Chapter 12 Lesson 4: The War Ends

Why was the invasion of Okinawa important?

After America captured Okinawa, the Japanese emperor wanted to end the war.

Why did America invade Iwo Jima?

America invaded Iwo Jima because they needed an island close to Japan from which to launch air strikes.

What were firebombs?

Firebombs were bombs that exploded and started fires. They were used to destroy Japan's war production.

What was Germany's last line of defense?

Germany's last major line of defense was the Rhine River.

Why were many Japanese leaders against unconditional surrender?

Many Japanese leaders were against Japanese surrender because they did not want Emperor Hirohito to be removed from power.

Mary McLeod Bethune

National adviser to President Roosevelt; sent by President Truman as a delegate to the United Nations; lived in Putnam County for a brief time;

Why was the Battle of the Bulge important?

The Battle of the Bulge cost Germany valuable resources, many lives, tanks, and aircraft. The Allies were then able to invade Germany.

What was the Manhattan Project?

The Manhattan Project was the secret program of the US to develop an atomic bomb.

What were the Nuremberg Trials?

The Nuremberg Trials prosecuted German leaders for war crimes.

How did the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki speed up V-J Day?

The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki sped up the V-J Day because using the atomic bomb on both cities caused massive destruction and loss of life. The emperor surrendered on August 15, 1945--"V-J Day".

What was V-E Day?

V-E Day was "Victory in Europe" day, the day after Germany unconditionally surrendered to the Allies.