5 Things to Know about World War II…

1. What happens to Germany after WWI ends? WWI ended officially with the Treaty of Versailles (France) in 1919. Germany (along with the other Central Powers) were punished for

their role in the war. Germany (considered the “leaders”) will be forced to give up land, to

“demilitarize” and pay $$billions in reparations (damages). As a result, the German economy will go into a terrible depression…

2. How does Hitler rise to power? The people of Germany will be out of work and angry after WWI ended. Adolf Hitler will come to Germany after the war and get involved in politics The NAZI Party will get involved in meetings (putsches) that will encourage

angry Germans to overthrow the government. Hitler will be sent to jail (1924) and will write Mein Kampf (My Struggle). The book will speak of the enemies being the people in charge of the

government, as well as certain groups that “weaken” Germany. By 1933, the NAZI Party is in power and Hitler is appointed the Chancellor…

3. How does World War II begin? As Hitler and the NAZI Party continue to gain momentum, countries of

Europe (and the US) were worried. The Germans had started taking back lands that had been taken from them

after World War I, including Austria and the Rhineland. This was against the rules of the TOV. In 1938, France and Britain would allow the Germans to take back

Czecholslovakia (present day Czech Republic). F & B had been promised by Hitler that this would be the last piece of land

Germany wanted. The Germans will invade Poland in September 1939, starting WWII…

4. How does the US get involved in World War II? At the beginning of the war, FDR wanted to keep troops out of the fighting. So, the US ramped up factory production and sold goods to the Allies. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attack the US Naval base in Hawaii. FDR would give his “Day of Infamy” speech on December 8 urging Congress

to declare war on Japan (and Axis Powers)… About 16 million Americans will serve during WWII with 360,000 from NC…

5. What are some of the major “events” of World War II? The “Battle of Midway” will take place in June of 1942. Trying to capitalize on PH victory, Japan will attack US Navy base at Midway The US will destroy more than 300 Japanese aircraft and discourage further

big attacks in the Pacific Ocean. After creating a “non-aggression (secret) pact”, Germany will invade Russia

in July 1942 and fighting will last until February 1943. The “Battle of Stalingrad” will see almost 2 million soldiers die or be

captured (total) before Russia is victorius and Axis Powers are defeated. The invasion of Normandy Beach in France (D-Day) took place in June 1944 Known as “Operation Overlord”, 150,000 Allied troops will hit 5 beaches. This will lead to the liberation of Western Europe and the fall of Germany…

Click below for more information about major “events” of WWII:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGDUCS1XgfI (overview)https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/d-day-allied-invasion-at-normandy-video (D-Day)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNDnEb6sbU0 (background on Pearl Harbor/FDR)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgp6ZH-by-E (explanation of bombing of Hiroshima/Nagasaki)