Sino-Japanese War starts in 1937, marking a significant escalation in Asia. ​ Nazi Germany's aggressive actions includ...

Beginning of World War II ​ Japan's militaristic expansion begins with the occupation of Korea in 1910 and the invasion of Manchuria in 1931. ​ ​ The Second Sino-Japanese War starts in 1937, marking a significant escalation in Asia. ​ Nazi Germany's aggressive actions include the Anschluss with Austria and the takeover of the Sudetenland in 1938. ​ ​ The invasion of Poland by Germany on September 1, 1939, is widely considered the formal start of World War II. ​ ​ The policy of appeasement, reluctance to engage in another war, and the impact of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. Notable definitions ​ Fascism: A political ideology characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy. In the 1930s, fascism rose in countries like Italy and Germany, influencing global politics and contributing to the onset of World War II. ​ Appeasement: A diplomatic policy aimed at avoiding conflict by making concessions to another power. In the 1930s, European powers, particularly Britain and France, used appeasement in an attempt to prevent war with Nazi Germany, allowing Hitler to expand German territory unchecked. ​ Isolationism: A national policy of avoiding involvement in foreign affairs. In the United States during the 1930s, isolationism was a dominant sentiment, with many Americans opposing military intervention in European conflicts until the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Axis gains momentum in World War II ​ Strategic goals of Germany, Italy, and Japan in 1940: Germany's territorial expansion, Italy's involvement in North Africa, and Japan's interest in French Indochina. ​ Germany invades Denmark and Norway in April 1940. ​ Germany invades the Netherlands and Belgium in May 1940.  ​ Italy declares war on the Allies in June 1940, leading to skirmishes in North Africa. ​ France falls to Germany, establishing Vichy France in June 1940. ​ Germany begins bombing Britain in July 1940. ​ Japan joins the Axis by signing the Tripartite Pact in September 1940. Notable definitions ​ Axis Powers: The coalition of Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II, which sought to expand their territories and influence through military aggression. ​ Tripartite Pact: An agreement signed in September 1940 by Germany, Italy, and Japan, establishing a military alliance and mutual defense pact among the Axis powers. ​ Vichy France: The regime established in southern France after the country's defeat by Germany in 1940, which collaborated with the Axis powers while maintaining nominal independence. Axis momentum accelerates in WW2 ​ Bulgaria joins the Axis powers in March 1941, influenced by Axis momentum. ​ In North Africa, Rommel's forces push the British back to the Egyptian border. ​ The Axis powers, with German support, take over Yugoslavia and Greece by April 1941. ​ In June 1941, Germany invades the Soviet Union, stretching its military resources. ​ Decemeber 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor attack and the US entry into World War II Notable definitions ​ Axis Powers: The coalition of Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II, which sought to expand their territories and influence through military conquest. ​ Pearl Harbor: A surprise military attack by the Japanese on the United States naval base in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, which led to the U.S. entering World War II. ​ Operation Barbarossa: The code name for the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, marking a significant escalation in World War II and opening the Eastern Front. World War II in the Pacific in 1942 ​ The Doolittle Raid: A psychological victory for the U.S., boosting morale and challenging Japanese leadership. ​ Battle of Coral Sea: First major naval engagement; U.S. losses but strategic impact on Japanese naval capabilities. ​ Battle of Midway: A turning point with a significant U.S. victory, marking the first Japanese naval defeat since 1863. ​ Guadalcanal: U.S. forces secure a strategic position, marking a shift to offensive operations in the Pacific. ​ Impact on American and Japanese morale: Psychological boost for Americans; potential questioning of leadership by Japanese citizens. Notable definitions ``` ​ Island-hopping: A military strategy employed by the Allies in the Pacific War against Japan and the Axis powers. It involved bypassing heavily fortified Japanese positions and instead focusing on strategically important islands that were not well defended. ​ Doolittle Raid: An air raid by the United States on Tokyo and other locations on the Japanese mainland during World War II. It was the first air operation to strike the Japanese archipelago and served as a significant morale booster for the United States. ​ Battle of Midway: A decisive naval battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II that took place in June 1942. The United States Navy, under Admirals Chester Nimitz, Frank Jack Fletcher, and Raymond A. Spruance, decisively defeated an attacking fleet of the Imperial Japanese Navy, marking a turning point in the Pacific War. 1943 Axis losing in Europe ​ The Soviet victory at Stalingrad marked a significant turning point, allowing them to push back the Axis forces. ​ Allied forces successfully expelled Axis troops from North Africa, setting the stage for the invasion of Italy. ​ The deposition of Mussolini and Italy's surrender highlighted internal Axis weaknesses.  ​ The Battle of Kursk ended Axis offensive capabilities on the Eastern Front, enabling Soviet advances. Notable definitions ​ Stalingrad: A major battle on the Eastern Front of World War II where the Soviet Union defeated the Axis forces, marking a turning point in the war. ​ North African Campaign: A series of battles in North Africa during World War II, where Allied forces expelled Axis troops, paving the way for the invasion of Italy. ​ Battle of Kursk: The largest tank battle in history, where Soviet forces defeated the German army, ending Axis offensive capabilities on the Eastern Front. American progress in the Pacific in 1944 ​ The U.S. captured Kwajalein, gaining strategic airfield positions. ​ Control of the Solomon, Marshall, and Gilbert Islands was established. ​ The Battle of the Philippine Sea weakened Japanese carrier capabilities. ​ The capture of the Mariana Islands enabled B-29 bombing raids on Japan. Notable definitions ​ Island-Hopping: A military strategy employed by the Allies in the Pacific War against Japan, involving the capture of specific islands and using them as bases to advance closer to Japan. ​ Battle of Leyte Gulf: A major naval battle in October 1944, considered one of the largest in history, where the United States decisively defeated the Japanese fleet, significantly reducing Japan's naval capabilities. ​ B-29 Superfortress: A long-range bomber used by the United States during World War II, capable of carrying out strategic bombing raids on Japan from bases in the Mariana Islands. Allies advance further in Europe ​ The Soviet army ends the Siege of Leningrad and advances through the Baltics. ​ The Allies liberate Rome in June and Paris in August. ​ D-Day occurs on June 6, marking a significant Allied invasion in Normandy. ​ The Battle of the Bulge begins in December, a major German counteroffensive. Notable definitions ​ D-Day: The Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, marked a significant turning point in World War II. It was the largest seaborne invasion in history and initiated the liberation of German-occupied France. ​ Battle of the Bulge: A major German counteroffensive launched in December 1944 through the Ardennes region. It was the last significant German offensive on the Western Front and ultimately failed, leading to a decisive Allied victory. ​ V1 and V2 Rockets: Early forms of guided missiles used by Germany during World War II. The V1 was a pulse-jet-powered flying bomb, while the V2 was the world's first long-range guided ballistic missile. These technological advancements had significant impacts on warfare and future military technology. End of World War II ​ The Battle of the Bulge marked a turning point in late 1944, leading to the Allied invasion of Germany in early 1945. ​ The Yalta Conference in February 1945 addressed post-war Europe and Germany's future. ​ The firebombing of German and Japanese cities demonstrated the Allies' determination to force surrender. ​ The use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 accelerated Japan's surrender. Notable definitions ​ Atomic Bomb: A powerful weapon that uses nuclear reactions to release massive amounts of energy, leading to widespread destruction. The United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, hastening the end of World War II. ​ Island-Hopping: A military strategy employed by the Allies in the Pacific War against Japan, involving the capture of specific islands and using them as bases to advance closer to Japan. ​ Yalta Conference: A meeting held in February 1945 between the leaders of the Allied powers—Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin—to discuss the reorganization of post-war Europe and the fate of Germany.