October, 2001

World War II

After World War I ended many countries joined together to try to prevent future war. The countries formed the League of Nations. In the league of Nations representatives from each country could discuss disagreements. However, Hitler, Mussolini, and Tojo were not about to discuss their problems in the League of Nations.

Hitler, Tojo, and Mussolini wanted to take control of land outside their boundaries to help their countries become power. In 1936 Hitler and Mussolini signed a treaty called the Axis pact. Later they were joined by General Hideki Tojo, who had become dictator of Japan. Hitler was leader of Germany. Hitler was a dictator. He wiped out individual rights, jailed or killed people who didn't like him.

During the 1930's, Japan invaded Manchuria, part of northern China. After Japan's takeover in Indochina, the United States ended all trade with Japan. Being cut off from American trade hurt Japan, so on December 7, 1941, Japanese planes bombed the American naval base at Pearl Harbor in the Hawaiian Islands. Then, the day after Japn attacks, America declared war on Japan. Because of their treaty with Japan, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States.

"We are now in the midst of war, not for conquest, not for vengeance, but for a world in which this nation, and all that this nation represents, will be safe for our children." President Roosevelt knew that World War II would not be an easy win. Later in April, President Roosevelt died.

by Sarah
A-6
Petersen School

Site of WWII posters: http://www.nara.gov/exhall/powers/powers.html

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