Ch 14: World War II (1939-1945)

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. 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 preventing 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 Yalta Conference and The Potsdam Conference: US Diplomacy & International Politics During World War II

The Yalta Conference involved planning the future of Europe and the Potsdam Conference involved planning the remake of Germany. Explore US diplomacy and international politics during World War II and the main points of both conferences.