WW2

what event brought the U.S. into WWII?

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor (Dec. 7, 1941)

What was the Bataan Death March?

U.S. and Filipino POWs were forced to march by Japan — very brutal

Where did the U.S. fight first in Europe?

North Africa, then Italy

What happened after the invasion of Italy?

Mussolini was overthrown and the Allies moved north

What was D-Day?

June 6, 1944 — Allied invasion of Normandy, France

What was the Battle of the Bulge?

Germany’s last major attack — Allies won

What led to Nazi Germany's surrender?

Allies invaded from the west, Soviets from the east, and Hitler died

What is VE Day?

Victory in Europe Day – May 8, 1945

What was island hopping?

U.S. strategy of capturing Pacific islands toward Japan

What were two major battles in the Pacific?

Iwo Jima and Okinawa

What ended the war with Japan?

Atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki → VJ Day

What global organization was formed after WWII?

United Nations

What two countries became superpowers after WWII?

United States and Soviet Union