Five Continents: in the 20th century, the United States was actively involved in diplomatic and military interventions on all five major continents.
BIG IDEAS
starting with the 1898 Spanish-American War, the US engaged in wars outside of the continental United States (the "lower 48" states)
World War I marks first US troops sent to Europe
in World War II , the US sent troops to every continent except South America
the US military controlled the Panama Canal in Central America
the US government worked diplomatically to support South American countries and keep them from joining the War on the side of the Germans or Japanese
BIG IDEAS
globalism = the idea that the world is interconnected economically, politically and militarily
first attempt at international "league" or governing body was the "League of Nations," whic was formed after WWI
the United States did not join the League of Nations
globalism truly starts following WWII
especially with formation of the United Nations in 1945
for its global economic, military and political domination, the 20th Century is known as "the American Century"
World War I
WWI Timeline Maps
Alliances in Europe at onset of WWIAlliances in Europe 1914: "Triple Alliance" (Austria-Hungary, Germany & Italy) and "Triple Entente" (Britain/UK, France & Russia). The United States would join the Triple Entente in 1917.
BIG IDEAS:
"alliances" between European nations
starting with Austria's war with Russia
Austria + Germany
Russia + France + Britain
World War II
Origins of WWII
European Theatre
Timeline Maps & Notes
European theatre WWII timeline maps
"Spheres" (areas) of influence
BIG IDEAS
this map shows the "areas of influence" of the Germans and Japanese during WWII
while Japan and German did not fight in common, they shared the common goal of conquering and dominating their regions across Eurasia
European theatre of World War II animation map, 1939–1945 – Red: Western Allies and the Soviet Union after 1941; Green: Soviet Union before 1941; Blue: Axis powers
World War II in Europe
this map shows the German (Nazi) invasions and occupations of Europe and North Africa
German invasions:
1939: invades Poland
1940: invades Belgium & France
1941: areal attack on Britain
1942: invades Russia (Soviet Union)
1942: invades North Africa
German invasions 1941-1942, marking their greatest extents
European Theatre key concept images
Asian Theatre
Timeline Maps & Notes
Map showing the greatest extent of Japanese territorial control (solid line), with the dotted line indicating areas contested between the US and Japan.
Midway "atoll" (small island) which was an important U.S. airbase in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The failed Japanese attack on Midway in June 1942 is considered a "turning point" in the War.The USS Enterprise aircraft carrier preparing to launch American dive-bombers to attack Japanese war vessels. Aircraft carriers were an essential weapon for both Japan and the United States.
Two atomic bombs were dropped on Japan. The first was dropped on Hirioshima. This photo is of the second bomb dropped on Nagasaki, after which the Japanese surrendered to the Americans.
Cold War
1945-1991, between Communist Russia / Soviet Union and its allies and the U.S. and its allies
called a "cold" war because the USSR and the US never fought each other directly
"hot" wars erupted between either side and another ally, but never directly against one another