-
World War II Begins
Image Source: Hulton Archive/Stringer/Archive Photos
World War II started on September 1st, 1939, with the Nazi German Invasion of Poland, prompting both Britain and Frace to declare war just two days later. Hitler aimed to overturn the Treaty of Versailles and expand German territory. Poland was quickly overwhelmed by the tactics used by the Nazis. -
America Joins the Battle
Image Source: History Guild
America joined World War II on December 8th, 1941, the day after Japan's attack on the Pearl Harbor naval base. The Japanese surprise attack killed over 2,400 Americans, leading Congress to declare war on Japan. Shortly after, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States, fully bringing America into the war. -
Life on the American Home Front During WWII
Image Source: Life Magazine, 24 September 1945
Life on the American home front during the war was marked by rationing, war bond drives, and a huge surge in industrial production to support the military. Women entered the workforce in large numbers, working jobs in factories and shipyards. Minorities, including African Americans and Mexican Americans, significantly contributed to the war effort, however, they often faced much discrimination and segregation in both employment and military service. -
Victory in the European Theater
Image Source: History Crunch, Normandy Invasion
Victory in Europe came after years of fighting, with the Allied forces liberating the Nazi-occupied territories and advancing into Germany. Adolf Hitler committed suicide in April 1945 when Soviet troops closed in on Berlin. Germany's unconditional surrender on May 8th, 1945, marked the war's end in Europe. -
Victory in the Pacific Theater
Image Source: John Swope / Corbis via Getty Images
The War in the Pacific brought on brutal island-hopping campaigns as the United States pushed closer to Japan. To help enforce the surrender of Japan, the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. Japan officially surrendered on August 15, 1945, marking the official ending of World War II.