World War II was a significant event in world history for several reasons. Most people know about the mass genocide that occurred in Europe during this war, but don't know much about the way the war affected ordinary citizens or how things deteriorated to the point that Hitler and Mussolini were able to take power. Read on for 10 facts everyone should know about World War II so that history never repeats itself.
1. Germany only declared war on one country: The United States. Throughout the late 1930s and early 1940s, Hitler occupied and seized many European countries. However, Germany did not declare war on any European country. Europe to give him Czechoslovakia in an attempt to appease his desire for conquest; this only whetted Hitler's appetite and he seized many other surrounding countries--all without declaring war on a single one. Italy, however, declared war on France and England.
2. Germany captured over 135,000 British soldiers and over 95,000 U.S. soldiers during World War II. Prisoners of war were treated cruelly. However, some of them were able to (Read more....)
World War II changed the lives of so many, and the memories of the war and its effects will likely live on forever. If you are interested in learning more about World War II or would simply like to show your support, you should definitely pay a visit to one of the following museums or memorials at least once in your lifetime.
1. National WWII Museum
Located in New Orleans, Louisiana, this museum opened in 2000 and was originally called the National D-Day Museum. The campus of the museum is comprised of five main parts, including the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion. This pavilion is home to several large artifacts and exhibits of the war. There is also another pavilion that is devoted to restoring war artifacts. Museum guests are invited to visit the museum’s theater and restaurant as well.
2. Rosie the Riveter Memorial
This memorial, which is located in Marina Bay Park in Richmond, California, is dedicated to the millions of women who worked in defense and support industries during World War II. The memorial contains numerous historic photographs and artifacts (Read more....)
Over the course of history, there have been thousands upon thousands of events worthy of a cinematic recreation. From the Ice Ages that happened millions of years ago to the War on Terror in the Middle East, movie directors have taken refuge in the world’s rich and exciting history when shooting a film. However, there may not be a single event in the history of mankind that has provided more inspiration for the production of movies than that of World War II. Hundreds, if not thousands, of World War II movies can be found; whether it is based on land or on sea, in Europe or in Asia, or before, during, or after the war, you can be certain to find a movie to your liking. But which World War II movies reign over all others?
Schindler’s List
Of all the World War II films, there may not be another more recognized than that of Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List. Schindler’s List follows the horrific tragedies that happened to the Jewish population during World War II. The movie tells the true story of Oskar (Read more....)
World War 2 was the largest and most extraordinary war in modern history. The events of those few years still reverberate all the way down to this day. But up until recently, we have only been able to view footage from that era in black and white. But all of that has changed now. Thanks to the wonder of modern technology, we can now watch amazing footage from the World War 2 era in color. An example of this is posted below. You have to admit that having the video footage in color brings World War 2 history to life as never before.... (Read more....)
Winston Churchill, at the beginning of the Second World War called for Britain to create its own elite parachute regiment. The great British wartime leader knew that the United Kingdom needed a great military regiment to help to carry it to victory. In answer to this call the parachute regiment was born and it has been proving its worth to Britain ever since.
(Picture Above-Thousands of parachutes open in the skies over the Netherlands as Allied paratroopers prepare to land in September, 1944.)
His specific instructions were to form a corps of at least 5,000 parachute troops. This led to the setting up of a parachute training school near Manchester. This amazing corp with its elite selection process and grueling training regime grew at a fast rate. It first became 11th Special Air Service Battalion and ultimately on (Read more....)
Women in the Airforce: How WASPs Contributed to the WWII War Effort by WomenOf Editor
Over 60 years ago when the U.S. faced a severe shortage of combat pilots to serve in World War II, a group of incredible women stepped up to help. These “fly girls” flew light trainers, heavy four-engine bombers, transport aircraft and fighters – virtually every type of Air Force aircraft there was – on missions all around the United States to free up male pilots needed in the war overseas. They were the first women in history to fly American military aircraft and broke ground for female pilots who would later join the ranks of the U.S. Air Force. The Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) program was one of the best kept secrets of World War II. WASPs are still unknown to most Americans today, but in the summer of 2009 they gained some hard-earned recognition when President Barack Obama signed into a law a bill that awarded them the Congressional Gold Medal.
Imagine if you could go back and witness World War 2 history in color and in high definition. Wouldn't that be extraordinary? Well, thanks to the History Channel now we can!
The following is an excerpt from the History Channel's description of their new documentary series....
WWII in HD is the first documentary to show World War II as it really was from the perspective of both sides, in full, immersive, HD color. Culled from rare color archival footage from an exhaustive worldwide search and converted to HD with a meticulous new technique, this series uses diaries and source documents to follow the personal stories of a handful of soldiers who fought in the major battles.
World War 2 history has never been seen quite like this. For those tired of grainy black and white footage (Read more....)
The origins of the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army go back to the time of World War I when the 82nd was Infantry and use of paratroopers in battle was 25 years and another world war in the future. The 82nd Infantry Division was activated in August 1917 at Camp Gordon, Georgia. During World War I, the division was employed in three major World War I campaigns. The division counted among its troops representatives from every state in the Union and became known as "All Americans". The insignia of the 82nd Division is a dark blue circle on a square red field. On the blue circle, two white A's appear side by side.
On March 25, 1942, the 82nd Infantry Division was activated to fight under the commandership of General Omar Bradley in World War II. On August 15, 1942, the 82nd was restructured to form the 82nd Airborne, the first airborne division in the United States Army. Their superb training had prepared them to be chosen for this honor. The day after this activation, the paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne were divided up between the 82nd and the 101st Airborne Divisions. A blue (Read more....)
A Brief of History of the 82nd Airborne Division