World War II

World War II began as America joined the Allied Powers of Europe to fight against the countries of Germany, Italy, and Japan. Despite the war already raging in Europe, America attempted to stay neutral. However, on December 7, 1941, that position was no longer possible. Pearl Harbor, Hawaii—which housed a United States naval base—was attacked by the Empire of Japan. America declared war against Japan and was brought into World War II.

During the war, Germany was controlled by the Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler. Italy was also ruled by a dictator, Benito Mussolini. Both leaders held order by using violent and brutal means. Hitler also hoped for a holocaust, or complete extermination, of the Jewish people. Despite their atrocities, many Americans wanted to stay isolated from European problems. President Roosevelt insisted, even before the bombing by Japan, that America could not remain isolated from the events in Europe. After a meeting with Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister, Roosevelt brought back the idea to the American people that we were fighting for “Four Freedoms,” which included freedom of speech and religion, and freedom from fear and want.

For America, World War II was fought on two fronts, both the Pacific and the Atlantic. Ironically, supplying materials for the war effort had one positive effect for the country. The nation was lifted out of the economic depression as jobs became readily available. Women filled in the gaps of workers left by men fighting on both fronts.

Victory in Europe happened before the Pacific front was won. President Truman was in office at the end of World War II and was faced with making the decision to use new atomic weapons on the Empire of Japan. With the support of Great Britain, America dropped two atomic bombs. The first was on the city of Hiroshima; the second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945, ending World War II for America.