WW Two

​World War II Begins

The Allies and the Axis powers fought World War II from 1939 to 1945. The chief Allied forces were the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union. The nations of Germany, Italy, and Japan formed the Axis powers.

World War II officially began with the German invasion of Poland in 1939.The United States was reluctant to join the fight. Then Japan attacked the US naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, forcing the United States to enter the war. The war was fought in two theaters, or fronts: Europe and the Pacific.

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Who were the Allied Powers in WW2?

Who were the Axis Powers in WW2?

When was WW2 fought?

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​Pearl Harbor

Japan wanted to gain control of the islands and nations in the Pacific Ocean, as well as China and other parts of Asia. They believed that if they weakened the US Navy, the United States would not be able to stop them.

The Japanese attacked the US naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. The attack came as a shock because Japan and the United States were engaged in peace negotiations at the time. The Japanese used 408 aircraft during the attack. The USS Oklahoma was one of the first battleships sunk, and 429 men on board were killed. The surprise attack killed more than 2,400 Americans and injured more than 1,000.

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When did the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor?

Where is Pearl Harbor?

Why did they attack?

What was one of the first battleships sunk?

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​President Franklin Roosevelt’s Joint Address to Congress, December 8, 1941

Mr. Vice President, and Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives:

Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that Nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American Island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our Nation.

As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

But always will our whole Nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces—with the unbounding determination of our people—we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.

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When did the United States declare war on Japan?

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Multiple Choice

What was President Roosevelt’s main purpose in giving his address to Congress after the attack on Pearl Harbor?

• • He was voicing his anger over Japan’s actions.

• • He was asking US Congress to declare war on Japan.

• • He was asking US Congress to reconsider going to war.

• • He was trying to calm Americans after the horrifying tragedy.

After Congress declared war on Japan, several events happened in rapid succession:

• On December 8, Britain declared war on Japan.

• Japan declared war on Britain.

• On December 11, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States. 

• That same day, the United States declared war on Germany and Italy.

The United States was now fully engaged in World War II.

Match

Match the following. These all happened in 1941

• Britain declared war on Japan

• Japan declared war on Britain

• Germany and Italy declared war on the United States

• United States declared war on Germany and Italy the

December 8

December 8

Dec 11

Dec 11

• December 8

• December 8

• Dec 11

• Dec 11

​The Impact of World War II

When World War II started in Europe, many Americans didn’t want the United States to get involved in a foreign war. At the time, the US government followed a more isolationistpolicy in world affairs.

The United States supported the Allies in other ways. It produced and transported goods such as food, oil, and military supplies to the Allies. One goal of the US government in aiding the Allies was to undermine fascism, a form of government embraced by Italy and Germany.

The United States became directly involved in World War IIonly after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. The US War Department then worked with factories to ramp up the production of weapons and other military supplies.Employment rose as the factories hired thousands of civilian workers.

The US War Department also scouted areas for new factories and training centers. It built some of these facilities in Oklahoma. Let’s look at some of the advantages of selecting sites in Oklahoma.

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The policy or practice of refusing to become involved with foreign nations and foreign conflicts