Ch 17: Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 16: World War II (1939-1945)
About This Chapter
How It Works:
- Identify the lessons in the McDougal Littell World War II chapter with which you need help.
- Find the corresponding video lessons with this companion course chapter.
- Watch fun videos that cover the World War II topics you need to learn or review.
- Complete the quizzes to test your understanding.
- If you need additional help, rewatch the videos until you've mastered the material or submit a question for one of our instructors.
Students will learn:
- Causes of World War II
- WWII events in the European and Pacific theaters
- The impact of the Pearl Harbor attack on U.S. involvement
- The objectives of Adolf Hitler
- The impact of WWII on American society
- The significance of the D-Day invasion
- The focus of the Manhattan Project
- Economic and political repercussions of WWII
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1. Occupations, Agreements & Appeasement: Causes of the Second World War
Multiple events lead up to the Second World War, such as the Anti-Comintern Pact targeting communists in Germany, and the Anschluss, which generally refers to the annexing of Austria. Learn about Germany's provocations, alliances, territorial expansion, agreements, and appeasements that preceded Hitler's invasion of Poland in 1939.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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.

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.

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.

9. The Aftermath of WWII
The aftermath of WWII included economic hardship, European reconstruction, and the Cold War. Explore the economic and political issues that emerged in Europe after the end of World War II and the steps countries took to rebuild.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the McDougal Littell Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction: Online Textbook Help course
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Prologue: Connecting With Past Ideas
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 1 : European Renaissance & Reformation (1300-1600)
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 2: The Muslim World Expands (1300-1700)
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 3: An Age of Exploration & Isolation (1400 - 1800)
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 4: The Atlantic World (1492-1800)
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 5: Absolute Monarchs in Europe (1500-1800)
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 6: Enlightenment and Revolution (1550-1789)
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 7: The French Revolution and Napoleon (1789-1815)
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 8: Nationalist Revolutions Sweep the West (1789-1900)
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 9: The Industrial Revolution (1700-1900)
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 10: An Age of Democracy and Progress (1815-1914)
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 11: The Age of Imperialism (1850-1914)
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 12: Transformations Around the Globe (1800-1914)
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 13: The Great War (1914-1918)
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 14: Revolution and Nationalism (1900-1939)
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 15: Years of Crisis (1919-1939)
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 17: Restructuring the Postwar World (1945-Present)
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 18: The Colonies Become New Nations (1945-Present)
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 19: Struggles for Democracy (1945-Present)
- Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction Chapter 20: Global Interdependence (1960-Present)