Unit 5: World War II (1939-1945)
The rise of dictators in Europe and the eventual breakout of war in Europe and Asia forced Americans to take sides on an important question: should the U.S. enter WWII or stay isolated across the ocean? Eventually, the attack on Pearl Harbor pulled the U.S. into the war, and Americans faced massive changes at home while soldiers went abroad. Sometimes called "The Last Good War," WWII united Americans behind a cause, but had long-lasting effects on soldiers and their families, made America a superpower, and brought us into conflict with the other new superpower of the world - the Soviet Union.
Links/review guide:
*WWII Review Guide is in midterm review guide
Extra resources:
Leo Szilard's petition
One of the lead scientists on the Manhattan Project petitioned Pres. Truman not to use the atomic bomb.
Pres. Truman's atomic bomb announcement
Pres. Truman announcing to the American people that an atomic bomb had been used.
Hitler's Gamble
History Today (11/11/06)
The Second World War: The Storm of War
History Today (9/9/09)
CNN article:
Hiroshima Still Evokes Controversy
CNN (8/6/05)
Nuclear Special: Why the Pilot of the Enola Gay Has No RegretsThe Guardian (8/6/02)