Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________________________ Block: _________ USII.7a + 7b
Changes in American Policy and Major Events of WWII - KEY
Central Themes
As conflict grew in Europe and Asia, American foreign policy evolved from neutrality to direct involvement.
Despite initial Axis success in both Europe and the Pacific, the Allies persevered and ultimately defeated Germany and Japan.
Facts
Major Events and Turning Points of World War II
Germany invaded Poland, setting off war in Europe. The Soviet Union also invaded Poland and the Baltic nations.
Rising tension developed between the United States and Japan because of Japanese aggression in East Asia.
Germany invaded France and captured Paris.
Germany bombed London, and the Battle of Britain began.
Germany invaded the Soviet Union.
The United States gave Britain war supplies and old naval warships in return for military bases in Bermuda and the Caribbean (Lend Lease).
On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor without warning.
After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, Germany declared war on the United States.
The United States declared war on Japan and Germany.
The United States was victorious over Japan in the Battle of Midway. This victory was the turning point of the war in the Pacific.
The Soviet Union defeated Germany at Stalingrad, marking the turning point of the war in Eastern Europe.
American and other Allied troops landed in Normandy, France, on D-Day to begin the liberation of Western Europe.
The United States dropped two atomic bombs on Japan (Hiroshima and Nagasaki) in 1945, forcing Japan to surrender and ending World War II.
Gradual Change in American Policy from Neutrality to Direct Involvement
Discussion Questions
How did American policy toward events in Europe and Asia change over time?
What were the major events and turning points of World War II?
Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________________________ Block: _________ USII.7c
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