Chapter 35: American in World War II

1. Chapter 35: American in World War II 1941-1945

2. The Allies Trade Space for Time • What did the allies need to win the war? • What was the biggest problem America faced? • How did America’s role in WWII differ from their role in WWI? • The Shock of War • How did WWII impact immigration and ethnic groups in America? • What happened to Japanese-Americans during WWII? • Describe the ruling in the Korematsu vs. US Supreme Court case. • How did the war impact New Deal legislation? • How did American citizens feel about the war?

3. Building the War Machine • How did the war impact the economy? • What restrictions were placed on the US by the War Production Board? • How did the war affect farmers? • Describe the work of the Office of Price Administration and the WLB. • Why did union workers strike? • Describe the Smith-Connally Anti-Strike Act. • Manpower and Womanpower • Who enlisted for the armed services during WWII? • Describe the bracero program. • What kind of work did women do during the war? • How has the war’s impact on women been exaggerated? • What happened to women after the war?

4. Wartime Migrations • Describe the shifts in population during the war. • How did the war affect African Americans? • What was the purpose of FEPC? • How did the mechanical cotton picker impact African Americans living in the South? • How did the war impact Native Americans and the reservations system? • What are “code talkers”? • Describe the racial issues during the war. • Holding the Home Front • How did Americans on the home front fare during the war? • In what ways did the government grow during the war? • What cured the depression? • How was the war paid for?

5. The Rising Sun in the Pacific • What did Japan do at the outset of the war? • What countries/territories did Japan attack? • What happened after the Japanese cut off the Burma Road? • Describe the situation in the Philippines. • After General MacArthur left the Philippines, what happened to American troops? • Japan’s High Tide at Midway • Describe the naval battle in the Coral Sea. • After Japan took Midway Island, describe the naval battle that ensued. • After the two important victories, where did the US divert it’s attention and why? • What should Japan have done at this point in the war?

6. American Leapfrogging Toward Tokyo • Describe the situation in the Solomon Islands. • How did General MacArthur tip the scales in America’s favor in the battles around New Guinea? • What does “leapfrogging” mean? • What islands did the US take from Japan? • Why were the Marianas important for the US? • What happened once the Marianas fell? • The Allied Halting of Hitler • How did Hitler’s submarines impact the US? • Describe the Allied antisubmarine tactics. • How did the Battle of the Atlantic impact the British? • What was the turning point of the land-air war against Hitler? • Describe the gains on the Soviet front.

7. A Second Front from North Africa to Rome • How many Soviets died in the war? • Why did FDR promise to open a second front in Europe? • Why did Britain want to attack Germany through the Mediterranean? • Describe the assault on North Africa. • What was the purpose of calling for “unconditional surrender”? • Why was “unconditional surrender” controversial? • What did the Allied forces do after their victories in Africa? • How did Germany respond to the Allied invasion of Italy? • Describe the fighting in Italy? • D-Day: June 6, 1944 • Why did FDR want to meet Stalin in person? • What happened in Teheran? • Why was Eisenhower chosen to lead the invasion of France? • Why was Normandy chosen as the spot for D-Day? • Describe the Allied advances in France. • When were the days of Hitler numbered?

8. FDR: The Fourth-Termite of 1944 • How did timing affect the presidential election? • Who did the Republicans nominate and why? • What was the Republican platform? • Why was FDR the forgotten man in the election? • Who was the Vice Presidential candidate for the Dems? • Roosevelt Defeats Dewey • Describe Dewey’s campaign strategies. • Why did FDR decide to take to the stump? • How did the CIO impact the election? • Who won the election? • Why did FDR win?

9. The Last Days of Hitler • What was happening that caused Germany to be on its last legs? • Describe the Battle of the Bulge. • What did US troops find once the conquered Germany? • How did the Soviets capture Berlin? • What happened to FDR? • What was V-E Day? • Japan Dies Hard • What did the “silent service” do? • What was the purpose of bomber attacks? • Where did MacArthur head after New Guinea? • Who won the three sea battles at Leyte Gulf? • How many ships did Japan lose? • Describe MacArthur’s taking of Manila. • Why did the US need Iwo Jima? • What was the purpose of taking Okinawa and describe the fighting that took place. • Who were kamikazes and what did they do?

10. The Atomic Bomb • What was America’s plan for the invasion of Japan and how did Japan respond? • Describe the Potsdam conference. • Why was the US interested in building an atomic bomb? • What was the Manhattan Project? • What was the outcome of dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima? • Where did Stalin decide to attack Japan? • Why did the US drop the atomic bomb on Nagasaki? • What was Japan’s one condition to their surrender? • Describe V-J Day. • The Allies Triumphed • What advances were made during WWII that helped keep the numbers of deaths from wounds down? • How did the American homeland fare during the war? • Why was America better prepared for the war in comparison to other nations? • Name the new war heroes. • How did industry impact the war? • How was democracy impacted by the war?