#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. 😠

Key Concept

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.

Quick Fact

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.

Memory Aid

Think of it like a spy movie! 🕵️‍♂️ US knew Japan's true intentions but couldn't act in time.

- Japan sent a peace envoy to Washington, but the US knew their terms were unacceptable due to code breaking.
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. 🚢💥

Quick Fact

Over 2,400 American sailors were killed, and 20 warships were sunk or damaged.

- Warning messages from Washington failed to arrive in time.

#2.2. Declaration of War

FDR declared December 7th "a date which will live in infamy" and asked Congress for a declaration of war. 🇺🇸

Exam Tip

Remember this quote! It's a classic example of FDR's wartime rhetoric.

- Congress declared war on Japan, with only one dissenting vote. - Germany and Italy declared war on the US on December 11, fully involving the US in WWII.

#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.

Key Concept

The Holocaust (Shoah) was the systematic killing of over 6 million Jews and 11 million overall by the Nazis.

#3.2. US Response

Common Mistake

The U...

World War II: Military

Grace Lewis