United States History II Road Map for Success: World War II (1939-1945)

1. United States History II Road Map for Success: World War II (1939-1945) After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the United States found herself leaving the comforts of isolationism to join what would be the greatest war in modern history, World War II. If you recall, World War I was known as the “great war.” However after the statistics rolled in after the completion of World War II in September, 1945, World War II would now have that distinction. The unchecked rise of dictators in Germany, Italy and Japan led to an unprecedented alliance of Nazis, fascists and imperialists known as the Axis Powers. On the other side, the forces of “democracy” aligned to create the Allied forces. The two sides would do battle from 1939-1945 resulting in the death of over 70 million people and catapulting the world into the atomic age. You will master the following learning standards: VS. USII.14 Explain the strength of American isolationism after World War I and analyze its impact on U.S. foreign policy. (H) USII.15 Analyze how German aggression in Europe and Japanese aggression in Asia contributed to the start of World War II and summarize the major battles and events of the war. On a map of the world, locate the Allied powers (Britain, France, the Soviet Union, and the United States) and Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan). (H) USII.16 Explain the reasons for the dropping of atom bombs on Japan and their short and long-term effects. (H)