Honors World History 2 Unit 4 “World War II”

Coral Sea

1942 battle on the Pacific front between the US and Japan in the Coral Sea near northeastern Australia. First naval battle fought entirely by aircraft, halted Japan's advance toward Australia, turning point in the pacific

Midway

June 1942, major WWII naval battle, US Navy ambushed and defeated the Japanese fleet, sinking four aircraft carriers. Turning point in the Pacific→Stopped Japan's expansion, shifted momentum to the allies

Island Hopping

WWII strategy used by the US in the Pacific to capture key islands by passing others, moving closer to Japan. Saved time, resources, helped Allies gain a foothold for attacks on the Japanese mainland.

Battle of the Bulge:

Dec. 1944 - January 1945, The last major German offensive of WWII, fought in the Ardennes Forest. Allies withstood a surprise attack, pushed German forces back, a large factor in the end of WWII.

Invasion of Sicily

1943 Allied campaign to capture Axis-controlled Sicily. Led to the fall of Mussolini opened the way for an Allied invasion of mainland Italy, weakening Axis

Battle of Leyte Gulf

Oct. 1944, largest naval battle ever between the US and Japan in the Phillipines, heavy losses crippled the Japanese fleet, US was able to liberate the Philippines

Potsdam Conference

July 1945 meeting between H. Truman (US), Churchill/Clement Atlee (UK), J. Stalin (USSR), to decide post WWII arrangements. Demanded Japan's unconditional surrender, discussed the division of Germany, Eastern Europe

Casablanca Conference

Jan. 1943, meeting between FDR (US), Churchill (UK) during WWII to plan next phases of the European war. Agreed to demand Germany's unconditional surrender, prepare for invasion of Sicily

Tehran Conference

Nov. - Dec. 1943, meeting between FDR, Churchill, Stalin to coordinate military strategy against the Nazis. Planned D-Day Invasion,discussed war boundaries of UN.

Battle of Britain

July - Oct. 1940, WWII air battle where British RAF defended the UK against the German Luftwaffe attacks. Hitlers first major defeat, prevented invasion of the UK.

Atomic Bomb Dropped

August 6, 9 1945, US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima (6th), Nagasaki (9th) leading to massive destruction, loss of life. Forced Japan to surrender, ended WWII.

Hitler's want for Poland

Hitler wanted to invade, control Poland to expand German territory, gain living space (Lebensraum), destroy Poland as a sole nation. Invasion started WWII in 1939.

Atlantic Charter

Aug. 1941, joint declaration by FDR, Churchill that outlined post-WWII goals.No territorial expansion, self-determination for nations, free trade, peace. Foundation for UN.

Stalingrad

Aug. 1942 - Feb. 1943, major battle between the Nazis and the Soviets in the city of Stalingrad. Soviet victory halted the Nazi advance into the USSR, a turning point in the Eastern Front, 1 million Soviet deaths.

Munich Conference

Sept. 1938, meeting between USSR, US, GB, FR, IT, agreed to let Hitler the Sudentanland in Czechoslovakia. Appeasement aimed to avoid war, failed to stop Hilters expansion.

Douglas MacArthur

US general, commanded Allied Land forces in the Pacific. Known for leading the defense, liberation of the Phillipines, oversaw Japan's postwar occupation, reconstruction.

Reform of Japan after the war

Led by Douglas MacArthur, the US oversaw numerous reforms in Japan. Adopted a new democratic constitution, disbanded the army, promoted economic reform, and led to a peaceful nation.

Charles de Gaulle

French general, leader who led the Free French forces after France fell to Germany.

Rommel

German general, "Desert Fox", great leader of Axis forces in North Africa, known for great tactical skill, honor. Downfall came after defeat at the Second Battle of El Alamein.