#11 WWII Battles

One battle from the European Theater was the Battle of Dunkirk. This Battle was also called the "Phony War" or, instead of Battle, Rescue of Dunkirk. The French built a Maginot line on its Eastern border, but the Germans never came. With the Germans in the air only three miles away, the final Allied ship departed, leaving two French divisions defending the perimeter, who later surrendered. However, although the Allies surrendered, they were able to save 332,226 men.

I think the Battle of Dunkirk is important because several Allied men were able to depart, and many survived. When the French attacked the Germans, and beat them, they had 332,226 more men than they would've had if they hadn't departed, and they helped in conquering the Germans. Also, although the Germans conquered the land, the French were able to win it back.













One battle from the Pacific Theater was Pearl Harbor. This battle started on December 7, 1941 when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. It was a surprise attack on the Americans. The attack was intended to prevent the U.S Pacific fleet from interfering with Japan's military actions to attack other European countries. During the attack, nearly 20 American naval vessels, and 400 airplanes were destoryed. Also, over 2,000 Americans were killed and 1,000 were left wounded. The U.S. expected the attack, but did not know when or where it would occur. The day after the attack, FDR declares war on Japan, and three days later, Germany and Italy declare war on America.

I think Pearl Harbor is significant because, although there were many lifes suffered, there is continued freedom throughout our world. Also, the "Great Depression" in the U.S. decreased and people starting having jobs, which led to more money coming in, which led to the depression eventually ending. If the attack was successful, we may not have had the freedoms that we have today.

#10 Axis Powers

There were many similar goals Hitler, Mussolini, and Hirohito all shared. The main goal was that all three countries hoped to conquer more land. In doing this, they plotted numerous acts of aggression to conquer more land.

In Germany, Hitler hoped to undo the Treaty of Versailles, which limited the size of Germany's army. Germany claimed they would not follow these provisions, and the League of Nations failed to stop them. This Treaty also prohibited Germany to enter the Rhineland, which was the buffer zone between Germany and France. France didn't attempt to stop them. By entering this land, Hitler strengthened his power and prestige in Germany.

In Italy, Mussolini and his troops invade Ethiopia, one of Africa's three independent nations, because they had successfully resisted an Italian attempt to conquest earlier on. Ethiopia was no match for Italy's weapons, and gave in.

Under power of Hirohito, Japan led two successful attacks or aggression. First, Japanese troops invade Manchuria, because its areas rich with iron and coal. This attack was the first direct challenge to the League of Nations, and once Japan seized Manchuria, they withdrew from the League. The next attack was when Japan invaded China. China was no match for Japan's trained and equipped soldiers, and they killed tens of thousands soldiers and civilians. China retreated and Japan seized China.

As shown in these three countries, Hitler, Mussolini and Hirohito had all planned to gain power and land through aggression.