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Japanese Invasion of China
What: Japan invaded Asia and attacked China. US put sanctions on Japan and forced them to remove their troops.
Why: Japan wanted to expand and become the central power in Asia.
Effects: Japan signed the Tripartite Pact with Germany and Italy. However, Japan attacked the US in their effort for dominance. -
German Invasion of Poland
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What: Germany and the Soviet Union invaded of Poland.
Why: Germany wanted to expand its power and begin taking over the world.
Effects: Britain and France declared war on Germany. -
German Blitzkrieg
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What: An offensive battle strategy used to create disorganization among the enemy if successful.
Why: Germany couldn’t win with direct combat.
Effects: Helped with many of the battles Germany had won throughout World War II -
Operation Barbrosa
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What: Germany attempted to invade the Soviet Union.
Why: They wanted to be take out the Soviet Union and prevent a two-front war.
Effects: Germany ended up having to fight a two-front war due to it’s failure. -
Pearl Harbor
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What: Japan attacked Pearl Harbor to cripple the US Navy.
Why: Japan wanted to be the power in the Pacific.
Effects: 2,000 American soldiers died. About 20 American vessels, 8 large battleships, and over 300 airplanes were destroyed. The US then declared war on Japan. -
Wannsee Conference
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What: Nazi officials held a meeting to decide what they would do with the Jews.
Why: They wanted to discuss the details of the "Final Solution" of the "Jewish question."
Effects: The "gas vans" were brought around and made to kill up to 1,000 people a day. -
Bataan Death March
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What: Approximately 75,000 Filipino and American troops on Bataan were forced to walk 65 miles to prison camps. The trip was made in intense heat and the troops were severely abused by Japanese guards. Thousands died.
Why: The US surrendered the Bataan peninsula to the Japanese.
Effects: The Japanese took over the Philippines -
Battle of Midway
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What: Naval battle in which the US defeated Japan.
Why: The US countered a Japanese attempt at an ambush.
Effects: Permanently damaged the Japanese Navy and allowed for major advances in code breaking and the Allied powers were able to move into an offensive position. -
Operation Gomorrah
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What: British bombers raided Hamburg, Germany.
Why: Britain was going to seek revenge after suffering the loss of 167 civilians as result of German bombings.
Effects: Britain used a new technology called "Windows" to confuse German radars. As a result, more than 1,500 German civilians died. -
Allied Invasion of Italy
sourceWhat: After defeating Italy and Germany in their attempt to take over North Africa. US and Britain forces moved into Italy. As they began to invade Europe.
Why: They wanted to make moves towards taking out the German and Italian forces and it was considered "the soft underbelly of Europe."
Effects: Allowed the US and Britain easier access to taking down the Axis powers. -
D-Day (Normandy Invasion)
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What: Battle in which 156,000 American, British, and Canadian forces landed on five beaches which spanned across 50 miles.
Why: Helped the Allies gain access to the Axis powers land.
Effects: Helped the Allied powers defeat the Germans. -
Battle of the Bulge
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What: Germany's last attempt to survive. The most deadly battle of WWII.
Why: Allied powers were moving in on Germany.
Effects: Most expensive battle for the US Army as there was over 100,000 casualties. -
Operation Thunderclap
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What: Firebombing raids against Dresden. Killed around 135,000 people. Most destructive bombing in war.
Why: To ensure German surrender.
Effects: Germany was devastated and surrendered. -
Battle of Iwo Jima
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What: Three US marine divisions landed in Iwo Jima which was defended by about 23,000 Japanese soldiers.
Why: The US needed a base near the Japanese coast.
Effects: Gave the US a base near the Japanese coast and this allowed the US easier access to Japan. -
Battle of Okinawa
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What: 287,000 American troops and 130,000 Japanese troops were involved over the fight for vital air bases which would help the US invade Japan.
Why: Key positions if the US wanted to invade Japan.
Effects: The US won which allowed them access to Japan. -
Potsdam Declaration
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What: Declaration issued by the “Big Three”.
Why: To determine how Germany should be punished. Also demanded "unconditional surrender" from Japan.
Effects: Germany had to reconcile the damage that they had done. -
Dropping of the Atomic Bombs
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What: Atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Wiped out 90% of the city, killed 80,000 people, and thousands more from radiation. When dropped on Nagasaki, killed 40,000.
Why: US had to decide if ground invasion of Japan was worth casualties. In order not to not lose any more troops the US dropped the bomb.
Effects: Known as "A new and most cruel bomb." Forced Japan to surrender. -
VJ Day
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What: Japan surrendered to the Allies, officially ending the war.
Why: Japan was forced to surrender.
Effects: Day is known as Victory over Japan Day.
