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The Treaty of Versailles
This treaty made Germany pay big reparations after World War I. This treaty was also a major cause of World War II. -
Hitler
Adolf Hitler was appointed chancellor of Germany in 1933 following a series of electoral victories by the Nazi Party. He ruled absolutely until his death by suicide in April 1945. -
The Axis Powers
In September 1940, Italy, Germany and Japan created a military alliance when they signed the Tripartite Pact. Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Croatia later joined the alliance -
Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill was an inspirational statesman, writer, orator and leader who led Britain to victory in the Second World War. He became prime minister in 1940. -
Battle of Britan
All that stood between Hitler and German domination of Western Europe was Great Britain led by Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Hitler expected that Britain would seek peace, but they did not -
Attack on pearl harbour
Fortunately, the 4 U.S. aircraft carriers (the real targets of the Japanese) were out to sea and were not damaged
Results of the Attack:
-2400 killed
-1200 injured
-21 U.S. naval ships including the USS Arizona were sunk or damaged
-Hundred of planes were damaged or destroyed -
The Allied Powers
The Allied Powers consisted of Great Britain and France (soon joined by China, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Ethiopia,
Philippines, Mongolia). -
Battle of Stalingrad
The Germans attacked Stalingrad (in the USSR)
The Soviets launched a counterattack and encircled the Germans, cutting off their supply lines
Hitler refused to allow the troops to retreat, and the harsh Soviet winter devastated the German troops. -
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Roosevelt won reelection in 1944 but died in 1945 after his physical health seriously and steadily declined during the war years. Since then, several of his actions have come under substantial criticism, including his ordering of the internment of Japanese Americans in concentration camps. -
The Spread of Communism
What was an important outcome of WWII?
The legacy of the war would include the spread of communism from the Soviet Union into eastern Europe as well as its eventual triumph in China, and the global shift in power from Europe to two rival superpowers–the United States and the Soviet Union–that would soon face off against each other in the Cold War -
The Cold War
The Cold War was a conflict where the U.S. and USSR never directly fought, but supported opposing sides in proxy wars. The U.S. feared communism spreading, while the USSR aimed for security.