AP World History: Exam Prep
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Ch 24: AP World History: World War II

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Watch World War II video lessons and learn about the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Western front, the Holocaust, D-Day and more. These lessons are just a portion of our AP World History course.

AP World History: World War II - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives

Lessons in this chapter explain the contributing factors to World War II, including America's involvement after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The lessons take a look at the European Theater in the war, as well as the Pacific Ocean Theater near Japan. You will examine the anti-semitism of Nazi Germany, which resulted in the Holocaust, or an attempt to eradicate all Jews and undesirables. Lessons finish with a look at the ending of the war, including the D-Day Invasion and the atomic bomb. This chapter is designed to teach you about:

  • The inciting factors of World War II
  • The beginning of American involvement after Pearl Harbor
  • The European and Pacific Ocean Theaters
  • Anti-Semitism and genocide in Nazi Germany
  • The efforts of the U.S. on the war front
  • The atomic bomb and the end of World War II

Video Objective
World War II: The Start of the Second World War Describe the inciting events of World War II, including Hitler's invasion of Poland and Japan's invasion of China.
The Attack on Pearl Harbor: The Beginning of American Involvement in World War II Understand the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and its effect on American involvement in the war.
The European Theater in World War II: The Eastern Front, Western Front and Fight for North Africa Analyze the various fronts of the war, including the Eastern Front, Western Front and North African battlegrounds.
The Holocaust: Anti-Semitism and Genocide in Nazi Germany Explore anti-semitism in Nazi Germany and the Final Solution's attempt to eradicate all Jews and undesirables during WWII.
The Pacific Ocean Theater of WWII: Japan vs. the Allies Understand Japan's early advancements in the war and America's strategy of island hopping to push them back.
The United States during WWII: The Home Front Study the effect of the war on U.S. culture, government and society.
The D-Day Invasion: The Beginning of the End of Nazi Germany Chronicle the Allies' invasion of France on D-Day, which led to Germany's eventual surrender.
The Manhattan Project and the Atomic Bomb Recount the development of the atomic bomb during the Manhattan Project and its use in Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
Alliances and Expansions during World War II Explore the alliances formed and the expansions made by various countries during World War II.

9 Lessons in Chapter 24: AP World History: World War II
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World War II: The Start of the Second World War

1. World War II: The Start of the Second World War

Although the League of Nations was created following World War I with the primary goal of negating future conflicts, the world was once again engaged in the Second World War within two decades of the first. Explore the factors leading to WWII, and examine key fascist Axis leaders and Asia's roles in America's declaration of war.
The Attack on Pearl Harbor: The Beginning of American Involvement in World War II

2. The Attack on Pearl Harbor: The Beginning of American Involvement in World War II

Although the United States was determined to avoid direct involvement in World War II, the attack on Pearl Harbor changed America's stance and thrust the country into war. Learn what led to America's involvement in the Second World War, including Japan's rivalry with the United States and undeclared war, and the warning signs of the impending attack, and discover what happened in the attack and its effects.
The European Theater in WWII: The Eastern Front, Western Front & Fight for North Africa

3. The European Theater in WWII: The Eastern Front, Western Front & Fight for North Africa

World War II was the largest military conflict in history, involving multiple countries. Explore various important events from the war, from battles in both the eastern and western fronts of the European theater to the fight for North Africa.
The Holocaust: Antisemitism and Genocide in Nazi Germany

4. The Holocaust: Antisemitism and Genocide in Nazi Germany

During the Holocaust, Nazis sought to create a 'master race' and began a genocidal program called the Final Solution to kill all Jewish people in Europe. Explore the Holocaust, antisemitism, Nazi Germany, Auschwitz, and the Final Solution.
The Pacific Ocean Theater of WWII: Japan vs. The Allies

5. The Pacific Ocean Theater of WWII: Japan vs. The Allies

Japan sought domination of the Pacific theater during World War II. Dive deep into the Japanese strategy to win, and the Allied attempts to stop them, focusing on some of the most important battles of the Pacific.
The United States During WWII: The Home Front

6. The United States During WWII: The Home Front

World War II impacted all Americans, including those left behind who watched soldiers leave to fight on the battlefields of Europe and the Pacific. Explore how the war impacted people in America, from the kinds of entertainment they enjoyed, to the government and economy, to the lasting social impacts of the war on American society.
The D-Day Invasion: The Beginning of the End of Nazi Germany

7. The D-Day Invasion: The Beginning of the End of Nazi Germany

The end of Nazi Germany was catalyzed by WWII in 1942. Learn how Operation Overlord, D-Day, France's liberation, the Battle of the Bulge, and VE Day all contributed to the fall of Nazi Germany.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki: How the Atomic Bomb Changed Warfare During WWII

8. Hiroshima and Nagasaki: How the Atomic Bomb Changed Warfare During WWII

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States developed the atomic bomb through the secret Manhattan Project. Discover the events leading up to and monumental impact of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Alliances and Expansions During World War II

9. Alliances and Expansions During World War II

Many alliances were formed during the lead-up to World War II. In this lesson, explore the various alliances and how countries expanded their borders through military invasion during the war.
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