This document provides an overview and guide to learning about World War II. It identifies the major players in the war (Axis and Allied powers), describes some key battles in Europe and the Pacific, and touches on major events like the Holocaust and the United States' decision to enter the war. Resources are provided for maps, audio clips, and further information on specific topics covered.

1. Summary of World War II Adam Rusticus ED 205.09 End

2. About the Author My name is Adam Rusticus, I am a Sophomore at Grand Valley State University. I am a Mathematics major with an emphasis in Elementary Education. I enjoy golf, history and kids. If you would like to contact me, please follow the link to my email address End

3. Guide to this Lesson Who Was Involved Map of Europe Map of Pacific Why it Started Major Battles in Europe Major Battles in the Pacific The Holocaust The Atomic Bomb The Surrender Resources Concept Map End

4. Who Was Involved Axis Powers Germany Italy Japan Allied Powers United States Great Britain France Soviet Union There were many more countries who were part of these two powers. These are the major players who invested the most money and soldiers. Click here to see a map of control in Europe during World War 2 Click here to see a map of control in the Pacific during World War 2 End

5. Map of Pacific Front End

6. Map European Front End

7. Why the United States Entered Click here to hear President Franklin D. Roosevelt End

8. Major Battles in Europe Normandy: This battle was known as D-day. Allied forces landed in June 6, 1944 with the United States contributing over 75,000 to this battle. Stalingrad: It was the bloodiest battle in WWII. The city was vital to Hitler’s oil supply. This battle, won by the Allies, lasted almost a year. Victory in Europe Day: This battle was more of a formality where the Germans surrendered, one week after Adolf Hitler committed suicide. End

9. Major Battles of the Pacific Attack on Pearl Harbor: U.S. lost 5 battleships, 205 aircraft and 3,500 people died. Minimal damage to Japanese. Battle of Midway: U.S. forces went to Midway to stop Japanese advances and to take Midway Island. Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Click here to see the information about this battle End

10. The Atomic Bomb The dropping of the atomic bomb on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki signaled the certain end of the Pacific front and an Allied victory in the Pacific. The atomic bomb was dropped in August of 1945. The 2 single bomb and its after-effects killed more that 220,000 people. To put that into perspective, the United States lost 500,000 lives in the whole war End

11. The Holocaust Click here to see actual pictures of the Holocaust End

12. The Surrender Click here to hear Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Great Britain, announce the surrender of Nazi Germany End

13. Resources http://www.angelfire.com/ia/totalwar/ www.google.com www.youtube.com http://www.bbc.co.uk/schoolradio/history/worldwar2audioclipslibrary_clip35.shtml http://hms.ttsd.k12.or.us/curriculum/7/ww2/battles.html www. teachertube .com End

14. Concept Map End