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The Start of WWII
WWII began with Germany invading Poland, which led to Britain and France declaring war on Hitler's Nazi state in retaliation. The war would go on to last for 6 years. (1939-1945) Ending after the axis power (Germany, Japan, Italy) surrendered to the Allies (United States, Soviet Union, Great Britain, France). After the allies won the war, President FDR said, "We know now that a nation can have peace with the Nazis only at the price of total surrender." This, of course is exactly what happened. -
Japan Enters WWII
Japan signed the Tripartite Pact with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, agreeing to assist one another if they were attacked by a country not already involved in the war. -
Japan attacked Pearl Harbor
Tensions initially began during the Great Depression, when the United States were trying to stop Japan's global expansion into China. Japan attacked the US base at Pearl Harbor, because they knew destroying the base would mean they now controlled the Pacific. The day following this attack, President Roosevelt gave a famous speech, saying "Yesterday, December 7, 1941- a date which will live in infamy..." This furthermore lead the United States into entering the war. -
The United States Enters WWII
In response to this, The United States entered the war, which seemed about the only choice they had, regarding if they initially wanted to join or not. President FDR: "There can be no appeasement with ruthlessness." "There can be no reasoning with an incendiary bomb." After these words, the U.S. was all in. -
What were the results from the Pearl Harbor attack?
As a result, the bombing of Pearl Harbor crippled/destroyed nearly 20 American ships, and more than 300 airplanes. An additional 2,403 sailors, soldiers and civilians were killed and about 1,000 were wounded.Throughout this devastation, FDR once again united the nation preaching, "No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through absolute victory." -
How did the rest of the World react to the attack on Pearl Harbor?
Four days after Pearl Harbor, British prime minister, Winston Churchill, an ally, was with the U.S. for support and strength, and "[had] nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat." On the contrary, Germany and Italy were also ready, as they declared war on the United States. -
United States Drops the Atomic Bomb on Japan
The United States after having been in the war for 4 years now finally drops the world's first atomic on Hiroshima and 3 days later on Nagasaki. U.S. Army officer, George S. Patton said, "May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't." This showed, ultimately killing an estimated 225,000 people between the two attacks. -
What were the long-term effects of the attack on Pearl Harbor?
After the attack, Japanese residents of the U.S. were removed from the country or placed in internment camps. A Japanese Admiral, "Isoroku Yamamoto said after the attack on Pearl Harbor, "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve." Maybe words of regret, for initially firing and coming at the U.S? Along with the attack came a change in American mindset, as people became fearful and uneasy for quite some time.
