World War 2

Japanese Expansion

Japan wanted oil, rubber, iron, and other raw materials.

Expansion across Asia and the Pacific led to violence and occupation.

Britain and France Before the War

Both nations were still recovering from World War I losses.

Many leaders hoped to avoid another major war.

Blitzkrieg

Germany used fast attacks with tanks, aircraft, and infantry to defeat enemies quickly.

Blitzkrieg helped Germany rapidly conquer France in 1940.

Maginot Line

France built heavy fortifications along its border with Germany.

Germany bypassed the defenses by invading through Belgium.

D-Day

Allied forces invaded Normandy in 1944.

The invasion opened a second front in Western Europe against Germany.

Collapse of Nazi Germany

Allied forces captured Berlin in 1945.

Germany surrendered, ending the war in Europe.

The Holocaust

The Nazis carried out genocide against Jewish people and other targeted groups.

Millions of Jewish people, Roma, disabled individuals, and others were murdered.

Final Solution

The “Final Solution” was the Nazi plan for the systematic extermination of Europe’s Jewish population.

Concentration camps and extermination camps were central to this policy.

Bataan Death March

Japanese forces forced American and Filipino prisoners to march under brutal conditions.

Thousands died from starvation, exhaustion, and abuse.

Kamikaze Pilots

Japan used suicide attacks late in the war to slow Allied advances.

These attacks reflected Japan’s desperation as the war turned against them.

Total War in Britain

Governments controlled rationing, production, and civilian life during the war.

Civilians experienced shortages, bombing raids, and major sacrifices.

Rationing

Britain rationed food and supplies to ensure fair distribution during shortages.

Citizens were expected to support the war effort through sacrifice.

Effects of World War II

Europe experienced massive destruction, displacement, and economic devastation.

Millions of civilians and soldiers were killed.

Nuremberg Trials

Nazi leaders were put on trial for war crimes after the war.

The trials established the principle that leaders can be held accountable for crimes against humanity.