World War IITheatres of Operations

Focus Question:

In a short reply of one to three sentences, respond to the following prompt:

When you have several important tasks that need to be completed, how do you determine which one to start first?

World War II Begins

Europe: Germany invades Poland 9/1/39 By 1940, Germany conquered much of

Western and Southern Europe Britain stood alone

World War II Begins

The Pacific: Japan invaded China in 1935 Overran most of coastal China Threatened U.S. and European colonies

FDR’s efforts

FDR and his cabinet recognized the threat Prepare the U.S. for involvement

Quarantine Speech 1937 Cash-and-Carry 1939 Lend-Lease 1940

German invasion of Poland, September 1, 1939 World War II begins

Atlantic Charter August 1941

Atlantic Charter

Agreement between U.S. and Britain (1941) Stressed common beliefs Set plans for postwar world Agreed that any surrender must be unconditional The U.S. would try to enter the war soon

Pearl Harbor

Japanese attack brings U.S. into the war U.S. sets strategy in motion

Initial outrage against Japan Determined to defeat Germany first

U.S. Entry into the War

Japanese attacks on December 7, 1941 brought U.S. into the War. Initial public reaction against Japan U.S. decided to focus on Germany▪ Why?

Theatres of Operation

European Theatre

Principal Rival: Germany Principal Allies: U.S., Britain, Soviet Union Principal Areas of Combat:

Europe and North Africa Strategy:

Sweep and control territory Seize enemy territories,

especially the capitol

Pacific Theatre

Principal Rival: Japan Principal Allies: U.S., Britain, China, Australia Principal Areas of Combat:

The Pacific and East Asia Strategy:

Island Hopping Control sea-lanes to bomb and invade Japan

Summary

In a short reply of one to two sentences, respond to the following prompt:

Describe how you would improve today’s lesson