World War II (1939–1945)

World War II was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. The war involved the many of the world's countries. Two opposing military alliances were formed: the Allies and the Axis.

While Japan was already at war with China in 1937,  the Second World War began on September 1, 1939 when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Germany conquered much of Europe, eventually forming the Axis alliance with Italy and Japan. Approximately six million European Jews were killed by Adolf Hitler's Nazi Germany and this event would become known as the Holocaust.

 

Within this Collection

Reflections of Columbia, Part 6
Episode 6

Video

The addition of Columbia’s new Army training ground, Camp Jackson, would have a significant impact on the city. The U.S. was being drawn into World War Two, and many of the Army’s soldiers would come...
G-Man: Life After FBI | Carolina Stories
Episode 7

Video

Melvin Purvis smoothly moved on from the FBI, making endorsements for various everyday items, like safety razors, cars, and cereal. The Junior G-Man Club for children, and the Park Brothers’ Melvin...
Pearl Harbor | South Carolina's Greatest Generation
Episode 2

Video

On December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked by air, by the Japanese. Nine South Carolinians were killed along with 1,168 of their shipmates on board the Battleship Arizona. The nation was now at...
Women In WWII | South Carolina's Greatest Generation
Episode 3

Video

Sixteen million men and women joined the armed services. Women went to work in industry to support the war effort. Women received training to prepare them for jobs that were needed by the military...
Victory | South Carolina's Greatest Generation
Episode 9

Video

Thirty three days after the death of President Roosevelt, Germany surrenders. The allies celebrate their victory over the Nazis. In 1945, after the two atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and...