World War II

1. World War II 1939-1945 US entry in 1941

2. Causes of War in Europe • Failure of the Treaty of Versailles to bring lasting peace. • Germany felt it was unfair, punished them. • Dictators in Germany, Japan, and Italy promoted fanatical national pride, called fascism. • Terrible worldwide depression • Hit Germany especially hard because of WWI war reparations.

3. Causes of War in Europe • Fascist and Nazi aggression, and the failure of the League of Nations to act. • Europe • 1935 Mussolini invaded Ethiopia. • 1936 Hitler took Rhineland. • 1938 annexed Austria, appeasement – Hitler got Sudetanland (part of Czech.) • 1939 Hitler took the rest, and invaded Poland. • Britain and France declared war two days later.

4. Japanese Aggression leads to war in Asia… • 1931 – Japan invaded Manchuria. • US issued the Stimson Doctrine – refused to recognize territory taken by force. • 1933 – League condemned Japanese aggression, Japan withdrew from League. • 1936 – Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis • 1937 – Japan invaded mainland China – this was the beginning of WW II in Asia (two years before it began in Europe.)

5. Japanese Aggression • 1937 – Japan bombed and sank an American gunboat (Panay) and attacked three Standard Oil tankers. • Apologized and paid reparations • Private boycott of Japanese goods • 1940 – Tripartite Pact with Germany and Italy pledging to declare war on any nation that declared war on them. • 1941 – Japan signed non-aggression pact with Soviets, and established a protectorate over all of French Indochina. • FDR froze Japanese assets, put an embargo on oil to Japan, put armed forces of Philippines under command of MacArthur. • 1941 – Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.

6. US Enters the War • Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor – Dec. 7, 1941

7. A Date That Will Live in Infamy • Yesterday, 7 December 1941-a date which will live in infamy-the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. • The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack. • It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government had deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. • The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives were lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

8. FDR’s War Message Continued • Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. • Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. • Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. • Last night Japanese forces attacked the • Philippine Islands. • Last night Japanese forces attacked Wake Island. • This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island. • Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation. • As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. • Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. • No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. • I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again. • Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. • With confidence in our armed forces-with the unbounded determination of our people-we will gain the inevitable triumph-so help us God. • I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, 7 December, a state ofwar has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.

9. US Declares War on Germany and Italy • On the morning of 11 December, the Government of Germany, pursuing its course of world conquest, declared war against the United States. • The long-known and the long-expected has thus taken place. The forces endeavoring to enslave the entire world now are moving toward this hemisphere. • Never before has there been a greater challenge to life, liberty, and civilization. • Delay invites greater danger. Rapid and united effort by all of the peoples of the world who are determined to remain free will ensure a world victory of the forces of justice and of righteousness over the forces of savagery and of barbarism. • Italy also has declared war against the United States. • I therefore request the Congress to recognize a state of war between the United States and Germany, and between the United States and Italy.

10. How did U.S. policy change from isolation to neutrality to total involvement? • Hoover – U.S. should not enter into firm commitments to preserve the security of other nations. (isolationism) • Viewed peace conferences and treaties as moral efforts and opposed using economic sanctions against aggressors. Thought this would lead to military involvement. • Actively pursued friendly relations with Latin America – took a “good will” tour. Ended interventionist policies of Taft and Wilson in the region.

11. FDR continued Hoover’s efforts in Latin America – pursued a good neighbor policy. • Worldwide depression led to the rise of dictatorships in Italy in the 1920s and Japan and Germany in the 1930s. • Their aggression made isolationists in America more determined to avoid war at all costs.

12. Neutrality • Congress adopted a series of Neutrality Acts (signed reluctantly by FDR) to ensure that the US would stay neutral if war broke out in Europe. • Neutrality Act of 1935 – president could prohibit all shipments of arms and could forbid citizens to travel on ships of belligerent nations. • Neutrality Act of 1936 – forbade extension of loans and credits to belligerents. • Neutrality Act of 1937 – forbade shipment of arms to opposing sides in civil war in Spain.

13. America First Committee • 1940 – after WW II had begun – isolationists were alarmed at FDR’s pro-British policies. • Formed the AMERICA FIRST COMMITTEE to mobilize public opinion against the war. • Speakers like Charles Lindbergh traveled the country warning against the folly of getting involved in a second war in Europe.

14. Agreement with British and French policy… • As the British and French decided to “appease” Hitler, the U.S. went along with their policy.

15. U.S. response to aggression • FDR recognized the dangers of Fascist aggression, but was limited by the fact that most Americans favored isolation. • 1937 speech after Japan invaded Manchuria – urged democracies to act together to “quarantine” the aggressor. • Public reaction was negative

16. Preparedness • While arguing for neutrality, FDR was able to press for security – Congress went along with arms buildup. • Late 1938 US increased military and naval budgets by nearly 2/3. • Isolationists accepted this, thinking it would be used to protect against possible invasion of the Western Hemisphere.

17. Changing U.S. Policy • As war broke out in Europe, most Americans became alarmed at the news of Nazi tanks, planes, troops conquering one nation after another. • FDR believed British survival was necessary to US security. • He began chipping away at Neutrality Laws. • By 1940 most Americans accepted that U.S. defenses must be strengthened , but direct aid to Britain was widely debated.

18. CASH and CARRY • 1939 – FDR persuaded Congress to adopt a less restrictive Neutrality Act. • Belligerent could buy U.S. arms if it used its own ships to carry them and paid cash. • Technically this was a neutral policy, in practice it strongly favored Britain.

19. Selective Service Act 1940 • FDR persuaded Congress to enact a law for compulsory military service without actually naming Germany as a potential enemy. • Provided for registration and training of 1.2 million troops. • Isolationists opposed this peacetime draft, but were now outnumbered.

20. Destroyers for Bases Deal • September 1940 – British under assault by German bombing raids. • German subs threatened the seas. • FDR could not sell US destroyers to the British without alarming isolationists. • Cleverly arranged a trade. • Britain got 50 older destroyers (still serviceable) in exchange for giving the US right to build bases on British islands in the Caribbean.

21. Arsenal of Democracy… • December 1940 – FDR’s fireside chat – worried about German conquest of most of Europe, threat to US security and future democratic governments everywhere. Ready to end appearance of neutrality and give material aid to the British.

22. Four Freedoms • January 1941, FDR addressed Congress and proposed lending money to the British for the purchase of US war materials. • Justified this policy as a defense of “four freedoms”. • US must stand behind those nations that were committed to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear…

23. Lend-Lease Act • FDR proposed ending cash and carry • Permit Britain to obtain all US arms it needed on credit • Like lending a neighbor a garden hose to put out a fire… • America First Committee campaigned against this • Signed into law in March 1941

24. Less and Less Neutral • Met with Churchill in 1941 to discuss peace objectives for when the war ended. (self-determination, no territorial expansion, free trade) Atlantic Charter • July 1941 – US navy would escort British ships carrying lend-lease materials and after the American destroyer GREER was attacked by German sub FDR ordered navy to “shoot on sight”! US was now fighting an undeclared naval war on Germany.

25. Problems with Japan • After Japan joined the Axis powers in 1940, the US cut off exports of steel and scrap iron. • After Japan occupied French Indochina, FDR froze all Japanese credits in the US and cut off their access to vital materials such as oil. • Japan tried to negotiate an agreement with the US – unsuccessful. • FDR hoped to avoid conflict until forces in the Pacific were stronger. • Japan hoped to act quickly because of limited oil supplies. • Dec. 1941 – attack on Pearl Harbor.

26. US Reasons for Entry… • Fear of German aggression • Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor

27. Summary of US Reasons for Entry • Sympathy for Britain and France • Had already followed “cash and carry” policy which favored them, allowing them to buy arms if they used their own ships and paid cash. • By 1941 following “lend-lease” allowing Britain to get what it needed on credit. • US navy escorting British ships with orders to attack all German ships on sight

28. People • Hitler – Der Fuhrer – Germany, WW II • Mussolini – Il Duce – Italy, WW II • Winston Churchill – British Prime Minister, WW II • FDR – US President during WW II • Neville Chamberlain – British Prime Minister prior to Churchill, appeased Hitler. • Charles de Gaulle - France

29. People • Joseph Stalin – Soviet leader in WW II • Douglas MacArthur – General in the Pacific – ordered by FDR to escape to Australia leaving soldiers to the Japanese (Bataan). Said “I shall return.” He did, two years later. • Robert Oppenheimer – scientist who headed the building of the bomb. “I am become Death, the Destroyer of Worlds.”

30. People • Harry Truman – US President after FDR’s death. Ordered bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. • Rosie the Riveter – fictional young woman who worked in a defense plant while boyfriend in the marines. Song and images used in posters for recruitment of women to the workforce.

31. Group Topics for WW II • War in Europe • War in Pacific • Mobilization at Home • New Technology • Social Effects – include African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Japanese Americans • Meetings – Atlantic Charter, Casablanca, Teheran, Yalta, Potsdam

32. Causes of the War in Europe • Germany’s economy was a mess! Inflation was astronomical… to the point where it would take a wheelbarrow full of Reichmarks to buy a loaf of bread. Kids would use stacks of money to build castles in the street. Germany needed inspiration, they needed a new leader…that was Adolf Hitler.

33. Causes Cont. • With a nationalistic feeling growing rapidly in the heart of Germany, Hitler had no problem taking power. His ally, Benito Mussolini, quickly rose to power in Italy as well.

34. Main Battle Techniques • Blitzkrieg • Divide and conquer • Squad base warfare • Flanking • Ambush

35. Battle of Britain • Greatest air assault the world had yet seen • June 1940 to June 1941 • 30,000 Londoners killed 120,000 wounded • Massive losses – Brits refused to surrender • Sent kids to country for safety • Slept in the subways

36. Battle of Stalingrad • Hitler realized the Brits weren’t going to surrender – turned his attention to Soviets (breaking the Non-Aggression Pact) • June 1941 – poured across Soviet border • Bombing lasted over two months • House to house fighting in the rubble of Stalingrad • Scorched earth policy • Jan. 31, 1943 surviving Germans surrendered • Turning point of war in East. Soviets began to regain lost territory. • Lessons of history – Napoleon (winter in Russia)

37. D-Day • Invasion of Normandy, France • June 6, 1944 • Largest landing by sea • 4600 invasion craft, 1000 bombers, 23,000 airborne soldiers dropped in, 150,000 came ashore • Within a week ½ million ashore • By late August Paris was liberated

38. General Info • Nazi Arms Stretched as far north as Norway, east to Stalingrad, south to Egypt, and West to the English Channel. • The total estimated human loss of life caused by World War II, irrespective of political alignment, was roughly 62 million people. The civilian toll was around 37 million, the military toll about 25 million. The Allies lost around 51 million people, and the Axis lost 11 million. (Note that some Axis countries switched sides and reentered the war on the side of the Allies; those nations are included in the Allied count, regardless of when the deaths occurred.) There was a disproportionate loss of life and property; some nations had a higher casualty rate than others, due to a number of factors including military tactics, crimes against humanity, economic preparedness and the level of technology.

39. End of War in Europe • May 8, 1945 • Germany surrendered, Hitler committed suicide • March 1945 Americans crossed the Rhine • April 1945 Soviets fought their way into Berlin • April 25, 1945 US and Soviets met at the Elbe River

40. War in the Pacific • Begins with Pearl Harbor • Dec. 7, 1941 • 18 warships sunk/heavily damaged • 8 of 9 battleships lost • Did not lose aircraft carriers (they were at sea) or submarines which would be crucial to the war effort against Japan

41. Bataan Death March – May 1942 • FDR knew the Philippines would fall, evacuated MacArthur • 76,000 Filipinos and Americans became POWs • Divided into groups and marched 60 miles to railroad, at least 10,000 died. • Wasn’t known about until 3 years later when 3 survivors escaped. • Japanese General who organized it was executed.

42. Battle of Coral Sea – May 1942 • First naval combat carried out entirely by aircraft. Enemy ships never saw each other. • 5 day battle • US lost the Lexington, the Yorktown was damaged. • Halted the Japanese advance, stood up to a superior fleet (NE of Australia) • Prevented establishment of bases that could be used to bomb Australia.

43. Battle of Midway 1942 • Fought in the air • Demolished 3 of 4 Japanese carriers • Left Japan unable to launch offensive attack • After this , US controlled the central Pacific • Japan didn’t have the resources to replace lost ships

44. Guadalcanal – August 1942 • 11,000 marines landed • 2,200 Japan fled into the jungle • Japanese slipped away in Feb. 1943, un-noticed. • First jungle warfare for the marines • Used island as a base for ISLAND-HOPPING

45. IWO JIMA – 1944-45 • One of the bloodiest of the war • Japanese had guns in concrete bunkers • Living in caves/tunnels • US bombed by air for 74 days • Mid Feb. 1945, marines stormed the beach • In 3 days, they gained 700 yards • Took a month to secure the island

46. Okinawa – April to June 1945 • Last obstacle to invasion of Japan • 100,000 defenders • 350 miles from Japan • Pledged to fight to the death • After 3 months of fighting the remaining 7000 Japanese surrendered • Costliest engagement in the Pacific – 50,000 American casualties

47. End of war in Japan • August 6, 1945 • Hiroshima (site of large army base) • 140,000 killed in the blast or within a few months • Thousands survived with radiation and burns • 90% of buildings destroyed • August 9, 1945 • Nagasaki • August 14, 1945 terms of surrender accepted • September 2, 1945 formal surrender signed on the USS Missouri

48. New Technology

49. Nuclear Weapons • The big A-Bomb ! • AKA Fat man and Little Boy

50. R.A.D.A.R • Radio Detection and Ranging