The United States initially pursued a policy of isolationism after World War I, but grew involved in World War II through the Lend-Lease Act of 1941, which allowed aid to be sent to allies. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. focused first on defeating Germany and entered the war in Europe through campaigns in North Africa and Italy. Major battles in the Pacific included Midway, Guadalcanal and Okinawa, leading Japan to surrender after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.

1. The United States in World War II Laura Bittner, World war ii memorial, March 16 via Flick, Creative Commons Attribution

2. Isolationism After World War I U.S. returned to a policy of Isolationism U.S. Senate repudiated the League of Nations Tariffs were increased to shield U.S. manufacturers Immigration quotas were created after 1921 The Great Depression furthered this approach

3. Lend-Lease Act Approved by Congress in March 1941 Gave President unlimited authority to send aid to Allies Sent ammunition, tanks, airplanes and food U.S. was still officially “neutral” Was a way to support without fighting Lend-lease act. (1999, October 23). Retrieved from http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/today/oct23.html

4. Arsenal of Democracy Detroit shifted production from cars to tanks M-5 tanks, Jeeps and B-24 Bombers First freeways were built to connect Detroit to outlaying factors Wartime detroit: the arsenal of democracy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.detroit.lib.mi.us/GoldenJubileeExhibit/GJ%20WEB/II_Wartime_Detroit.htm Public Domain

5. Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941 Preemptive strike to disable U.S. Fleet Four battleships were sunk Four more were disabled 2,402 men killed Full pearl harbor casualty list. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.usswestvirginia.org/ph/phlist.php Public Domain

6. Germany First U.S. and U.K. focused on Germany first They saw the Germans as the greater threat The goal was to fight a “holding war” in the Pacific After defeating Germany they would concentrate their resources on Japan

7. North Africa U.S. entered the European war in Africa American forces landed in Morocco in 1942 The British had been fighting in North Africa since 1940 The British moved west from Egypt The Allies encircled the Axis in Tunisia Axis powers surrendered on May 13, 1943

8. Midway 6 months after Pearl Harbor U.S. surprised Japanese with an ambush Prior to battle Japan had superior navy Afterwards the navies were seen as equal Public Domain Battle of midway, 4-7 june 1942. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/midway/midway.htm

9. Guadalcanal Allies first major offensive in Pacific First Marine Division landed on August 7, 1942 Suffered early defeats to Japanese Both sides suffered heavy losses Costs were worse for Japan U.S. was able to rebuild planes and ships lost Guadalcanal campaign, august 1942-february 1943. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/guadlcnl/guadlcnl.htm

10. Italy Allies landed in Italy on September 3, 1943 The Germans counterattacked on September 13 On September 16 the Germans withdrew By October the Allies had control of Southern Italy

11. D-Day June 6, 1944 Nearly 5,000 ships Largest amphibious landing in history 6,603 U.S. soldiers died Normany. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.history.army.mil/brochures/normandy/nor-pam.htm Public Domain

12. Iwo Jima 20,000 Japanese awaited U.S. invasion February 19, 1945 100,000 men fighting on 7.5 miles of Earth Provided a vital link in chain of bomber bases Bradley, J. (2009). The battle - land battle. Retrieved from http://www.iwojima.com/battle/battlec.htm

13. Okinawa 250,000 people lost their lives 1/3 of Okinawa’s population died 100,000 Japanese soldiers were killed U.S. Navy lost 36 ships First time Japan was defending home territory Public Domain Lacey, L. (2003, April 13). Battle of okinawa. Retrieved from http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/wwii/okinawa/default.aspx

14. Fighting in Europe January 16 – U.S. armies win the Battle of the Bulge March 7 – Allies capture Cologne In April, Allied offensive beings in Italy World war ii in europe. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.historyplace.com/worldwar2/timeline/ww2time.htm

15. Race to Berlin April 16 – Soviet troops begin attack of Berlin April 21– Soviets reach Berlin April 30 – Hitler commits Suicide May 8 – V-E (Victory in Europe) Day World war ii in europe. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.historyplace.com/worldwar2/timeline/ww2time.htm

16. Hiroshima & Nagasaki Instead of risking U.S. lives Truman uses Atomic Bomb August 6, 1945 – Hiroshima August 9, 1945 – Nagasaki U.S. is only nation to EVER use nuclear weapons Public Domain

17. Peace Japan asks for peace after bombings Peace accords signed on September 2, 1945 Signed on USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay Public Domain