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The Munich Pact
This was a meeting between Britain, France, and Hitler. It was also supported by the U.S. They came to an agreement that explained Britain and France would not oppose Hitler's taking of Czechoslovakia as long as he didn't take the rest of it. He promised he had no plans to take over Europe. We know Hitler never had any intentions of following this pact because in Feb. 1939 Hitler takes the rest of Czechoslovakia. On Sept. 4, 1939, Britain and France declare war on Germany. -
The Non-Aggressive Pact
This was an agreement made between Hitler and the Soviet Union. It said that Germany wouldn't attack the Soviets as long as they did the same. They would also split Poland. This allowed Hitler to continue to conquer Europe without fear from Russian pressure. We know this agreement ended up being broken by Hitler because, on Sept. 1, 1939 Hitler overtakes Poland. This showed the Soviets that Germany could not be trusted. -
The Bombing of Pearl Harbor
On this day, the Japanese attacked the U.S. naval base in Honolulu, Hawaii. There were more than 3, 400 casualties and 2,300 were killed. This attack destroyed 19 ships and 188 planes. It has been credited as the reason the U.S. entered the war. The next day, Dec. 8, 1941, the USA declares war. This was also a chance for women to prove they could help with the war. New organizations, such as WAC and WAVES were created. This changed the country as a whole by furthering its development. -
Executive Order 9066
This order led to 120,000 Japanese Americans being placed in "internment camps". This took place after Japan bombed pearl harbor, when many people in America were blaming the Japanese. This order was rooted out of prejudice and hostility, and Americans later realize this should not have taken place. We know this because, in 1990, checks for $20,000 and apology letters were given to Japanese Americans. -
All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
With all of the men off to war,America was having a dark time. With all of their joy gone, it seemed everything was about the war. This is when Phillip Wrigley got the idea of women playing baseball. The women's uniform was a skirt and top, and they attended charm school. Though it hit its peak in 1950, the league proved to only be a distraction until men's base ball returned. They disbanded in 1954. It still proved to be inspirational to many, showing women could do just as much as men. -
Detroit Race Riots
In the summer of 1943, Detroit's population grew by 350,000. 50,000 of the population were African Americans. The riot lasted 3 days, and Martial Law was declared. We know that these riots were racially motivated because of the statistics. 34 people were killed, 25 of them black. Over 600 people were injured, and 75% of them were black. Around 1800 were arrested, 86% being black. These riots were only the beginning of racial injustices in America. -
The Battle of the Bulge
This event took place in the Ardennes Forest of Belgium. This war proved to be Hitler's final offensive battle. Germany's goal was to split British and American forces in half and to secure a surrender treaty. The weather was terribly cold, and Americans weren't prepared. When the 3rd army brought reinforcements, Germany ran out of luck. This battle was important because it stopped Hitler's plan to end the war and continue domination. We know this because Germany lost the war soon afterward. -
The Battle of Berlin
This was the last major battle of WWII. This marked the end of Hitler's reign. We know this because on April 30, 1945, Hitler commits suicide in a bunker outside of Berlin. On May 7, 1945, Germany unconditionally surrenders to the Allies -
The Bombing of Hiroshima
This deadly event was when the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The U.S. was looking for an end to the war, and they wanted to do so with as little American casualties as possible. Knowing that the Japanese were willing to die for their cause, they did not want to invade Japan. The death toll was around 200,000, many being innocent Japanese civilians.The U.S. gave Japan a chance to surrender, but they failed to do so. So the U.S. had to find another deadly way. -
The Bombing of Nagasaki
Three days after the attack on Hiroshima, the U.S. dropped another atomic bomb on the city of Nagasaki. The U.S. was hoping this would finally end the war. 40,000 people died instantly, with around 60,000 injured. Out of the 52,000 homes in the city, 14,000 were completely destroyed. This bombing marked the end of the war because, the next day, the emperor of Japan officially surrendered. This changed many things in Japan included its being USA-occupied after their surrender.