WWII

Germany attacks Poland September 1 1939

In September 1939, Germany attacked Poland by bombarding them through the sky and land

Battle of Britain:

This was Great Britain’s resistance against Nazi Germany, about 23,000 soldiers died but it showed that Great Britain can put up a fight. With the land lease act, the United States aided Great Britain along with other countries that had insufficient resources to defend theirselves against Nazi Germany

Germany Invades the Soviet Union (June 22, 1941):

Known as Operation Barbarossa, this was Hitler’s plan to conquer the Soviet Union. The invasion initially succeeded, but harsh winters, fierce Soviet resistance, and supply problems led to Germany’s defeat. It became a turning point in World War II, as the Soviets eventually pushed back and defeated Germany.

Battle of the Atlantic:

A long naval conflict between the Allies and Germany over control of Atlantic shipping lanes. Before joining the war, the U.S. engaged after German U-boats attacked American ships in 1941. In response, Roosevelt ordered a "shoot on sight" policy and pushed to arm U.S. vessels, increasing U.S. involvement while staying technically neutral.

Wolf Packs:

Wolf Packs referred to the battles in the seas that German submarines would start. While the US would try to supply Great Britain and the Soviet Union with supplies, German submarines would prowl like “wolfpacks” in the North Atlantic. The German Submarines are also called U-Boats

Attack on Pearl Harbor:

December 7th, 1941, Japan did a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the US’ most important military base. Japan attacked the US because they thought it would weaken them, Pearl Harbor was a major oil and fueling station for ships and planes, and they did this because the US was supporting other countries against the Axis Powers. Japan attacking Pearl Harbor was the decisive factor for the United States; it lead the United States to join WWII, along with a speech “a day of infamy” by Franklin D Roosevelt.

War Relocation Camps:

After Pearl Harbor, there was a lot of heat against Japanese-Americans and everybody looked at them differently, even Franklin D Roosevelt. So, Roosevelt decided to relocate the Japanese-Americans to camps and in 1942, FDR ordered 112,000 Japanese- Americans moved to internment campsAmericans moved to internment.

Tehran Conference (1943):

A meeting between Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin to plan the final strategy for World War II. They agreed on launching Operation Overlord (D-Day) and discussed post-war Europe.

Operation Overlord (1944):

The Allied plan to invade Nazi-occupied France by landing troops on the beaches of Normandy. This massive invasion was a turning point in World War II.

D-Day (June 6, 1944):

The day Allied forces launched the invasion of Normandy, France, to free Europe from Nazi control. It was the largest amphibious invasion in history.

Battle of the Bulge (1944–1945):

Germany’s last major attack against the Allies in Belgium, trying to break their lines. Despite heavy losses, the Allies pushed back and won.

General Douglas MacArthur:

A U.S. Army general who led forces in the Pacific during World War II. He is famous for saying, "I shall return" after leaving the Philippines and later reclaiming them.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki (August 1945):

The U.S. dropped atomic bombs on these Japanese cities to force Japan to surrender. The bombings led to the end of World War II but caused massive destruction and loss of life.

Blitzkrieg:

A fast and powerful German military strategy meaning "lightning war," using tanks, planes, and troops to overwhelm enemies quickly. It was used to conquer Poland, France, and other countries.

Final Solution:

Nazi Germany’s plan to exterminate Jewish people during the Holocaust. It led to the mass murder of six million Jews in concentration camps.

Kamikaze Pilots:

Japanese pilots who carried out suicide attacks by crashing their planes into enemy ships. They were used in desperation to slow down the U.S. Navy in the Pacific.

Battle of Berlin (April–May 1945):

The final major battle of World War II in Europe, where Soviet forces captured Berlin. It led to Hitler’s suicide and Germany’s surrender.

VE Day (May 8, 1945):

"Victory in Europe Day," celebrating the official surrender of Nazi Germany and the end of the war in Europe.

VJ Day (August 15, 1945):

"Victory over Japan Day," marking Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II. It was celebrated worldwide.

Manhattan Project:

The secret U.S. project that developed the atomic bomb during World War II. Scientists created the bombs used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower:

The Supreme Allied Commander in Europe who led Operation Overlord (D-Day). He later became the 34th President of the United States.

General George Patton:

A bold and aggressive U.S. general who led tank forces in North Africa, Sicily, and the Battle of the Bulge. He was known for his strong leadership and speeches.

General Anthony McAuliffe:

A U.S. general famous for his one-word reply, "Nuts!" when the Germans demanded his surrender during the Battle of the Bulge.

"Nuts!":

General McAuliffe’s response when German forces asked for U.S. surrender at Bastogne. It symbolized American determination.

Island Leapfrogging:

A U.S. strategy in the Pacific where troops skipped heavily defended islands to attack weaker ones. This helped get closer to Japan while avoiding unnecessary battles.

Enola Gay:

The U.S. bomber plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.

Harry S. Truman:

The U.S. President who took office after FDR’s death and made the decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan to end the war.

Gestapo:

Nazi Germany’s secret police that arrested, tortured, and killed those who opposed Hitler. They played a key role in enforcing Nazi policies.

Concentration Camp:

Prison camps where Nazis forced millions of Jews, political prisoners, and others to work or be killed. They were central to the Holocaust.

Luftwaffe:

Nazi Germany’s air force, which played a major role in early war victories but was later weakened by the Allies.

Paul Tibbets:

The pilot of the Enola Gay, who led the mission to drop the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima.