The World At War

The world saw two major world wars that took the lives of millions of people. We first endured the Great War, also known as WWI, and then twenty years later witnessed World War II. These wars brought great devastation with them. In WWI, more then twenty nations were involved and many lives were lost. At first the U.S. remained neutral in the war, but after a series of events, President Wilson declared war against Germany. In less then a year after we joined the war, Germany signed the armistice that ended the war. Germany was forced to admit guilt for causing the war and pay reparations to the allies. This humiliating defeat created bitterness in Germany which helped lead the next war.
When WWII broke out, we once again stayed out of it. However, when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor it was game on! We entered WWII on December 7, 1941. During this war, Hitler established the horrific camps we call concentration camps. These death camps took the lives of millions of Jews. As we saw in class today, the living conditions were abominable, the food and water meager, and the weather brutal.

Camps were spread throughout Germany and Poland. People would arrive on trains packed like sardines to an unknown location. Typically, they were separated from their families right away. Men were sent in one direction and women and children in another direction. Often these people were sent to gas chambers to die, or selected men and women were kept alive to work.

They lived in fear daily and rarely survived more then three months. They usually died from starvation, disease, weather, or fatigue. Sometimes they were executed for no reason at all or when they became useless to the camp.

World War II was certainly a dark time in our world. During this time, Winston Churchill was a leading figure for Britain. He was an eloquent speaker, a thoughtful writer, and a brilliant politician. He served fifty years in Parliament and was the Prime Minister twice.

His picture reminds me of the wizard from "The Wizard of Oz"! Anyone else think that?


This week you will be reading about The Cold War. The U.S. and the Soviet Union have had an interesting history together. If you ever have the chance to read Animal Farm by George Orwell, it has an interesting take on Communism. You are starting Unit 25, which means that you only have 5 units left! Does anyone else feel like this year has gone by quickly?

Homework: 
1. Read Unit 25
2. No other homework. You're welcome!