World War II: Military
Grace Lewis
8 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This AP US History study guide covers the key events and concepts of World War II, including pre-war tensions, the attack on Pearl Harbor, America's response to the Holocaust, the European and Pacific theaters (including key battles like D-Day and Okinawa), the atomic bomb decision, and wartime conferences. It also provides practice questions and exam tips.
#AP US History: World War II - The Ultimate Study Guide 🚀
Hey there, future APUSH master! Let's get you prepped and confident for your exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, packed with everything you need to ace it. Let's dive in!
#1. The Road to War: Pre-War Tensions and Aggression 🌍
#1.1. Rising Tensions with Japan
- Japan's expansionist ambitions in China and Southeast Asia created major friction with the US. 😠
US imposed economic sanctions (steel, iron, oil embargo) on Japan in response to their aggression. These sanctions were a major cause of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor.
FDR's actions were designed to curb Japanese expansionism but ultimately escalated tensions.
#1.2. Code Breaking and Failed Diplomacy
- US Naval intelligence broke the Japanese diplomatic code, allowing them to intercept and read messages.
Think of it like a spy movie! 🕵️♂️ US knew Japan's true intentions but couldn't act in time.
Jump to Pearl Harbor
#2. The Attack on Pearl Harbor: A Day of Infamy 💥
#2.1. The Surprise Attack
- On December 7, 1941, Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbor, catching the US fleet completely off guard. 🚢💥
Over 2,400 American sailors were killed, and 20 warships were sunk or damaged.
#2.2. Declaration of War
- FDR declared December 7th "a date which will live in infamy" and asked Congress for a declaration of war. 🇺🇸
Remember this quote! It's a classic example of FDR's wartime rhetoric.
#2.3. Japanese War Crimes
- Americans were horrified by reports of Japanese war crimes, including mass rape and murder of civilians in Nanjing, China. 💔
Jump to The Holocaust
#3. America and the Holocaust: A Moral Failure 😥
#3.1. Nazi Atrocities
- The US learned about Nazi concentration camps where Jews, Roma, LGBTQ people, and others were imprisoned and killed.
The Holocaust (Shoah) was the systematic killing of over 6 million Jews and 11 million overall by the Nazis.
#3.2. US Response
The U...
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