December 7, 1941: December 7, 1941: Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, Schofield Barracks and Hickham Schofield Barracks and Hickham Air Field, Hawaii Air Field, Hawaii
Dec 22, 2015
December 7, 1941: December 7, 1941: Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, Schofield Barracks and Hickham Schofield Barracks and Hickham Air Field, Hawaii Air Field, Hawaii
The attack onThe attack onHawaii brought theHawaii brought theUnited States intoUnited States intothe war.the war.
December 7, 1941 December 7, 1941 Dec. 8, 1941Dec. 8, 1941U. S. declares war on Japan; Dec. 11, 1941: Dec. 11, 1941: Germany & Italy Germany & Italy declare war on declare war on U. S. U. S.
Political master-mind: Political master-mind: Hideki Tojo Hideki Tojo
Tactical master-mind: Tactical master-mind: Admiral Isoroku Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto Yamamoto
Japanese “Peace Japanese “Peace Mission” to Washington Mission” to Washington while Yamamoto’s while Yamamoto’s fleet set sail for attack fleet set sail for attack on Hawaii (Nov. 1941) on Hawaii (Nov. 1941)
Attack on Hawaii: Attack on Hawaii: Sunday, December 7, 1941 Sunday, December 7, 1941 8:00 a.m.—9:30 a.m. 8:00 a.m.—9:30 a.m. Japanese: 181 airplanes from 6 Japanese: 181 airplanes from 6 aircraft carriers aircraft carriers U. S. losses: 21 ships sunk or U. S. losses: 21 ships sunk or badly damaged badly damaged (8 battleships, (8 battleships, 3 cruisers, 4 destroyers); 3 cruisers, 4 destroyers); 188 188 Aircraft destroyed & 159 damaged;Aircraft destroyed & 159 damaged;2,403 killed (1,177 on U.S.S. 2,403 killed (1,177 on U.S.S. Arizona); 1,178 wounded. Arizona); 1,178 wounded.
Attack on Hawaii: Attack on Hawaii:
Japanese losses: 64 killed, 29 Japanese losses: 64 killed, 29 aircraft destroyed; 74 aircraft aircraft destroyed; 74 aircraft damaged damaged
Admiral Husband E. Admiral Husband E. Kimmel blamed for Kimmel blamed for devastating losses devastating losses
Army Lieutenant Army Lieutenant General Walter C. General Walter C. Short shared the Short shared the blame blame
Attack on Hawaii: Attack on Hawaii:
The “miracle” of Pearl Harbor: The “miracle” of Pearl Harbor:
The U. S. Pacific Aircraft Carrier The U. S. Pacific Aircraft Carrier Fleet, under Rear Admiral William F. Fleet, under Rear Admiral William F. Halsey, was at sea Halsey, was at sea on routine on routine maneuvers maneuvers
Japan wanted control of Japan wanted control of Southeast Asia and China.Southeast Asia and China.
Eastern Asia Co-Prosperity SphereEastern Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere
December 7-10, 1941: attacks againstDecember 7-10, 1941: attacks againstHawaii,Hawaii,Wake Island,Wake Island,The Philippines,The Philippines,Malaya/Singapore,Malaya/Singapore,and Indonesia.and Indonesia.
Japan’s goal: to stop Japan’s goal: to stop European and American European and American colonial expansion in the Pacific colonial expansion in the Pacific U. S.—Hawaii, Wake Island, Guam,U. S.—Hawaii, Wake Island, Guam, and the Philippines and the Philippines
Great Britain: Burma, India, Malaya Great Britain: Burma, India, Malaya
France: Indochina (Vietnam) France: Indochina (Vietnam)
The Netherlands: East Indies The Netherlands: East Indies
Singapore, Dec. 1941- Singapore, Dec. 1941- Feb. 1942—the British forgot Feb. 1942—the British forgot the lessons of history.the lessons of history.
Japanese did theJapanese did theunexpected: attackedunexpected: attackedthrough the jungle.through the jungle.
““Greatest militaryGreatest militarydisaster in Britishdisaster in Britishhistory.”history.”
5 million Americans volunteer for 5 million Americans volunteer for military service. military service. 10 million 10 million
drafted. drafted. General Marshall asked General Marshall asked for a Women’s Auxiliary for a Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) Army Corps (WAAC) to to perform non-combat perform non-combat military dutiesmilitary duties
After great After great debate in debate in Congress, Congress, WAAC approved; WAAC approved; Oveta Oveta Culp Hobby first directorCulp Hobby first director
December 22, 1941:December 22, 1941:Roosevelt & Roosevelt & Churchill’s Churchill’s Washington Washington Conference. Conference.
Top priority: defeat Top priority: defeat of Germany of Germany Hold in Pacific Hold in Pacific
Accept only unconditional surrender Accept only unconditional surrender
The PhilippinesThe Philippines100,000 Filipinos;100,000 Filipinos;31,000 Americans31,000 AmericansCommander:Commander:Gen Douglas Gen Douglas MacArthurMacArthur
Excellent battle plans based on with-Excellent battle plans based on with-drawing and fighting a delaying drawing and fighting a delaying Action until relief convoy from the Action until relief convoy from the U. S. arrived. Force was well-trained.U. S. arrived. Force was well-trained.
The PhilippinesThe PhilippinesDid not follow theDid not follow thebattle plans.battle plans.
Tried to defeat theTried to defeat theJapanese at theJapanese at thewater’s edge.water’s edge.
Japanese successful—huge U. S. Japanese successful—huge U. S. losses in people and materiel.losses in people and materiel.
Relief convoy never sent; Relief convoy never sent; RooseveltRooseveltorders MacArthur to Australiaorders MacArthur to Australia
The PhilippinesThe PhilippinesApril 1942—Bataan falls—April 1942—Bataan falls—40,00040,000American POWAmerican POW
The PhilippinesThe PhilippinesBataan Death MarchBataan Death March 10,000 began10,000 began 3,000 died 3,000 died from heat, exhaustion, from heat, exhaustion, disease, beatings, beheadings,disease, beatings, beheadings, bayonetings, being buried alivebayonetings, being buried alive. Japanese BUSHIDO Japanese BUSHIDO
Allied build-up in the PacificAllied build-up in the Pacific——1942-431942-43U. S. Commander of Pacific naval U. S. Commander of Pacific naval forces: Admiral Chester A. Nimitz. forces: Admiral Chester A. Nimitz.
U. S. Army commander: U. S. Army commander: General MacArthurGeneral MacArthur
British commanders: Lord MountbattenBritish commanders: Lord Mountbatten and General Slim and General Slim
Allied StrategyAllied Strategy
Admiral Nimitz: Admiral Nimitz: island hoppingisland hopping; ; Navy and MarinesNavy and Marines
Gen. MacArthur: New Guinea/PhilippinesGen. MacArthur: New Guinea/Philippines
British:British:Malaya/Burma/Malaya/Burma/IndiaIndia
Early 1942, Early 1942, Army Air CorpsArmy Air Corps General General JimmyJimmy Doolittle and a Doolittle and a force of B-25 bombers, force of B-25 bombers, takes off of takes off of the U.S.S. Hornet andthe U.S.S. Hornet and bombs Tokyo. bombs Tokyo.
Little damage to Japan but a Little damage to Japan but a great morale boost to American great morale boost to American peoplepeople..
Turning Point in the Pacific WarTurning Point in the Pacific WarBattle of Midway (following Battle ofBattle of Midway (following Battle of the Coral Sea), May 1942.the Coral Sea), May 1942.Early May: Battle of Coral Sea Early May: Battle of Coral Sea U. S. intercepted Japanese fleet U. S. intercepted Japanese fleet bound for invasion ofbound for invasion of Australia Australia First naval battle First naval battle where opposing where opposing fleets never saw each fleets never saw each other—planes vs. other—planes vs. ships.ships.
U. S. Rear Admiral U. S. Rear Admiral Raymond Spruance Raymond Spruance defeats Yamamoto defeats Yamamoto
Four Japanese and Four Japanese and one U.S. aircraft one U.S. aircraft carriers sunk.carriers sunk.
Turning Point in the Pacific WarTurning Point in the Pacific WarBattle of Midway, May 1942.Battle of Midway, May 1942.
Island Hopping Island Hopping
Guadalcanal—Guadalcanal—Aug 1942-Aug 1942- February 1943February 1943
Island Hopping Island Hopping
Solomon Solomon Islands and Islands and Gilbert Gilbert Islands: Islands: November November 1943 1943
Island Hopping Island Hopping
Battle of TarawaBattle of Tarawa
Gilbert IslandsGilbert Islands
Tarawa an atoll madeTarawa an atoll madeof coral. of coral. Flat—no vegetation. 38Flat—no vegetation. 38islands, circled by a coral reef with a islands, circled by a coral reef with a lagoon in the middle. Most of thelagoon in the middle. Most of thebattle fought on the main island ofbattle fought on the main island ofBetio. Betio.
4,836 Japanese, well-dug-in.4,836 Japanese, well-dug-in.
Battle of TarawaBattle of Tarawa
Not enough Not enough AmphtracsAmphtracs—used —used Higgins Boats.Higgins Boats.Charts—102 years old.Charts—102 years old.Did not listen to native intelligence.Did not listen to native intelligence.Synchronization problems:Synchronization problems: Naval gunfire too early.Naval gunfire too early. Naval air too late & on station only Naval air too late & on station only 8 minutes, not 30 as planned.8 minutes, not 30 as planned. Land-based aircraft did not show.Land-based aircraft did not show.
Battle of TarawaBattle of TarawaMarines sitting ducks.
Japanese artillery at 3,000 yards.Japanese artillery at 3,000 yards.Heavy machineguns at 2,000 yds.Heavy machineguns at 2,000 yds.Higgins boats stuck on reef at 800Higgins boats stuck on reef at 800 yards. Marines had to wade, underyards. Marines had to wade, under heavy Japanese fire, 700-800 yards.heavy Japanese fire, 700-800 yards.
Battle raged 5 days. Marines win Battle raged 5 days. Marines win but with many casualties. but with many casualties.
Only 17 Japanese survive.Only 17 Japanese survive.
February 1944:February 1944:Battles of Kwajalein Battles of Kwajalein and Eniwetok in and Eniwetok in the Marshall the Marshall Islands Islands
Island Hopping Island Hopping
The Marianas Islands: The Marianas Islands: Battle of Saipan: Battle of Saipan: June 1944; Battle of June 1944; Battle of Guam: July 1944 Guam: July 1944
Island Hopping Island Hopping
September-October 1944September-October 1944Battles of Leyte, Leyte Battles of Leyte, Leyte GulfGulf and Peleliu and Peleliu
At Leyte Gulf, the Japanese attempt a At Leyte Gulf, the Japanese attempt a New tactic: kamikaze (“Divine Wind”) New tactic: kamikaze (“Divine Wind”)
424 kamikaze 424 kamikaze suicide suicide missions; 16 missions; 16 U.S. ships U.S. ships sunk; 80 sunk; 80 damaged damaged
Battle of Leyte Gulf a disaster for Battle of Leyte Gulf a disaster for Japan; lost 4 battleships, 4 carriers,Japan; lost 4 battleships, 4 carriers,13 cruisers, 400 planes 13 cruisers, 400 planes
January 1945: Battle January 1945: Battle of Luzon—MacArthur of Luzon—MacArthur returns to main island returns to main island of the Philippines of the Philippines
February February 1945: the 1945: the miracle of miracle of Los Banos—Los Banos—a perfect U. S. a perfect U. S. operation operation
February 19-March 17,February 19-March 17,1945: The Battle of 1945: The Battle of Iwo Jima Iwo Jima
6,000 6,000 Marines Marines Killed;Killed;20,700 20,700 Japanese Japanese entrenched;entrenched;most killed most killed
Allied planners predict 1 millionAllied planners predict 1 millionallied casualties if Allies invade allied casualties if Allies invade the Japanese home islands.the Japanese home islands.
April 1-June 21, 1945 April 1-June 21, 1945 The Battle of Okinawa The Battle of Okinawa
U.S. 20,000 U.S. 20,000 casualties; casualties; 7,600 killed;7,600 killed;Japanese: Japanese: 110,000 killed 110,000 killed
April 12, 1945, President April 12, 1945, President Roosevelt dies of a massive Roosevelt dies of a massive stroke in Warm Springs, GA stroke in Warm Springs, GA
Vice President Harry S. Truman Vice President Harry S. Truman of Missouriof Missouri sworn in as sworn in as the nation’s 33d the nation’s 33d president president
Informed of a new Informed of a new weapon being developed weapon being developed
In Los Alamos, New Mexico In Los Alamos, New Mexico scientists under Dr. Robertscientists under Dr. RobertOppenheimer Oppenheimer and Generaland General
Leslie Groves Leslie Groves worked on worked on the Manhattanthe ManhattanProject to Project to develop an develop an atomic bomb atomic bomb
First test blast First test blast on July 16, 1945 to give Truman a on July 16, 1945 to give Truman a bargaining chip over Stalin at the bargaining chip over Stalin at the forthcoming Potsdam Conference.forthcoming Potsdam Conference.
July 1945, TrumanJuly 1945, Truman, Stalin, , Stalin, and Churchill (laterand Churchill (laterClement Attlee) Clement Attlee) meet at Potsdam, meet at Potsdam, near Berlin, Germanynear Berlin, Germany
Truman Truman informs informs other Big 3other Big 3members members about bombabout bomband they and they design post-design post-war Germany war Germany
After Okinawa, Truman is After Okinawa, Truman is convinced he must use the convinced he must use the atomic bomb against Japan. atomic bomb against Japan.
Some scientists wanted to stage a Some scientists wanted to stage a demonstration for Japanese. But demonstration for Japanese. But only 2 bombs available at the time. only 2 bombs available at the time. Truman Truman waswas convinced, convinced, after after several meetings,several meetings, that using the that using the bomb in a surprise strike against bomb in a surprise strike against a Japanese city would save the most a Japanese city would save the most lives—American and Japanese lives—American and Japanese
August 6, 1945: B-29 The August 6, 1945: B-29 The Enola Gay, piloted by Paul W. Tibbets,Enola Gay, piloted by Paul W. Tibbets,
drops a single drops a single atomic bomb, named “Little Boy,” on named “Little Boy,” on Hiroshima, Japan Hiroshima, Japan
The city is destroyed; The city is destroyed; about 70,000 people about 70,000 people are killed. are killed.
August 9, 1945, August 9, 1945, aaB-29 named Bock’sB-29 named Bock’sCar dropsCar drops an an atomic bomb atomic bomb named named ““Fat Man” thatFat Man” that destroys the city of destroys the city of Nagasaki Nagasaki
10 August 1945: 10 August 1945: Japanese ask for termsJapanese ask for terms of peace. Allies of peace. Allies demand unconditionaldemand unconditional surrender.surrender.
Emperor Hirohito orders his Emperor Hirohito orders his government to ask for terms government to ask for terms of surrender. of surrender.
2 September, 1945: Japanese surrender on deck of the battleshipsurrender on deck of the battleshipU. S. S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay.U. S. S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
SS. St. Louis AffairSS. St. Louis Affair
U. S. refused to allowU. S. refused to allowJewish passengers Jewish passengers to immigrate to U. S. Had not used to immigrate to U. S. Had not used up the number of visas permitted byup the number of visas permitted bylaw law
U. S. Economy in World War IIU. S. Economy in World War II
GNP soared from $91 billion inGNP soared from $91 billion in1939 to $166 billion in 19451939 to $166 billion in 1945
Personal incomes grew by as much Personal incomes grew by as much as 100% or more as 100% or more
The West in World War IIThe West in World War II
West: launching point for most of West: launching point for most of the naval war against Japanthe naval war against JapanShip and aircraft Ship and aircraft manufacturing in manufacturing in CaliforniaCaliforniaLos Angeles became Los Angeles became a major industrial a major industrial center center
The Second Great MigrationThe Second Great Migration
Brought many more African-Brought many more African-Americans to northern cities than Americans to northern cities than First Great MigrationFirst Great MigrationBettered economic conditions; butBettered economic conditions; but created urban tensionscreated urban tensionsMilitary: Blacks limited to menial Military: Blacks limited to menial assignments; segregated units assignments; segregated units
The Tuskegee AirmenThe Tuskegee Airmen
Korematsu v. United States (1944)Korematsu v. United States (1944)
Relocation of Japanese-Americans Relocation of Japanese-Americans constitutionally permissibleconstitutionally permissible
December 7, 1941 December 7, 1941 Dec. 8, 1941Dec. 8, 1941U. S. declares U. S. declares war on Japan; war on Japan; Dec. 11, 1941: Dec. 11, 1941: Germany & Italy Germany & Italy declare war on declare war on U. S.U. S.
Hitler orders submarine Hitler orders submarine raids off U. S. Atlantic coast. raids off U. S. Atlantic coast. Under Admiral Karl Doenitz Under Admiral Karl Doenitz U-boats sink 87 U. S. ships U-boats sink 87 U. S. ships off the East Coast in first off the East Coast in first 4 months of the war. 4 months of the war. By July 1942—wolfpacks By July 1942—wolfpacks had destroyed 681 allied had destroyed 681 allied ships.ships.
Allies use convoys, sonar,Allies use convoys, sonar,and radar-equipped aircraft to and radar-equipped aircraft to finally defeat u-boat threat to Allied finally defeat u-boat threat to Allied shipping shipping
Turning PointTurning Point: Stalingrad : Stalingrad (Aug.23,1942-Feb. 2, 1943)(Aug.23,1942-Feb. 2, 1943)
Brutal fightingGen. Paulus
Hitler: “Fight tolast man.”
Stalin: “Hold At all costs.”
MarshallMarshallZhukovZhukov
Brutal city fighting.Brutal city fighting.Germans: 90,000 of 330,000 surviveGermans: 90,000 of 330,000 survive
Only 5,000 survived POW.Only 5,000 survived POW.Soviet casualties: 1,250,000 Soviet casualties: 1,250,000
TheThe WarWar inin NorthNorth AfricaAfricaGerman Afrika KorpsGerman Afrika Korpscommander: Field commander: Field Marshall Erwin RommelMarshall Erwin Rommel
The Desert Fox The Desert Fox
Replaces Italians after Replaces Italians after they suffer tremendous they suffer tremendous defeats against the defeats against the British British
British Eighth Army British Eighth Army commander: General commander: General Bernard MontgomeryBernard Montgomery
British Eighth ArmyBritish Eighth Army defeats Rommeldefeats Rommelin Egypt, Fall 1942, in Egypt, Fall 1942, at El Alameinat El AlameinNovember 1942: Operation November 1942: Operation TorchTorchGeneral Dwight EisenhowerGeneral Dwight EisenhowerFirst fight FrenchFirst fight French
TheThe WarWar inin NorthNorth AfricaAfrica
U. S. first fights Germans in TunisiaU. S. first fights Germans in Tunisiaat Kasserine Pass.at Kasserine Pass.
U. S. II Corps U. S. II Corps badly beaten.badly beaten.
TheThe WarWar inin NorthNorth AfricaAfrica
General George Patton General George Patton put in command put in command afterward. afterward. Whips II Whips II Corps into shapeCorps into shape. .
British and U. S. defeat British and U. S. defeat Germans in Germans in North AfricaNorth Africain late spring 1943. in late spring 1943.
What next? What next?
Where would you attack next?Where would you attack next?
Greece?Greece?
Sicily?Sicily?
Italy?Italy?SouthernSouthern France?France?WesternWestern France?France?
Northern France?Northern France?
Casablanca ConferenceCasablanca Conference
Over Gen.Over Gen.Marshall’s Marshall’s objections,objections,decided to decided to invade Sicily invade Sicily nextnext
Churchill—“Attack the soft Churchill—“Attack the soft underbelly of Europe” (Italy)underbelly of Europe” (Italy)
Operation Husky: theOperation Husky: theinvasion of Sicily, invasion of Sicily, July 1943.July 1943.
Eisenhower overall Eisenhower overall commandercommanderU. S. 7U. S. 7thth Army (Patton) Army (Patton) andandBritish 8British 8thth Army Army (Montgomery)(Montgomery)
Palermo
Messina
Patton
MontyPatton unhappyPatton unhappywith plan.with plan.
Patton takesPatton takesPalermo thenPalermo thenbeats Montybeats Montyto Messina, but most Germans escape.to Messina, but most Germans escape.
Operation HuskyOperation Husky
Operation HuskyOperation Husky
At first, PattonAt first, Pattonis a big hero.is a big hero.Then the pressThen the pressreports a story that reports a story that Patton slapped 2 soldiers.Patton slapped 2 soldiers.
EisenhowerEisenhower relieves relieves Patton andPatton andnearly sends him back to the U. S.nearly sends him back to the U. S.in disgrace. The Germans refuse in disgrace. The Germans refuse to believe the story.to believe the story.
ApennineApennineMountainsMountains
NaplesNaples
ApennineApennineMountainsMountains
January 1944January 1944 AnzioAnzio
June 1944June 1944 Rome
Rome
May 1945
May 1945Po RiverPo River
Rapido RiverRapido River
Sept.19Sept.194343
Italians surrender when Italians surrender when Allies invade at Salerno—Allies invade at Salerno—Mussolini deposed. Mussolini deposed.
Germans move in, Germans move in, take over fight take over fight under Field Marshall Kesselringunder Field Marshall Kesselring Key BattlesKey Battles: : AnzioAnzio & & Monte CasinoMonte Casino Allies aided by 50,000 Italian Allies aided by 50,000 Italian partisans partisans including former Al including former Al Capone lieutenant, Lucky LuccianoCapone lieutenant, Lucky Lucciano April 28, 1945: Mussolini captured April 28, 1945: Mussolini captured by Italian partisansby Italian partisans, shot, & hung by , shot, & hung by heels in a Milan square. heels in a Milan square.
British and U. S. bombers British and U. S. bombers destroyed industrial facilities,destroyed industrial facilities,demoralized the population and demoralized the population and cleared the way for invasion of Francecleared the way for invasion of France
The Allies including the U. S. The Allies including the U. S. 88thth Air Force, bomb German cities of Air Force, bomb German cities ofLeipzig, Dresden and BerlinLeipzig, Dresden and Berlin
Dresden: ¾ of Dresden: ¾ of city destroyed;city destroyed;135,000 killed135,000 killed
Germans expectGermans expectAllied Allied attack attack at theat thePas de Pas de Calais.Calais.
Allies use diversion to plan attack inAllies use diversion to plan attack in NormandyNormandy
Shortest distance between Shortest distance between Britain &Britain &France. Patton set up as a France. Patton set up as a diversion.diversion.
5 June 1944: Airborne Assault 5 June 1944: Airborne Assault PathfindersPathfinders 3 Airborne divisions3 Airborne divisions
British 6British 6thth Airborne Division Airborne DivisionU. S. 82U. S. 82ndnd Airborne Division Airborne DivisionU. S. 101U. S. 101stst Airborne Division Airborne Division
Omaha Beach—U. S. VII CorpsOmaha Beach—U. S. VII Corps 11stst Infantry Div; 29 Infantry Div; 29thth Infantry Div. Infantry Div.
Utah Beach—U. S. V CorpsUtah Beach—U. S. V Corps 44thth Infantry Div. Infantry Div.
Gold Beach—British XXX Corps Gold Beach—British XXX Corps Juno Beach--CanadianJuno Beach--Canadian
Sword Beach—Sword Beach— Brit. I CorpsBrit. I CorpsPonte du Hoc
Major obstacleFor allies:Rhine River
OperationOverlord6 June 1944
Compared to WW ICompared to WW I—new warfare: —new warfare: mobile and fast: airplanes, tanks mobile and fast: airplanes, tanks
British 21British 21stst GroupGroupUS 1US 1stst Army ArmyUS 3d ArmyUS 3d ArmyUS 7US 7thth Army Army
Key Leaders Key Leaders Germans: Erwin Rommel Germans: Erwin Rommel Supreme Allied Commander:Supreme Allied Commander:Dwight D. Eisenhower Dwight D. Eisenhower
U. S. Ground U. S. Ground Commander: Commander: Omar Bradley Omar Bradley
British: British: Bernard MontgomeryBernard Montgomery
Battle of the Bulge—Dec. 1944-Battle of the Bulge—Dec. 1944- Jan. 1945Jan. 1945
The Germans launch a last ditchThe Germans launch a last ditchoffensive in the dead of winter.offensive in the dead of winter.
Their goal is to cut the allies in half,Their goal is to cut the allies in half,then try to make peace.then try to make peace.
Battle of the Bulge—Dec. 1944-Battle of the Bulge—Dec. 1944- Jan. 1945Jan. 1945
Dec. 1944—Germans being squeezedDec. 1944—Germans being squeezedby Soviets in east & allies in west.by Soviets in east & allies in west.
Hitler’s last grand plan:Hitler’s last grand plan:a.Mass forces, attack to take Antwerp.a.Mass forces, attack to take Antwerp.b.Cut Allies in half.b.Cut Allies in half.c.Massive offensive in blizzard-likec.Massive offensive in blizzard-like conditions through Ardennesconditions through Ardennes Forrest.Forrest.
Battle of the BulgeBattle of the BulgeGermans over-run U. S. 106Germans over-run U. S. 106thth Division Division
Germans massacre many POW Germans massacre many POW fromfrom 106106thth Division Division at Malmedy, Belgium at Malmedy, Belgium
U. S. forces hold key towns of St. VithU. S. forces hold key towns of St. Vithand Bastogneand Bastogne101101stst Airborne Div. holds Airborne Div. holds Bastogne Bastogne Bad weather Bad weather hampers allieshampers alliesBG McAuliffe of 101BG McAuliffe of 101stst Abn. Abn. says “Nuts!” to surrender says “Nuts!” to surrender demand.demand.
Patton’s Third Army Patton’s Third Army pulls out of a pulls out of a winter offensive, turns left andwinter offensive, turns left and moves moves100 miles in 3 days to relieve 100 miles in 3 days to relieve Bastogne.Bastogne.
The Battle of the Bulge is the peak ofThe Battle of the Bulge is the peak ofthe war.the war.The Rhine River only remains as a The Rhine River only remains as a major obstacle.major obstacle.33rdrd Army crosses on pontoon bridges. Army crosses on pontoon bridges.British plan major crossing—but slow.British plan major crossing—but slow.11stst Army Army (9(9thth Armored Div.) Armored Div.) captures captures bridge intact at Remagen.bridge intact at Remagen.
The War in Europe Wraps UpThe War in Europe Wraps Up
The War in Europe Wraps UpThe War in Europe Wraps UpApril 1945: Germany close to finalApril 1945: Germany close to finaldefeat but many units are still defeat but many units are still fighting hard.fighting hard.
The Soviets are on the The Soviets are on the outskirts of Berlinoutskirts of BerlinMay 7, 1945: Hitler May 7, 1945: Hitler and his wife, Eva and his wife, Eva Braun, commit suicide.Braun, commit suicide.May 8: Admiral Doenitz May 8: Admiral Doenitz surrenders.surrenders.
In Germany, Nazi leaders are tried In Germany, Nazi leaders are tried in the city of Nuremberg for crimes in the city of Nuremberg for crimes against humanity. against humanity. 22 tried; 13 22 tried; 13
sentencedsentencedto hang.to hang.Herman Herman Goering Goering commits commits suicide; suicide; 12 were 12 were hanged.hanged.
U. S. troops occupy Japan; U. S. troops occupy Japan; MacArthur was named military MacArthur was named military governor.governor.
1,100 people1,100 people, from Tojo to guards,, from Tojo to guards,tried. Tojo and General Yamashita tried. Tojo and General Yamashita were hanged.were hanged.MacArthur MacArthur installs U. S. installs U. S. type type constitution.constitution.Allows Allows emperor to remain emperor to remain